Introduction
The Tower of Babel story shows that God’s ways are greater than human plans.
Malady
People came together to build a tall tower to make a name for themselves without relying on God. Their goal wasn’t just unity, it was independence from God.
God’s Response
In response to their pride and disobedience, God confused their language so they couldn’t understand each other. This stopped the building and scattered people across the earth. The city became known as Babel, which sounds like the Hebrew word for “confused.”
Text
This story highlights a key message: God’s plan will succeed, no matter what people try to do. It also shifts the Bible’s focus from all of humanity to one man—Abram (later Abraham)—through whom God would bring blessing to all nations.
Key Points:
- Problem: Humans wanted to build a tower to reach heaven and become powerful without God (Pride).
- God’s Response: He confused their language and scattered them.
- Lesson: Human pride leads to division, but God’s plan leads to unity through faith – that bears fruit!
- Big Picture: Genesis 1–11 shows repeated human failure. Starting with Abraham, God begins a plan to bless the world.
Friends
In this Gospel (John 14:23–29), Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit, sent by the Father in Jesus’ name, will teach and guide His followers in all things.
Simply put:
The more we know Jesus, by the Holy Spirit the more we love Him. And the more we love Him, the more we want to worship Him. We love Him because He first loved us.
Reflection
- A true worshipper of God shows certain key qualities:
- Thankfulness – A heart full of gratitude and contentment
- Holiness – Living a life set apart for God
- Repentance – Admitting and turning from sin
- Humility – Putting God and others first
- Obedience – Doing what God asks
- Love for Scripture – Enjoying and learning from God’s Word through and by the Holy Spirit
- Desire for God’s Presence – Wanting to be close to Him because He is close to us
- Faith – Trusting God completely and not relying on own schemes.
Gospel
Jesus also says, “Because I live, you will live also.”
Even after Jesus returned to heaven, His followers would still live through Him, thanks to the Holy Spirit. Their connection with Him wouldn’t end—it would grow even stronger.
Conclusion
Jesus has done it all: Resurrection, Ascension, Pentecost, all for us.
Amen!