How can we cultivate a welcoming attitude like the crowd in Luke 8:40? The Moment in Luke 8:40 “When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed Him, for they were all expecting Him.” (Luke 8:40) What Made Their Welcome So Warm? - They believed Jesus would actually show up. - They were visibly eager—no indifference, no distraction. - Their posture was open: hearts, minds, and schedules ready for Him. Cultivating the Same Attitude Today 1. Actively expect Him every day • Begin each morning acknowledging His promised presence (Matthew 28:20). • Keep Scripture open and accessible; faith grows by hearing His word (Romans 10:17). 2. Clear space—physically and mentally • Reduce the noise: limit media, hurried agendas, or anything that crowds Him out (Psalm 46:10). • Establish set moments for undistracted attention—morning, commute, lunch break. 3. Welcome His interruptions • The crowd’s plans paused the instant Jesus walked up. • Hold your calendar loosely; let Him reorder priorities (Proverbs 16:9). 4. Express your expectation openly • Share with family and friends what you’re learning, just as the word about Him spread before He arrived (Luke 7:17). • Corporate anticipation deepens personal anticipation (Hebrews 10:24-25). 5. Respond immediately when He speaks • Whether conviction, comfort, or instruction, obey at once (John 14:21). • Quick obedience keeps the heart tender and welcoming. 6. Extend the same welcome to others • Jesus identifies with “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). • Practice hospitality; in welcoming strangers, some “have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). • Receiving fellow believers as Christ Himself fulfills Romans 15:7. Supporting Passages for a Welcoming Heart - Psalm 24:7 — “Lift up your heads, O gates… that the King of Glory may come in.” - Revelation 3:20 — He knocks, we open. - Mark 10:14 — Jesus welcomes the overlooked; we imitate Him. - 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 — Separate from sin to be His dwelling place. Encouragement for the Journey A welcoming spirit isn’t born of personality but of faith. As we keep expectant eyes on Jesus, unclutter life for His presence, and act on His word, He will enlarge our capacity to receive Him—and others—with joy. |
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