The Radical Call of Jesus:Reaching Out to the Lost

Introduction:

What’s going on guys!

I’m so glad y’all decided to come out tonight and to worship the Lord, let us gather today with open hearts and minds, ready to delve into the transformative message of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we navigate the challenges and joys of our faith journey, let us be reminded tonight of the radical love and grace that Jesus extends to all, especially to those deemed lost or broken by society. Today, we will explore Mark 2:15-17, where Jesus declares His purpose to call sinners into a relationship with Him, and how this truth impacts each one of us in our daily lives.

Scripture Reading:

Let’s turn our Bibles to Mark 2:15-17

Mark 2:15–17 CSB

15 While he was reclining at the table in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who were following him. 16 When the scribes who were Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 When Jesus heard this, he told them, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

What stood out to y’all about this passage?

Guys, here we witness a profound moment in Jesus' ministry. He intentionally dines with tax collectors and sinners, by doing this Jesus was challenging the religious norms of His time. The Pharisees, self-righteous in their ways, question Jesus' actions. Yet, His response echoes throughout history, resonating with a powerful truth: Jesus came for the lost, the broken, the sinners - He came for us.

Do you live your life with that hope echoing through your veins? Jesus came for the lost!

Illustrative Story:

Imagine a busy high school cafeteria, filled with students from various friend groups hanging out. Among them sits a group of friends, deeply rooted in their faith, yet surrounded by peers who seem indifferent or even hostile to matters of spirituality. One day, amidst the noise and chatter, one of the Christians in this group, let's call her Sarah, notices a classmate sitting alone at a distant table. Unlike the rest of the students, this classmate seems withdrawn, carrying an unseen burden upon her shoulders. Sarah feels a tug in her heart, a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit, urging her to reach out. Despite the fear of rejection or ridicule, she gathers the courage to approach the lonely classmate. With a warm smile and genuine kindness, Sarah strikes up a conversation, offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. Little does she know, this simple act of compassion would plant a seed of hope in the heart of her classmate, leading her closer to the love of Christ.

Scripture Reference: In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus declares:

Matthew 5:14–16 CSB

14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

What does it mean that we are the light of the world?

Guys, just as Sarah's light shone brightly in the darkness of her classmate's loneliness, we are also called to be beacons of hope and love in a world beat down by sin and despair.

Each one of us, as followers of Christ, carries within us the transformative power of His grace. Our words and actions have the potential to lead others into a life-changing encounter with Jesus.

Where are some opportunities for us to show the transformative power of God’s grace?

Personal Reflection:

Think for a moment, of the friends and classmates in your life who have yet to experience the love of Christ. Perhaps they are struggling with doubts, burdened by past mistakes, or simply searching for meaning and purpose. How can you, empowered by the Holy Spirit, reach out to them with the same compassion and grace that Jesus extends to us?

Illustrative Story:

Consider the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by his own community due to his dishonest practices. Despite his reputation as a sinner, Jesus sees beyond Zacchaeus' outward actions to the longing in his heart for redemption. As Jesus passes through Jericho, He looks up and sees Zacchaeus perched in a tree, eager to catch a glimpse of the Messiah.

Scripture Reference:

In Luke 19:5-10 (NIV), Jesus declares:

Luke 19:5-10 Brothers and sisters, Zacchaeus' encounter with Jesus serves as a powerful reminder of God's relentless pursuit of those who are lost and broken. Like Zacchaeus, many of our peers may be yearning for a glimpse of the Savior, longing to experience His transformative love and forgiveness. Will we, like Jesus, extend a hand of friendship and acceptance to those who society deems unworthy?

Practical Application:

As we reflect on the examples of Sarah and Zacchaeus, let us consider practical ways in which we can reach out to our lost friends and classmates with the love of Christ:

Prayer:

Let us commit to praying earnestly for our friends who have yet to know Jesus personally. Prayer is a powerful weapon in our arsenal, capable of breaking down spiritual barriers and softening hardened hearts.

The habit of prayer is good, but the spirit of prayer is better.

Charles Spurgeon

We shouldn’t just pray to check off a box, but rather to hear from the living God!

Genuine Friendship:

Let us strive to cultivate genuine friendships with those around us, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. By demonstrating Christ-like love, we create opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith.

Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend.

Charles Spurgeon

By being a genuine friend we may be able to help someone through their darkest moments in life.

Doing this glorifies Jesus.

Acts of Kindness:

Let us seize every opportunity to show kindness and compassion to those in need. Whether it's offering a listening ear, extending a helping hand, or simply sharing a word of encouragement, our acts of kindness can pave the way for God's love to shine through.

Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility to evaporate.

Albert Schweitzer

Kindness softens the heart

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the unending love and grace that You lavish upon us each day. Empower us, Lord, to be bold witnesses of Your love to those who are lost and broken. May our lives reflect the transformative power of Your gospel, drawing others into a life-changing relationship with You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Conclusion:

Guys, as we conclude our time together, let us carry the message of Jesus' radical love and grace with us wherever we go. May we be bold and courageous in reaching out to the lost and broken around us, knowing that God's love knows no bounds. Let us go forth as ambassadors of Christ, shining His light in the darkest corners of our world. Amen.