The whole earth had the same language and vocabulary. As people migrated from the east, they found a valley in the land of Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, “Come, let’s make oven-fired bricks.” (They used brick for stone and asphalt for mortar.) And they said, “Come, let’s build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky. Let’s make a name for ourselves; otherwise, we will be scattered throughout the earth.”
Then the LORD came down to look over the city and the tower that the humans were building. The LORD said, “If they have begun to do this as one people all having the same language, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let’s go down there and confuse their language so that they will not understand one another’s speech.” So from there the LORD scattered them throughout the earth, and they stopped building the city. Therefore it is called Babylon, for there the LORD confused the language of the whole earth, and from there the LORD scattered them throughout the earth.
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Each week, we’re reminded that experiencing God happens best through Scripture alongside others—join us for worship today at one of our five campuses and grow together in faith. Today’s sermon is titled "The Tower of Babel."
View this work of art titled In the Beginning, by Bryce Holt, connected to Sunday’s sermon passage.
Visio Divina, or ‘divine seeing,’ is a way of praying and reflecting through art. As you look at this week’s piece, take a few quiet moments to notice details, colors, or emotions that stand out to you. Ask God what he might be saying through the image, and listen for his insight in your thoughts, feelings, or prayers.
Commentary:
In 2023, Kansas City artist Bryce Holt set about making 66 paintings, one for each book of the Bible. The result was his exhibition, The Bible in Art. In the Beginning is his painting for the Book of Genesis. In the artist’s own words:
“I placed the Tower of Babel (inspired by a 1679 etching from Athanasius Kircher's book Turris Babel) inside a peeled apple. Both are emblematic of pride and self-centeredness, and the transgressions they lead to. The sky blue background elicits the light and day of creation. Surrounding the apple and the tower are pieces from Sebastian Munster's 1568 woodcut, God Creating the World, including elements of God's creation. Throughout, sin is front and center in this painting, setting the stage for every piece in The Bible in Art series.”
In 2027, Four Chapter Gallery at Christ Community's Downtown Campus is set to host an exhibition of Bryce Holt’s work.
Art Source: In the Beginning, Bryce Holt, 2023. Used by Permission. https://www.thepatrons.com/bible
Lord Jesus,
Today is your day—the gift of rest, the open door to worship, the living reminder of your resurrection, and a glimpse of the eternal Sabbath to come. On this day, may all your people—struggling and triumphant—join in endless praise.
Fill my mind with peace that surpasses understanding. Let my thoughts be sweet, my worship alive, my heart free and joyful. May I drink deeply from the streams that flow from your throne, feed on your precious Word, and stand strong behind the shield of faith. Draw my heart ever closer to you, Jesus, today and always.
— Adapted from The Valley of Vision, edited by Arthur Bennett
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.
The Bible is best studied with others. Talk about today’s sermon with someone else (friends, family, neighbors, at lunch, or in your community group). Use the questions below to get you started!
The people in Babel used their creativity to build something impressive—but apart from God. What helps you stay mindful of God’s presence in your work or creative efforts?
The Babel story reminds us that human progress without God can lead to fragmentation. Where do you see the need for unity and purpose in your community or workplace?
God’s response to Babel wasn’t just judgment—it was a redirection. How might God be redirecting your efforts or ambitions toward something more aligned with his purposes?