All the Wrong People
Jesus is a conundrum: He simply doesn’t fit our preconceived ideas. In Luke 5, we see 4 vignettes of Jesus’ engagement with people, and through them, we see the multifaceted ministry of Jesus. In Jesus, salvation is personal, disrupting our sense of self and rearranging our priorities in life. Salvation is also communal, as it restores us to community, connection, and relationship. Salvation is also vertical, dealing with our sin problem and restoring us to God. And finally, Salvation is outward, always moving through us to the networks and neighborhoods within which we have favor. Jesus does extraordinary things, and when we encounter him absolutely nothing can stay the same!
Questions for Discussion
Read Luke 5.1-32 this week, and spend some time summarizing each of the 4 encounters described.
In each story, someone meets Jesus of Nazareth, and there’s a surprise transformation. Describe each surprise.
What does Jesus bring to each person he encounters? What happens to them when they meet Jesus?
Which of the 4 most resonates with you and your story? In what ways?
The story of Levi shows us that what Jesus does to us he wants to do through us. Discuss!
October 16, 2022 - Steve Hart