Beyond the Weekend

November 11 | Insiders & Outsiders

November 11, 2020

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. Mark 7:26

Read: Mark 7:24-30

Listen: Mark 7

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Jesus leaves Israel, seeking respite with his disciples. Word of his presence travels quickly. A mother finds Jesus and begs for her girl’s healing (an excellent action to box). Jews consider all non-Jews outsiders. God revealed himself to the Jews and chose them as his people. However, God’s plan from the beginning was to come for the whole world through the Jews—a plan fulfilled through Jesus (Genesis 12:2-3). Jesus initially denies the woman’s request explaining he’s come first for the family of Israel. She gets it but persists. Jesus heals her daughter after seeing her heart.

Through this non-Jewish woman, Jesus gives another preview of God’s kingdom. He’s come for the whole world. He’s come for the outsiders. We expect those closest to Jesus to understand him, but the disciples still struggle to get what Jesus is really doing. Those who grew up with Scriptures and prophecies about the Messiah should understand first. However, the Pharisees have their own ideas of what the Messiah will be like, and Jesus isn’t it. So those on the fringe find their way to faith. Those who are faraway find Jesus helping them as family.

Jesus came for everyone. His death on the cross welcomes as insiders all those who believe in him. As we follow him, we have the opportunity to help bring those on the fringe into his family.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

How can you help those around you “get” who Jesus is and find their way to faith in him? Think about those in your life you can welcome in. Take one step this week to invite someone to join you for Ada Bible Home Edition or to sit in on your small group. Write their name in your journal on page 64. Commit to making the invitation.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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