How does Jesus' example here connect with His mission in Luke 19:10? Linking Jesus’ Example in This Verse to His Mission in Luke 19:10 “ ‘For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’ ” • Jesus’ words and actions in this verse are a live demonstration of that purpose. • Rather than waiting for people to clean themselves up, He moves toward them, embodying the “seek” of Luke 19:10. • By offering grace before judgment, He opens the door for salvation—fulfilling the “save” of Luke 19:10. Specific Ways the Example Mirrors the Mission • Initiative – Jesus makes the first move, just as the shepherd searches for the stray sheep (Luke 15:4). • Personal Call – He addresses the individual by name, showing that “lost” is never a statistic but a person (John 10:3). • Immediate Fellowship – Inviting Himself into the person’s space signals acceptance (Revelation 3:20). • Transformation Goal – His presence is aimed at repentance and new life, not mere conversation (Luke 5:31-32). • Public Witness – The example happens in view of others, modeling the open nature of the gospel invitation (Matthew 5:16). Reinforcing Passages • Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” • 1 Timothy 1:15 – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” • John 3:17 – “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” • Matthew 9:13 – “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Take-Home Applications • Move toward people who feel out of reach; that is Christlike seeking. • Speak names and stories, not labels; that is Christlike valuing. • Open your table and schedule; hospitality often precedes salvation. • Trust that no one is too lost to be found; Jesus’ mission defines what is possible. |