#AdaWisdomChallenge
READ Proverbs 11 (listen). WRITE out one verse and SHARE with someone.
Proverbs 11 is part of the proverbs of Solomon (Proverbs 10-22). These proverbs are typically two contrasting lines, giving instruction on how to live out wisdom in all of life. Proverbs 11 includes themes geared toward community, poverty, righteousness and wickedness.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? Luke 10:36
Read: Luke 10:25-37
Listen: Luke 10
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus and the woman begin this conversation around the well. The conversation carries 500 years of animosity as baggage. Jesus is tired, and yet he leans in with love to offer the woman real life. He leaps past any cultural prejudice to offer her access to God.
This isn’t the only time Jesus makes a statement on prejudice. Jesus goes on to tell a story about a Samaritan and love. In fact, he turns the table on those who are listening to him. He exemplifies love through the actions of a Samaritan when Jews failed to show it themselves. It’s a compelling story that would’ve reverberated deeply with the listeners then.
“Who are you looking out for?” is a question we often ask at Ada Bible. Jesus’ story helps us think about that differently. “Who like me am I looking out for?” isn’t the question. “Who NOT like me am I looking out for?” is what Jesus challenges us to say. Jesus pushes us to broaden our definition of neighbor to include and love people different than us.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
“Who NOT like me am I looking out for?” is the question to ask today. We practice this best when we have committed to look back and lean in—but we also need to love. We need love to see people different than us as neighbors, then put that love into action. Write the phrase, “Who NOT like me am I looking out for?” at the top of a journal page or in your mobile notes. Reflect on and then write down who that is and how you can love them well.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
