Sharing Jesus: A Personal Call to Hospitality

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound call to share Jesus with our neighbors, those who live within walking distance from us. This mission, rooted in the Great Commission from Matthew 28, is not just for church leaders or the organization of the church but for every follower of Jesus. We are all called to make disciples, to teach, and to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Sharing Jesus is a personal mission, and it begins with those closest to us—our neighbors.

We examined how Jesus interacted with people who were considered outcasts in society, such as the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus made people feel known and valued, demonstrating that His love is unconditional and enduring. This love is not something we can earn; it is freely given to everyone, regardless of their past or societal status. Jesus' interactions were marked by a deep sense of hospitality, making people feel at home and valued. This is a model for us as we seek to share Jesus with others.

Hospitality is a powerful tool in sharing the gospel. It blurs the line between host and guest, creating an environment where people feel comfortable and valued. This opens the door to meaningful conversations about faith. Studies show that many people are spiritually open and willing to engage in conversations about God, but they are not interested in arguments or debates. By practicing hospitality, we can create safe spaces for these conversations to happen.

The invitation to follow Jesus is personal. It is not about inviting people to an organization or a distant idea but to a personal relationship with Jesus. Our invitations should reflect this personal nature, making them relational and genuine. As a church, we are challenged to invite others to join us in worship, especially during times when people are more open to attending, such as Christmas and Easter.

In practical terms, we are encouraged to be creative in our invitations, using acts of kindness and hospitality to open doors for conversations about faith. Whether it's baking cookies for a neighbor or helping someone with their Christmas lights, these acts can lead to opportunities to share the love of Jesus. As we engage in this mission, we trust God to prepare the hearts of those we invite and to guide our words and actions.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Universal Call to Share Jesus: Every follower of Jesus is called to share the gospel, not just church leaders. This mission is personal and begins with those closest to us, like our neighbors. We are all disciples called to make disciples, reflecting the Great Commission's timeless relevance. [21:52]

2. Jesus' Model of Interaction: Jesus made people feel known and valued, regardless of their societal status or past. His interactions with outcasts, like the Samaritan woman, show us the power of unconditional love and acceptance. This is a model for us in sharing Jesus with others. [23:42]

3. The Power of Hospitality: Hospitality creates an environment where people feel comfortable and valued, opening the door to meaningful conversations about faith. It blurs the line between host and guest, making people feel at home and part of the family. [32:11]

4. Personal Invitations to Faith: The invitation to follow Jesus is personal, not organizational. Our invitations should reflect this, making them relational and genuine. We are inviting people into a personal relationship with Jesus, not just to attend a church service. [41:27]

5. Practical Steps in Sharing Jesus: We are encouraged to be creative in our invitations, using acts of kindness and hospitality to open doors for conversations about faith. This approach aligns with the cultural openness to spiritual conversations, avoiding arguments and debates. [37:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction to Sharing Jesus
- [02:30] - The Great Commission
- [05:15] - Sharing Jesus with Neighbors
- [08:00] - Jesus' Interactions with Outcasts
- [12:00] - The Samaritan Woman at the Well
- [15:30] - The Power of Feeling Known and Valued
- [18:45] - God's Unchanging Character
- [22:00] - The Role of Hospitality
- [25:30] - Spiritual Openness in Today's Culture
- [28:45] - Personal Invitations to Faith
- [32:00] - Practical Steps for Sharing Jesus
- [35:00] - The Challenge to Invite
- [38:30] - Creative Ways to Invite
- [42:00] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:18-20
2. John 4:1-30
3. Leviticus 19:33-34

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Observation Questions:

1. What mission does Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28, and how is it relevant to all followers of Jesus today? [21:52]

2. How did Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well demonstrate His approach to making people feel known and valued? [27:04]

3. What does Leviticus 19:33-34 reveal about God's character and His instructions regarding how to treat foreigners? [29:52]

4. How does the concept of "refrigerator rights" illustrate the power of hospitality in sharing the gospel? [32:11]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28 challenge the common perception that sharing Jesus is solely the responsibility of church leaders? [21:52]

2. In what ways does Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman challenge societal norms, and what does this teach us about His love and acceptance? [28:23]

3. How does the principle of hospitality, as described in the sermon, create opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith? [33:27]

4. What does the personal nature of Jesus' invitation to follow Him, as seen in Matthew 4, teach us about how we should invite others to faith? [41:27]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current relationships with your neighbors. What practical steps can you take to share Jesus with them, starting this week? [21:52]

2. Think about a time when you felt truly known and valued by someone. How can you replicate that experience for someone else, especially those who might feel like outcasts? [28:23]

3. How can you incorporate hospitality into your daily life to create a welcoming environment for spiritual conversations? Consider specific actions you can take, such as hosting a meal or offering help to a neighbor. [33:27]

4. Identify a person in your life who is spiritually open but not interested in debates. How can you engage them in a conversation about faith in a non-threatening way? [35:48]

5. Reflect on the personal nature of your relationship with Jesus. How can you make your invitations to others more personal and genuine, rather than organizational? [41:27]

6. With the upcoming holiday season, what creative ways can you think of to invite someone to a church service or event? Consider acts of kindness or shared activities that could open the door for an invitation. [46:33]

7. How can you ensure that your invitations to faith communicate love, value, and a sense of being known, similar to how Jesus interacted with others? [47:12]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: The Personal Call to Share Jesus
Every follower of Jesus is called to share the gospel, not just church leaders. This mission is personal and begins with those closest to us, like our neighbors. We are all disciples called to make disciples, reflecting the Great Commission's timeless relevance. The call to share Jesus is not limited to a select few but is a universal mandate for all believers. It is a personal mission that starts with those who are within our immediate reach—our neighbors. This call is rooted in the Great Commission, where Jesus instructed His followers to make disciples of all nations. The emphasis is on personal engagement and relationship-building, rather than relying solely on church programs or leaders. By embracing this call, believers can impact their communities and fulfill their role in God's plan. [21:52]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: Who is one neighbor you can reach out to this week to share the love of Jesus? What specific action can you take to begin building a relationship with them?

Day 2: Emulating Jesus' Interactions
Jesus made people feel known and valued, regardless of their societal status or past. His interactions with outcasts, like the Samaritan woman, show us the power of unconditional love and acceptance. This is a model for us in sharing Jesus with others. Jesus' approach to people was marked by a deep sense of empathy and understanding. He reached out to those marginalized by society, offering them dignity and hope. By following His example, believers can break down barriers and create genuine connections with others. This approach requires seeing people through the lens of God's love, recognizing their inherent worth, and offering acceptance without judgment. [23:42]

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

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt like an outsider. How can you use that experience to empathize with and reach out to someone who might feel the same way today?

Day 3: The Transformative Power of Hospitality
Hospitality creates an environment where people feel comfortable and valued, opening the door to meaningful conversations about faith. It blurs the line between host and guest, making people feel at home and part of the family. Hospitality is more than just opening one's home; it is about creating a welcoming atmosphere where people feel seen and heard. This practice can lead to deeper relationships and opportunities to share the gospel. By offering hospitality, believers can demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways, fostering an environment where spiritual conversations can naturally occur. [32:11]

Hebrews 13:2 (ESV): "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

Reflection: What is one way you can practice hospitality this week to create a welcoming space for someone in your community?

Day 4: The Personal Nature of Faith Invitations
The invitation to follow Jesus is personal, not organizational. Our invitations should reflect this, making them relational and genuine. We are inviting people into a personal relationship with Jesus, not just to attend a church service. The focus is on building authentic relationships and extending personal invitations to explore faith. This approach emphasizes the relational aspect of Christianity, where individuals are invited to experience a transformative relationship with Jesus. By making invitations personal and genuine, believers can effectively communicate the heart of the gospel. [41:27]

2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Reflection: Think of someone you know who might be open to exploring faith. How can you extend a personal and genuine invitation to them this week?

Day 5: Creative and Kind Invitations
We are encouraged to be creative in our invitations, using acts of kindness and hospitality to open doors for conversations about faith. This approach aligns with the cultural openness to spiritual conversations, avoiding arguments and debates. Creativity in sharing faith involves thinking outside the box and finding unique ways to connect with others. Acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor or offering a listening ear, can pave the way for meaningful discussions about Jesus. By focusing on kindness and creativity, believers can engage with others in a way that is both inviting and non-confrontational. [37:24]

Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Reflection: What is one creative act of kindness you can do this week to open the door for a conversation about faith with someone in your life?

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Quotes

"Well, good morning. I am so excited to be continuing our series on sharing Jesus and just getting really practical with you guys about some ways that we can go and tell the people that we interact with about Jesus, about the incredible things that he has done for us. This week, we're going to be continuing by talking about our neighbors, the people that we physically live within walking distance of, right? Last week, we kicked off this series talking about our families, really, right? Our children. Our children, our spouses, and how we can share Jesus in that area. And for many of you, you're starting from different places here, okay? Some of you, when I talk about sharing Jesus with your neighbors, well, you already know your neighbors." [00:20:00] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"And this mission isn't just given to the disciples that were present that day, right? It is something that is given to Christians for all time, to all of us as followers of Jesus, to continue on this mission. And too often, I think we focus on this idea of sharing Jesus as something that is like for the church, like the organization of the church, right? Like run another ad or whatever, like you guys, the organization of the church, share Jesus. Or we think about it for people who work for a church, right? You think about it for people like me. And you're like, well, you know, let's go, Matt, share Jesus." [00:21:52] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"As Jesus interacted with these people. He made them feel known and valued. He communicated the way that he cared about them, the way that he loved them, the fact that he was not there to condemn them, but he was there to save them in a beautiful way. Over and over again, we see these interactions from Jesus." [00:24:48] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"And now, now, this Jewish man, this teacher, has not only talked to her, he has had a conversation with her, and not just because he was unaware of who she was, but knowing full well who she was, knowing about her brokenness, knowing about her sin, knowing everything about her, he still chose to have this conversation with her. To tell her about the goodness of God." [00:28:33] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"And in this interaction, he made her feel known and valued. And as he made her feel known and valued, he communicated a key characteristic about who he is, that his love endures through all. That his love is not something that we could ever earn, that he loves us in our brokenness. And in our weakness, that this invitation of Jesus is for everyone, not just people whose society looks at and says, you are good enough, that it is for everyone." [00:29:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Hospitality is so crucial for us as followers of Jesus. This is how we can help people to feel seen and known, to feel valued. I love what John Mark Comer says about hospitality. He says, hospitality blurs the line between host and guest." [00:31:40] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"There was a recent Barna Group study, where they were studying this concept of spiritual openness, okay? And so here's what spiritual openness means. These are adults who are open to the idea that there is a God, a higher power. They're not really totally sure what that is necessarily. They're not even necessarily followers of a specific religion, but they would say, I'm for sure open." [00:34:34] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"As Jesus invited people to come and follow, it wasn't some organization somewhere that he was inviting them to follow, right? It wasn't some far -off, floaty idea that he was inviting them to come and follow. He was inviting people to a personal relationship." [00:40:22] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"And so over the next several weeks, I want to encourage you guys, get creative with this, okay? Bake cookies, all right? And take them to your neighbors and invite them when you're standing there actually having a conversation. Or offer to help them put their hands together. Put up their Christmas lights, right?" [00:46:20] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Father God, I thank you so much. for laughter. God, I thank you, God, for this opportunity to join you on your mission. God, I am in awe, God, that you would invite us to be a part of what you're doing. That you would invite us to be a part of your work. That we would get to serve in your work, Lord. That you would involve me in that, God." [00:47:48] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?