MMCC PASIG REGIONLuke-Acts Devotional Series

The ministry of Jesus in LukeA Review

Introduction to Luke Luke-Acts: Doc’s Docs Jesus ministry– A Spirit-led ministry – A Goal-oriented ministry – A Seeking & Saving ministry – An Open Arms ministry (tonight)

An Open Arms Ministry

Luke-Acts Study Series

MMCC Pasig Region

Jan-Apr 2007

The context of Jesus’ ministry

1st century

In Near East

Roman rule

Greek influence

Division in Palestine

Jesus’ ministry was different!Within the context of 1st century Palestine, Jesus’ words and actions emphasized revolutionary ideas of inclusion and acceptance.

Jesus taught that his Kingdom would be different from the world.

Let’s look at 5 things that Jesus said or did that shocked his audience at that time

The Inclusion of Women

Jews viewed women as lower-class citizens, or as property. Yet…Luke highlights women more than men.Luke lifts up certain strengths of women more than men!– Faith of Mary vs. Zechariah (Lk1)– Gratitude of Simon the Pharisee vs. sinful woman (Lk7)– Loyalty of Joanna vs. disciples (Lk 8)– Belief of Mary Magdalene vs. Peter & John (Lk24)

Inclusion of children

Jews viewed children as lower-class citizens, or as property. (But see Lk 18.15-17)– People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him

touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Importance of the poor, the weak & the outcasts

Sinful woman (Lk 7)

Good Samaritan (Lk 10)

Lost son (Lk 15)

Larazus, vs. rich man (Lk 16)

Samaritan leper (Lk 17)

Persistent widow (Lk 18)

Tax collector, vs. Pharisee (Lk 18)

The acceptance of enemies

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. – Lk 6.2-29

The acceptance of Gentiles

He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”

- Lk 7.6-9

The acceptance of Gentiles

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.

- Lk 24.45-48

Jesus’ ministry: open arms

Everyone was welcome

Everyone could feel at home

The world vs. Jesus’ ministry

The world tends to be exclusive, critical, and self-focused.

Jesus’ ministry is inclusive, accepting, and outward-focused.

The world vs. Jesus’ ministry

Those who did not find fulfillment in the world found a home in Jesus’ ministry.

No one was too good, too bad, too rich, too poor, or ‘too anything’ to be part of Jesus’ ministry.

ReflectionDo I usually expect others to always be like me?Do I expect others to always conform to me?When I go to church, do I look for the same people all the time? Or do I bridge new people?Am I comfortable being a Christian, without seeking to bring in others?Do I pray for other people regularly?Do I close my doors to new friendships?Does my Bible Talk love having new faces?Does my Bible Talk attract new people?

If each one of us sought to be ‘open armed’ like Jesus?

If our Bible Talks were a refuge from the world, a safe place?

If Pasig Region grew in love, warmth, and acceptance?

Imagine

Practical challenges (indiv.)

Have a Jesus ‘open arms’ mindset

On Sunday/devo, talk to visitors and people you don’t know that well

Make it a habit to pray for others, even those outside your BT, HC, or region

Make it a habit to pray for people outside the church, and people for outreach

Practical challenges (as a BT)

Avoid gathering immediately after church on Sundays.

Practice the 2-min rule (talking to new people for 2-mins after service).

Make effort to build friendship with other people’s friends.

Inspiring examples

Dean & Kim Farmer, led Berlin church

Frank & Erica Kim, led Tokyo church

Neil & Sheryl, Virginia church

An Open Arms Ministry

Luke-Acts Study Series

MMCC Pasig Region

Jan-Apr 2007