Embracing Outward Focus: Serving Beyond Our Walls
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the concept of being outwardly focused as a church, inspired by the values of Desert Spring UMC and the teachings of Jesus in Luke 14. The church, as William Temple once said, is the only institution that exists primarily for the benefit of those who are not its members. This idea challenges us to look beyond our own needs and focus on serving others, especially those who are often overlooked or marginalized.
We delved into four lessons from Jesus about how to be outwardly focused, all framed around the theme of a party. The first lesson is that any time is the right time for healing and wholeness. Jesus healed a man with dropsy on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' rigid interpretations of the law. This teaches us that our mission to bring healing and wholeness should never be constrained by time or tradition.
The second lesson is about humility. Jesus told a parable about a man who took a seat of honor at a wedding feast, only to be humiliated when asked to move. True humility is knowing your worth but choosing to elevate others above yourself. This is crucial for creating a community where everyone feels valued and included.
The third lesson focuses on who we invite to our "parties." Jesus advised inviting those who cannot repay us—the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. This challenges us to extend our hospitality beyond our immediate circles and to those who are often excluded.
The fourth lesson is that while all are invited to the feast, not all will come. Jesus told a parable about guests who made excuses not to attend a banquet. Their reasons were valid, but they missed out on the joy of the feast. This reminds us that while we extend invitations, we must also be prepared for some to decline, and we should continue to reach out to others.
In closing, we are reminded that our mission is to throw the most fun, faith-filled feasts that the world has ever known, so that all may know the goodness of God. Let us go forth, ready to serve, invite, and celebrate with all of God's children.
### Key Takeaways
1. Healing and Wholeness Anytime: Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' rigid interpretations of the law. This teaches us that our mission to bring healing and wholeness should never be constrained by time or tradition. We should always be ready to serve and heal, regardless of the circumstances. [38:38]
2. True Humility: True humility is knowing your worth but choosing to elevate others above yourself. Jesus' parable about the man who took a seat of honor at a wedding feast only to be humiliated teaches us that the best communities are those where everyone feels valued and included. [41:34]
3. Inclusive Invitations: Jesus advised inviting those who cannot repay us—the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. This challenges us to extend our hospitality beyond our immediate circles and to those who are often excluded. True generosity expects nothing in return. [43:04]
4. The Reality of Declined Invitations: While all are invited to the feast, not all will come. Jesus' parable about guests who made excuses not to attend a banquet reminds us that while we extend invitations, we must also be prepared for some to decline. This should not deter us from continuing to reach out to others. [47:34]
5. Radical Hospitality: The story of inviting strangers to a feast teaches us about radical hospitality. Sometimes, people need to be compelled to join because they may not feel worthy or welcome. Our role is to assure them that they are indeed valued and wanted at the table. [51:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:28] - Introduction and Context
[37:05] - The Church's Mission
[38:38] - Lesson 1: Healing Anytime
[40:02] - Lesson 2: True Humility
[43:04] - Lesson 3: Inclusive Invitations
[46:08] - Lesson 4: The Reality of Declined Invitations
[47:34] - Valid Excuses and Missed Opportunities
[50:26] - Radical Hospitality
[51:47] - Compelling Invitations
[53:10] - Personal Story: A Party of Belonging
[54:24] - Christians Can Have Fun
[55:54] - Pastoral Prayer
[57:23] - The Lord's Prayer
[01:11:56] - Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 14:1-24 - This passage includes the parables and teachings of Jesus that were the focus of the sermon, emphasizing healing on the Sabbath, humility, inclusive invitations, and the reality of declined invitations.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the condition of the man Jesus healed on the Sabbath, and why was this significant? ([38:38])
2. In the parable of the wedding feast, what happened to the man who took a seat of honor? ([40:02])
3. Who did Jesus suggest we should invite to our "parties," and why? ([43:04])
4. What were the reasons given by the guests who declined the invitation to the banquet? ([47:34])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to heal the man with dropsy on the Sabbath, despite the potential backlash from the Pharisees? ([38:38])
2. How does Jesus' teaching on humility challenge our modern understanding of self-worth and social status? ([41:34])
3. What does Jesus' advice about inviting the poor, crippled, lame, and blind reveal about the nature of true generosity? ([43:04])
4. How can the parable of the declined invitations help us understand the challenges of evangelism and outreach in today's context? ([47:34])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt constrained by tradition or timing in your efforts to help others. How can you adopt the mindset that "any time is the right time for healing and wholeness"? ([38:38])
2. Think about a situation where you might have sought recognition or honor. How can you practice true humility by elevating others in your community? ([41:34])
3. Identify someone in your life who might feel excluded or overlooked. What specific steps can you take to extend an invitation or show hospitality to them this week? ([43:04])
4. Have you ever extended an invitation to someone and faced rejection? How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Jesus' parable about continuing to reach out despite declined invitations? ([47:34])
5. Consider the concept of radical hospitality. How can you assure someone who feels unworthy or unwelcome that they are valued and wanted at the table? ([51:47])
6. Reflect on the idea that the church exists primarily for the benefit of those who are not its members. How can you and your small group embody this outward focus in your daily lives and church activities? ([37:05])
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your church or small group is a place where everyone feels valued and included, regardless of their background or ability to repay? ([43:04])
Devotional
Day 1: Healing and Wholeness Anytime
Description: Jesus demonstrated that the mission to bring healing and wholeness should never be constrained by time or tradition. In Luke 14, He healed a man with dropsy on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' rigid interpretations of the law. This act teaches us that our commitment to serve and heal should be constant, regardless of the circumstances or societal expectations. We are called to be agents of healing and wholeness at all times, ready to respond to the needs of others whenever they arise. [38:38]
Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt constrained by tradition or societal expectations. How can you break free from these constraints to bring healing and wholeness to someone in need today?
Day 2: True Humility
Description: True humility involves knowing your worth but choosing to elevate others above yourself. Jesus' parable about the man who took a seat of honor at a wedding feast, only to be humiliated when asked to move, teaches us the importance of humility. In a community where everyone feels valued and included, true humility is essential. It is not about thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less, and prioritizing the needs and dignity of others. [41:34]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you had the opportunity to elevate someone else. How did you respond, and how can you practice true humility in your interactions today?
Day 3: Inclusive Invitations
Description: Jesus advised inviting those who cannot repay us—the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. This challenges us to extend our hospitality beyond our immediate circles and to those who are often excluded. True generosity expects nothing in return and seeks to include those who are marginalized. By doing so, we reflect the inclusive love of God and create a community where everyone feels welcome and valued. [43:04]
Luke 14:13-14 (ESV): "But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
Reflection: Think of someone in your community who is often overlooked or excluded. How can you extend an invitation to them and show them the love and hospitality of Christ today?
Day 4: The Reality of Declined Invitations
Description: While all are invited to the feast, not all will come. Jesus' parable about guests who made excuses not to attend a banquet reminds us that while we extend invitations, we must also be prepared for some to decline. Their reasons may be valid, but they miss out on the joy of the feast. This should not deter us from continuing to reach out to others, as our mission is to keep inviting and sharing the goodness of God with everyone. [47:34]
Matthew 22:8-10 (ESV): "Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you extended an invitation that was declined. How did you feel, and how can you continue to reach out to others despite the possibility of rejection?
Day 5: Radical Hospitality
Description: The story of inviting strangers to a feast teaches us about radical hospitality. Sometimes, people need to be compelled to join because they may not feel worthy or welcome. Our role is to assure them that they are indeed valued and wanted at the table. Radical hospitality goes beyond mere politeness; it is about creating a space where everyone feels they belong and are cherished. [51:47]
Hebrews 13:2 (ESV): "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Reflection: Think of someone who might feel unworthy or unwelcome in your community. How can you show them radical hospitality and assure them of their value and belonging today?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "The church is the only institution that exists primarily for the benefit of those who are not members. How might our world be different if we actually lived into that quote, right? So what does it mean to be outwardly focused in a way that that non-members want to come in?" [37:05] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Any time is the right time for healing and wholeness. And I was privileged to spend a couple hours, well, gosh, what, Pastor Sharon, 12 hours? Yesterday with staff and laity at the church, and a theme kept coming up. I think Terry said it. He said, at Desert Spring, we never say no, we say, how can we help?" [38:38] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you eat with someone who can't give you anything tangible in return, but can give you love and joy that's so radical and unexpected, that your life is forever changed. That's what it means to be outwardly focused and to realize." [44:32] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Christians can be happy and we can have fun and we can have joy. And that can be contagious when we share it with all God's children. So I don't know what brought you here today. I don't know who you identify with in this story. If you're here because you're looking for healing, because you felt like you've been kicked out of the head table." [54:24] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We rejoice this day to say our little lives are big problems. These we place upon your altar. We ask these things in the name of your son, our savior, Jesus Christ." [57:23] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "The actual word in Greek for humility means to know your true worth and value, to know you are important, and to choose the importance of others above yourself. So we're not saying lose all sense of, like, love for who God has made you, but also know God loves other people too, right?" [41:34] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There's a difference in how you break bread together when you know that the person eating the bread wouldn't eat anything if they didn't have an invitation. And a time I was able to experience this in my life was in 2005. When my husband and I were Peace Corps volunteers in Bulgaria." [43:04] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What if with our rules and regulations, the constraints we set up, we're telling people they can't have access to God's table. So he brings the table to them. He invites them to join him at the feast. Sometimes those of us with power and privilege need to think about the circles we're creating and the invitations we're offering and who we are leaving out because we've missed the truth." [50:26] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "All are invited, not all come. Why? Because of work, because of stuff, because of relationships, because those with power and privilege are not inviting everybody or because in the last example, they don't know their worth. They don't know they're really welcome and belong and can show up out of the blue and be a part of the party." [51:47] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "They say people wait their entire lives to hear three things I love you I forgive you and supper's ready know that God is saying all three things to you in this moment and into eternity so you may share those statements with others at the feast in the kingdom of God go in the grace peace and power of God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Spirit amen amen" [01:11:56] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
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