How can we apply Jesus' example of welcoming others in our daily lives? Seeing the Scene in Luke 9:11 “ But the crowds found out and followed Him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who needed healing.” • Jesus does not turn away the uninvited. • He meets both spiritual and physical needs on the spot. • His welcome is immediate, personal, and costly in time and energy. What Drove Jesus to Welcome People? • Compassion—Matthew 9:36: He saw the crowds “harassed and helpless.” • Mission—Luke 4:43: “I must preach the good news … for this purpose I was sent.” • Obedience to the Father—John 6:38: “I have come down from heaven not to do My will but to do the will of Him who sent Me.” Translating His Example into Everyday Moments 1. Initiate contact ‑ Make eye contact, smile, and greet first at work, school, church, stores. 2. Open your space ‑ Regularly invite neighbors or coworkers for coffee or a meal (Hebrews 13:2). 3. Listen before speaking ‑ Give full attention, phones down, echoing James 1:19. 4. Share good news naturally ‑ Look for gentle bridges to the gospel as Jesus “spoke to them about the kingdom.” 5. Offer tangible help ‑ Drive someone to an appointment, babysit, provide a meal (1 John 3:18). 6. Stay available after the need is met ‑ Keep relationships ongoing, not one-time projects. Extending a Healing Presence • Pray with people on the spot when they share pain (Mark 10:52). • Speak Scripture that brings hope (Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 41:10). • Serve with practical skills—fix a sink, tutor a child, bake bread. • Connect them to wider help: church family, counseling, food pantry. Guarding Against Common Roadblocks • Busyness—schedule margin like Jesus withdrew yet still paused for people (Luke 5:16). • Partiality—refuse favoritism (James 2:1-4); greet the unfamiliar face first. • Fear of awkwardness—remember Romans 15:7, Christ welcomed you with all your awkwardness. • Self-protection—entrust yourself to God’s care while giving generously (1 Peter 4:19). Keeping the Welcome Warm Long Term • Abide in Christ daily; His love fuels ours (John 15:4-5). • Remember your own welcome into God’s family (Ephesians 2:12-13). • Celebrate every step of faith you witness, just as heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7). • Pass the pattern on—model hospitality for children, small groups, ministry teams (2 Timothy 2:2). A Snapshot of a Day that Mirrors Luke 9:11 Morning commute: Smile and greet the bus driver by name. Lunch break: Ask a quiet coworker to join you; listen to her story. Afternoon errand: Help an elderly shopper lift a heavy bag; mention God’s care. Evening: Host two neighbors for soup; share how Christ steadies you in trials. Small, intentional welcomes like these weave Jesus’ open-armed grace through ordinary life, echoing the day He “welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who needed healing.” |
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