TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32
Read: Luke 5:31-32
Listen: Luke 5
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus’ ministry is one of love and acceptance. He has a heart for those who are far from God by doing bad things (like the tax-gatherers), and those who are far from God while being very good (like the Pharisees). Jesus’ heart is to seek and save those who are lost because we can’t save ourselves. He is the physician who heals our iniquities by dying on the cross in our place.
Jesus has an intentional strategy to save the lost by eating and fellowshipping with them. He hangs out with sinners before they change. He desires their company as they are changing, while they are changing and in the hope they will change. Everyone who is lost is loved and invited to eat at his table. This begs the question, “Who are you willing to hang out with?”
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As you head into the weekend, offer God your willingness to reach out to the lost. Pray, “Father, I confess I either forget about or avoid people who don’t follow you. Give me your heart for the lost. Help me take opportunities you bring my way to offer friendship and care to those who need you. Bring someone my way to share a meal with. Amen.”
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
