Magnifying Jesus: Why He’s the Heart of GCs
Together Thursday #3
What’s the one thing that changes everything—turning an average gathering into a place of real hope and healing? It’s Jesus. In our Gospel Communities at Redeemer, He’s not just a side note or a last-minute addition; He is the center of every prayer, conversation, and decision we make.
Why does that matter so much? John 3:14–15 offers a clue:
“So must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”
When we lift up Jesus, He draws people to Himself—encouraging the weary, emboldening the timid, and healing the broken. He is the reason we gather, plain and simple. Without Him, our groups would be just another social club. But because of Christ, our gatherings become sanctuaries of grace, where we remind each other of the gospel and invite the Holy Spirit to shape our thoughts and actions.
In a practical sense, what does it look like to magnify Jesus in a Gospel Community? It can be as simple as praying in His name before we dig into a meal, sharing Scripture that exalts Him, or pausing mid-conversation to ask, “How does Jesus’ example shape the way we respond to this situation?” Over time, these intentional moments draw our hearts away from self-reliance and into deeper trust in the One who truly changes lives.
It also means we keep Jesus at the center of every aspect of life. Are you wrestling with a big decision at work? GCs can speak Jesus’ wisdom and love into that space. Struggling with discouragement or conflict? We bring it all back to how He has reconciled us to God and calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Day by day, in each chat or prayer, Jesus is the anchor.
“So must the Son of Man be lifted up…” (John 3:14–15)
Takeaway:
This week, pray for your Gospel Community to exalt Jesus more—not just in the formal discussion, but in the casual hangs and heartfelt prayers. Ask the Holy Spirit to keep Christ front and center, reminding you that He is the reason we gather at all.
When Jesus is lifted high, everything changes. He’s worth every shout of praise, every tear of gratitude, every smile shared in real community. Let’s keep Him at the heart of our GCs, trusting He’ll continue to encourage, embolden, and heal us as we journey together.
