Beyond the Weekend

July 3 | Pursue Christ

July 3, 2019

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11

Read: Luke 14:1-11

Listen: Luke 14

TODAY’S MESSAGE

We have seen Jesus sharing meals as a mission strategy. He regularly had significant conversations with people when dining.

However, his strategy isn’t just about food and eating. The Pharisees seemed to be pretty good at that part. They regularly had people over for food, but we don’t see evidence that people changed because of these meals. The Pharisees’ hearts are not with Jesus, so people didn’t become more like Jesus for having dined with them. These parties simply exposed the heart of the Pharisees.

It can be easy for us to look at the Pharisees and think of them as selfish or grossly misguided people. But our hearts often are closer to the Pharisees’ hearts than we would like to admit. If we are to follow Jesus and use meals as a mission, it is critical that we start by examining our own heart. The parties and food won’t connect people with Jesus. When people see our heart connected to Jesus, it will rub off on everyone around.

Let’s ask ourselves, “Are we becoming the type of person who reflects the heart of Christ?” In his book, A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission around the Table, Tim Chester says, “It is my observation that any Christian who is sincerely seeking to walk with God, in spite of all his flaws, is reflecting something of Christ.” Don’t wait until everything—our cooking, marriage or kids—is perfect. Flaws and all, people notice a heart pursuing Jesus.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Find a quiet place to spend a few minutes in reflection. Answer in your journal, “Am I seeking Jesus?” God loves you and can use you with all of your flaws if you seek after him. If you don’t understand how to seek God or struggle with letting God use you with all your flaws, we’d love to have a conversation. Email us at btw@adabible.org.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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