Community Is Our HeartbeatSample

A Shared Purpose

It must have been so exciting following Jesus around. He did some crazy things, healing every kind of sickness, casting out demons, feeding huge crowds miraculously, even controlling the weather. Lots of people were drawn to the spectacle of his ministry, but there was one criticism that kept popping up. People couldn’t understand why Jesus accepted the kinds of people he did. It was like there was no vetting process, he seemed to let anyone join his community of followers.

Even more than that, Jesus gave his limited time and attention to social outcasts. In Luke 19 we read about how Jesus chose to spend the day with a tax collector. Tax collectors were notoriously dishonest and corrupt. They worked for the ruling elite and the occupying armies of Rome and exploited everyone else. Understandably, they were hated as traitors, and so it’s no surprise that the people around Jesus got quite upset about him choosing to socialise with Zacchaeus. But God doesn’t discriminate at all, he invites everyone into His community of faith - to be a part of his family. The only prerequisite is realising that we need a new start.

The transformation of Zaccheus was remarkable. His background, his bad choices, his disgusting behaviour, none of that defined him after meeting Jesus. And that’s why Jesus was thrilled to describe him as a true believer, a 'son of Abraham’. Zaccheus’ repentance is what triggers the clearest mission statement that Jesus ever gives. He explained to his critics that his whole purpose in coming to earth was “to seek and save the lost.” If we identify as the Church of Jesus Christ then this quite simply has to be our primary mission statement too.

Our purpose is to seek out those who are yet to discover God’s love; to offer friendship and acceptance; to extend genuine compassion and hospitality; to make room in our community for them. God’s heart is drawn towards those who don’t yet know Him, and he wants us to make them a priority too.

A Missional Lifestyle

There are people in your world who need to discover Jesus, and you are their best hope. Wherever God has put you right now, you have relational connections and ministry opportunities that no one else does. Your life is a unique mission field, and there are some great lessons we can learn from examining how Jesus engaged with Zaccheus.

Be Awake to People’s Hunger. Jesus picked Zaccheus out of a crowd because he saw a deeper desire within him. A grown man up a tree was a bit of a give away, but Jesus was looking for a heart that was hungry to discover something more. Who are the people in your world who are soft towards the things of God and open to life-giving conversations?

Be Interruptible. Luke tells us that Jesus was passing through Jericho, but when the opportunity to reach out to a ‘lost one’ popped up, he took it. If we’ve got no margin in our lives for people, then we’ll miss the opportunities to share the hope of Jesus. Would the people in your world think that you would enjoy spending some time with them?

Be Hospitable. Sometimes it can feel like ministry is about activities that are exclusively ‘spiritual’ or ‘religious’. But the Bible is full of examples of meals making a difference. The mission of Jesus is often extended by simply sharing our time around a meal. What kind of meal would you be comfortable inviting others to share in?

Our experience of being invited into God's community should drive us to look for others to include. God’s purpose for you is to share Him with the people that you alone can reach. That’s why Paul encourages us in Colossians to “make the most of every opportunity”. He reminds us to be consistent and intentional in praying for those opportunities, and to be well-prepared so that we can introduce people to Jesus through gracious and life-giving conversations. We get to be part of God's plan to grow the community of faith as more and more lives are saved.

1. How much do I pray for good opportunities to share Jesus?
2. Who is God putting on my heart to pray for and build a connection with?
3. What area do I feel inadequate in, how can I grow in that space?