Active Faith: Going to Those in Need
Summary
Today’s focus is on the call to “go to them”—to step out from our comfort zones and actively bring the love, hope, and peace of Jesus to those in need. While it’s important to create spaces where the vulnerable are welcomed and valued, there are times when we must leave our own tables and meet people where they are, just as Jesus did. This is not a passive mission; it’s an active, intentional movement into the streets, neighborhoods, and places where God is already at work and where people are longing for hope.
Jesus modeled this in his ministry and then sent his followers out ahead of him, as seen in Luke 10. He didn’t just invite people in; he sent his disciples to prepare the way, to declare peace, to heal, and to proclaim that the kingdom of God had come near. This sending wasn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or for all the resources to be in place. Instead, it was about trusting God for provision and stepping out in faith, knowing that when God sends, he also equips and empowers.
The authority and power Jesus gives are not for self-preservation or maintaining the status quo, but for transformation. Worldly power keeps its distance and preserves what is, but godly power gets close, lifts up the broken, and brings real change. The church is called not to rely on government or organizations alone, but to be the hands and feet of Jesus, unified in purpose and action. This is not optional; it’s the very heart of our calling.
Practical steps matter. Whether it’s carrying a $5 gift card, keeping granola bars in the car, serving with local organizations, or giving financially, small acts of obedience can have a profound impact. When the church moves together in unity, the world sees Jesus more clearly. True victory and transformation come not from power over others, but from humble service, proximity, and obedience to God’s call to go.
Key Takeaways
- The mission of God’s people is not passive but active; it requires leaving comfort and intentionally going to those in need. Jesus sends his followers out, not just to invite, but to prepare the way for his presence and to declare that God’s kingdom is near. [11:27]
- God’s provision and empowerment are promised when we step out in obedience. We are not sent empty-handed; as we go, God equips us with authority and the resources needed to bring hope, healing, and peace to others. [16:20]
- Relying solely on worldly systems and organizations leads to self-preservation and distance, but godly power transforms lives through proximity and personal engagement. The church is called to resist the temptation to delegate compassion and instead embody it. [17:26]
- Jesus’ ministry was marked by going to the margins, seeing and valuing the overlooked, and lifting up the broken. True transformation happens when we follow his example, embracing weakness and service as the means by which God’s power is made perfect. [21:12]
- Simple, practical acts of kindness—like giving a small gift, sharing food, or serving with others—can be powerful expressions of God’s love. When the church acts in unity, even small steps of obedience can reveal Jesus to the world in profound ways. [36:58]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to “Summer of One”
[02:30] - The Power of Unity in the Church
[04:05] - Biblical Justice: Inviting In vs. Going Out
[06:00] - The Call to Leave Comfort and Go
[08:15] - Jesus’ Sending in Luke 10
[11:27] - The Harvest and the Need for Workers
[13:40] - Dependence on God’s Provision
[16:20] - Authority and Empowerment in Mission
[17:26] - The Limits of Worldly Power
[19:45] - Godly Power Transforms Up Close
[21:12] - Jesus’ Example: Going to the Margins
[23:30] - Practical Ways to “Go to Them”
[28:00] - Testimony: City Relief in Action
[33:45] - Simple Steps, Big Impact
[36:58] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Go To Them”
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### Bible Reading
Luke 10:1-9 (ESV)
> After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 10, what instructions does Jesus give to the seventy-two he sends out? What are they supposed to do when they enter a house or town?
2. According to the sermon, what is the difference between “inviting in” and “going out” when it comes to serving others? [06:00]
3. What does Jesus say about the resources the disciples should take with them? Why do you think he says this? [13:40]
4. What are some practical examples the sermon gives for “going to them” in our everyday lives? [36:58]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus sends his followers out “like lambs among wolves” and tells them not to take extra supplies? What does this say about dependence on God? [13:40]
2. The sermon says that godly power “transforms lives up close” while worldly power “protects the status quo from a distance.” What does this mean for how the church should act in the world? [17:26]
3. How does Jesus’ example of going to the margins challenge the way we usually think about ministry or helping others? [21:12]
4. The sermon mentions that this call to go is “not optional” for the church. Why is this so central to following Jesus? [17:26]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talks about leaving our comfort zones to go to people in need. What is one “comfort zone” in your life that you feel God might be asking you to step out of? What would it look like to take a first step? [06:00]
2. Jesus tells his followers to depend on God for provision as they go. Is there an area where you feel unprepared or under-resourced to help others? How might you trust God to provide what you need? [13:40]
3. The sermon gives practical ideas like carrying a $5 gift card or granola bars to give to someone in need. What is one simple, tangible action you could take this week to “go to them”? [36:58]
4. Sometimes we want to leave compassion to organizations or the government. Is there a situation or person in your life where you’ve been tempted to “let someone else handle it”? What would it look like to get personally involved? [17:26]
5. The sermon says that when the church acts in unity, the world sees Jesus more clearly. How can our small group work together to serve or reach out to people in need in our community? [36:58]
6. Jesus’ ministry was marked by seeing and valuing the overlooked. Who is someone in your life or neighborhood who might feel unseen or overlooked? How could you show them that they are valued this week? [21:12]
7. The sermon says true transformation comes through humble service and obedience. What is one area where you need courage to obey God’s call to “go,” even if it feels small or unnoticed? [21:12]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to open your eyes to the needs around you, to give you courage to step out, and to use your small acts of obedience to reveal Jesus to others.
Devotional
Day 1: Go and Be: The Church’s Mission Is Active, Not Passive
Jesus calls His followers not to wait for opportunities to come to them, but to actively go out into the world, meeting people where they are and preparing the way for God’s work. This means leaving our comfort zones, stepping into neighborhoods, streets, and places of need, and being present where God is already at work. The mission of the church is not about self-preservation or waiting for the right moment; it’s about being sent, bearing witness to Jesus, and embodying His love and grace in tangible ways. When we go, we become the hands and feet of Jesus, making His kingdom visible to those who need hope, peace, and help. [11:27]
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Where is God prompting you to step out of your comfort zone this week to be present with someone in need, rather than waiting for them to come to you?
Day 2: Sent and Empowered: God Equips Those He Sends
When Jesus sends His followers, He doesn’t send them empty-handed or alone; He empowers them with His authority and the Holy Spirit. As we go in Jesus’ name, we are given everything we need—strength, provision, and spiritual authority—to bring peace, healing, and the message of God’s kingdom. Our dependence shifts from our own resources to God’s provision, and we discover that miracles happen when we step out in faith. The joy and transformation experienced by those who go is a direct result of God’s power working through them, not their own abilities. [16:20]
Luke 10:1-9, 17-20 (ESV)
"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, "Peace be to this house!" And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, "The kingdom of God has come near to you."' ... The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!' And he said to them, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.'"
Reflection: What is one area where you feel unqualified or unequipped to serve others, and how can you trust God to provide what you need as you step out in faith?
Day 3: Godly Power Transforms Lives Up Close
Unlike worldly power, which maintains the status quo from a distance, godly power is expressed through the church as it draws near to those in need, bringing real transformation. When we submit our desires and ambitions to God and approach people as a unified body, we become conduits of His love and grace. True change happens not through control or authority over others, but through proximity, compassion, and service. As we go to the hurting, the marginalized, and the vulnerable, we embody the transformational power of God, showing that His kingdom is near and available to all. [21:12]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Who in your life is in need of encouragement or support, and how can you intentionally draw near to them this week to show God’s love in action?
Day 4: Simple Steps of Obedience Make a Big Difference
Making a difference in the world doesn’t always require grand gestures; often, it’s the simple, everyday acts of obedience that show people they are seen and valued. Whether it’s giving a small gift card, sharing a snack, volunteering with a local organization, or offering a word of encouragement, these small steps can have a profound impact. When the church acts together in unity, even the smallest acts become powerful demonstrations of Jesus’ love, and the world gets to see Him through us. [36:58]
Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV)
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."
Reflection: What is one simple, practical act of kindness you can prepare for and carry out this week to show someone they are seen and valued?
Day 5: Unity in Mission Reveals Jesus to the World
When the church comes together as a unified front, setting aside self-preservation and embracing its calling, the world is able to see Jesus more clearly. Our unity in purpose and action—especially as we go to those on the margins—demonstrates the love, grace, and hope of Christ in a way that words alone cannot. Through our collective obedience, we prepare the way for the Spirit of God to move and transform lives, making the kingdom of God visible and accessible to all. [17:26]
John 17:20-23 (ESV)
"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."
Reflection: How can you partner with others in your church or community this week to serve together and make Jesus visible to those who need Him most?
Quotes
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