Reaching the Marginalized: Jesus' Example of Love

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound impact of how we, as followers of Jesus, should interact with those on the fringe of faith. We began with a poignant letter from a high school girl who felt unwelcome and ignored in a church setting, highlighting the importance of genuine love and community. This led us to examine Jesus' approach to sinners, particularly through His interaction with Levi, the tax collector, in Mark 2:13-17. Jesus' ministry was not just about performing miracles but also about teaching truth and extending grace. He intentionally reached out to those marginalized by society, inviting them into a transformative relationship with Him.

We identified four key biblical principles from Jesus' actions. First, Jesus taught biblical truth with love and grace, emphasizing the need for life transformation. Second, He intentionally reached out to those on the fringe, understanding that many are simply waiting for an invitation to experience His love. Third, Jesus was willing to sit with sinners, breaking social norms to extend forgiveness and fellowship. Lastly, Jesus was clear in His gospel purpose, focusing on calling sinners to repentance rather than seeking the approval of the self-righteous.

These principles challenge us to reflect on our own actions and attitudes. Are we teaching and living out biblical truth? Are we intentionally reaching out to those who are hurting and lost? Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones to sit with sinners and share the love of Christ? And are we clear in our gospel purpose, prioritizing the salvation of souls over social acceptance? As we strive to follow Jesus' example, let us be motivated by His love and grace to transform lives for His glory.

### Key Takeaways

1. Teach Biblical Truth with Love and Grace: Jesus' teachings were direct and transformative, addressing heart issues and calling for genuine life change. He spoke the truth with love, grace, and patience, emphasizing the need for repentance and faith in Him. As followers of Christ, we must also teach and live out biblical truth, understanding that true love involves speaking the truth, even when it is difficult. [06:26]

2. Intentionally Reach Out to the Marginalized: Jesus made intentional efforts to reach out to those on the fringe of society, like Levi the tax collector. Many people today are simply waiting for an invitation to experience the love of Jesus. We must be proactive in reaching out to those who are hurting and lost, offering them the hope and salvation found in Christ. [19:47]

3. Be Willing to Sit with Sinners: Jesus broke social norms by dining with tax collectors and sinners, extending forgiveness and fellowship. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and interact with those who are different from us, sharing the love and grace of Jesus without compromising our faith. This requires humility and a genuine desire to see others come to Christ. [27:48]

4. Clarity in Gospel Purpose: Jesus was clear in His mission to call sinners to repentance, focusing on those who recognized their need for a Savior. We must also be clear in our gospel purpose, prioritizing the salvation of souls over social acceptance. Our interactions with others should be driven by a desire to share the life-changing message of Jesus. [37:02]

5. Follow Jesus' Example of Friendship and Grace: Jesus was known as a friend of sinners, embracing this role to extend love and grace to those in need. We are called to follow His example, building genuine relationships with those who are lost and sharing the hope of salvation. This involves being intentional in our actions and words, always pointing others to Jesus. [43:22]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:38] - The High School Girl's Letter
[03:16] - The Reality of Faith
[04:47] - Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
[06:26] - Teaching Biblical Truth
[08:12] - The Importance of Truth
[11:25] - True Love Speaks Truth
[13:06] - The First Great Awakening
[14:36] - Jesus Calls Levi
[16:26] - Levi's Response
[19:47] - Intentionally Reaching Out
[21:22] - Levi's Dinner Party
[24:31] - Guilt by Association
[27:48] - Willing to Sit with Sinners
[30:14] - Cultural Apologists
[33:03] - Levi Becomes Matthew
[34:49] - Jesus' Mission to Call Sinners
[37:02] - Clarity in Gospel Purpose
[40:05] - Adapting Ministry Approaches
[43:22] - Jesus, Friend of Sinners
[45:02] - Challenge to Reach Out

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
- Mark 2:13-17 (NIV): "Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. 'Follow me,' Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: 'Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?' On hearing this, Jesus said to them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'"

### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the Pharisees when they saw Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners? ([22:41])
2. How did Levi respond to Jesus' invitation to follow Him? ([16:26])
3. What did Jesus emphasize as His mission in Mark 2:17? ([34:49])
4. What was the significance of Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners in the cultural context of His time? ([26:05])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to spend time with those who were marginalized and considered sinners by society? ([16:26])
2. How does Jesus' willingness to sit with sinners challenge the social norms of His time, and what does this teach us about His character? ([24:31])
3. What does it mean to teach biblical truth with love and grace, and how did Jesus exemplify this in His ministry? ([06:26])
4. How can the church today intentionally reach out to those on the fringe of faith, similar to how Jesus reached out to Levi? ([19:47])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own actions and attitudes. Are you teaching and living out biblical truth in your daily life? How can you improve in this area? ([06:26])
2. Think about someone in your life who might be on the fringe of faith. How can you intentionally reach out to them this week? ([19:47])
3. Are there social norms or comfort zones that you need to break out of to sit with sinners and share the love of Christ? What steps can you take to do this? ([27:48])
4. How clear are you in your gospel purpose? Do you prioritize the salvation of souls over social acceptance? What changes can you make to align more closely with Jesus' mission? ([37:02])
5. Jesus was known as a friend of sinners. How can you build genuine relationships with those who are lost and share the hope of salvation with them? ([43:22])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt unwelcome or ignored in a church setting. How can you ensure that others do not feel the same way in your church community? ([01:38])
7. Identify one person who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? ([45:02])

Devotional

### Day 1: Teaching Biblical Truth with Love and Grace

Description:
Jesus' teachings were not only direct but also transformative, addressing the core issues of the heart and calling for genuine life change. He spoke the truth with love, grace, and patience, emphasizing the need for repentance and faith in Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate this approach, teaching and living out biblical truth in a way that reflects Jesus' love and grace. True love involves speaking the truth, even when it is difficult, and doing so with a heart full of compassion and understanding. This balance of truth and grace is essential for fostering genuine transformation in the lives of those we encounter. [06:26]

Bible Passage:
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a recent conversation where you had to speak a difficult truth. How can you ensure that your future conversations are seasoned with grace and love, reflecting Jesus' approach?

### Day 2: Intentionally Reaching Out to the Marginalized

Description:
Jesus made intentional efforts to reach out to those on the fringe of society, like Levi the tax collector. Many people today are simply waiting for an invitation to experience the love of Jesus. We must be proactive in reaching out to those who are hurting and lost, offering them the hope and salvation found in Christ. This requires us to step out of our comfort zones and be intentional in our actions, seeking out those who may feel overlooked or marginalized. By doing so, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost. [19:47]

Bible Passage:
"And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’" (Matthew 25:40, ESV)

Reflection:
Identify someone in your community who may feel marginalized or overlooked. How can you intentionally reach out to them this week to show the love of Christ?

### Day 3: Willing to Sit with Sinners

Description:
Jesus broke social norms by dining with tax collectors and sinners, extending forgiveness and fellowship. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and interact with those who are different from us, sharing the love and grace of Jesus without compromising our faith. This requires humility and a genuine desire to see others come to Christ. By sitting with sinners, we demonstrate that no one is beyond the reach of God's love and grace. Our willingness to engage with those who are different from us can open doors for meaningful conversations and opportunities to share the gospel. [27:48]

Bible Passage:
"And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples." (Matthew 9:10, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of someone in your life who is different from you and may not know Christ. How can you step out of your comfort zone to build a relationship with them and share the love of Jesus?

### Day 4: Clarity in Gospel Purpose

Description:
Jesus was clear in His mission to call sinners to repentance, focusing on those who recognized their need for a Savior. We must also be clear in our gospel purpose, prioritizing the salvation of souls over social acceptance. Our interactions with others should be driven by a desire to share the life-changing message of Jesus. This clarity of purpose helps us stay focused on what truly matters and ensures that our actions and words align with the mission of Christ. By keeping our gospel purpose at the forefront, we can effectively share the hope and salvation found in Jesus. [37:02]

Bible Passage:
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on your daily interactions. Are they driven by a desire to share the gospel? How can you prioritize the salvation of souls in your conversations and actions today?

### Day 5: Following Jesus' Example of Friendship and Grace

Description:
Jesus was known as a friend of sinners, embracing this role to extend love and grace to those in need. We are called to follow His example, building genuine relationships with those who are lost and sharing the hope of salvation. This involves being intentional in our actions and words, always pointing others to Jesus. By being a friend to sinners, we demonstrate the inclusive and transformative love of Christ. Our friendships should be marked by grace, compassion, and a desire to see others come to know Jesus personally. [43:22]

Bible Passage:
"The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds." (Matthew 11:19, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a friend or acquaintance who does not know Jesus. How can you intentionally show them the love and grace of Christ this week through your actions and words?

Quotes

1. "My friends, there are many who come to church who are on the fringe of faith. They are hurting, broken, insecure. They are seeking God, looking for someone to show them some love, hoping for community that will accept them. They are lost and in need of a Savior. They are looking to see if so-called followers of Jesus are emulating His character, and if they are wholeheartedly devoted to Him." [03:16] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "My friends, don't forget that a great part of Jesus' earthly ministry was spent teaching. Many of His sermons and messages are recorded in the Gospels. Jesus spoke of how we are to live and what is expected for one who is His followers. Remember that teachings of Jesus are just as important as His actions." [06:26] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If people don't know the truth, they will see no need to change. If they don't know that they're going to hell or that they have a sin problem, how will they deserve it? If they don't know that they're going to hell or that they have a desire to seek a remedy. Sadly, this is a generation that shies away from speaking the truth, even in love, because we think the truth will hurt too much." [09:46] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "True love speaks for truth. If we truly love people, we will tell them the truth. If we truly love people, we will tell them the truth. If we tell them the truth, so they will know if they need to respond and take action. If someone's house is on fire, you shout at them. If their business model is unsustainable, you tell them. If their actions are self-destructive, you stage an intervention." [11:25] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "My friends, so many in the world today are simply waiting for an invitation. Their lonely, broken, and unsatisfied hearts are ready to respond to the love of Jesus and to receive the care of a church. And so, you see, the second, biblical principle we can learn from Jesus dealing with sinners is that He intentionally reached out to those on the fringe of faith. Follow Jesus, number two. Intentionally reach out. Intentionally reach out. People are simply waiting for an invitation." [17:59] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "My friends, you and I can't do the work of the Great Communion, and share the gospel, if we do not and are not willing to sit with sinners, meaning associating and interacting with them. It doesn't mean you follow their sinful ways, but it means getting out of your own comfort zones and meeting people where they are at, not where you are at." [27:48] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Don't get caught up trying to make self-righteous people like you and accept you. Don't get caught up playing the who's the more spiritual game. You know, it's so easy to get caught up in petty, inconsequential things and the dramas of life that suck up enormous time and emotional energy. You and I know that to be true. Every day there's drama all around. And sometimes we get sucked into the petty arguments that in the grand scheme of things have no eternal impact." [36:17] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "It's easy to say, look, the Bible says it's okay to hang out with sinners. But don't forget the reason Jesus does it. It's so that He can share with them the life-changing cure to their eternal sickness. A doctor who knows the cure for a sick patient but says or does nothing is a useless and irresponsible doctor. Likewise, a Christian who knows the cure for a lost soul but says or does nothing is a useless and irresponsible follower of Christ." [38:33] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We do not bring the world's culture into the church, but we have adapted our ministry and outreach approach in order that we are able to sit with the very sinners we are trying to reach for Christ. As Dr. John Hanna, historical theologian at Dallas Seminary, often says, culture is fluid in nature. The Holy Scriptures are not. Truth does not change, but culture changes the questions asked. Do we know the questions that are being asked by the culture today?" [40:05] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Notice that Jesus doesn't first condemn the corrupt practices of Levi's trade. He first said to Levi, I want to get to know you. Can I sit with you and have a meal? And by becoming his friend, the truth Jesus shared was accepted. And Levi's life was changed and transformed. So my friends, let's follow Jesus in how he dealt with sinners. He always taught biblical truth." [42:16] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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