A Different WaySample

If you were told that you had to form a group of people to complete the most important task in the entire world, who would you choose? Maybe your mind would go straight to your friends and family members, the people most familiar to you. But then, once you thought about it some more, you would probably think about the most qualified people you can think of. You would think of the smartest person you know, the best leader, the strongest person, the richest person. You would want to assemble a group of people that are the best prepared to accomplish whatever the important task is.

When Jesus came to earth, He started to build a team of people around Him. People who would be the first invited into the new Kingdom He was building and who would continue the work that He was going to start in the world. You would think that Jesus would start with the most qualified people He could find. People who were super religious, educated, powerful, wealthy, and well-connected.

But when you look at the people Jesus gravitated to, He didn’t go to these kinds of people. Instead, it went to the outcasts, to people who were lonely, sad, poor, hungry, sinful, and broken. Jesus invited the lowest of the low to come and enter His Kingdom. He took these people and gave them new purpose and hope for their lives: things that weren't there before. Jesus made it abundantly clear that His Kingdom was going to be different. It's a Kingdom not reserved for the people who think they can earn it, but a Kingdom that everyone is invited into. Regardless of our status, talents, or identity, Jesus comes looking for us and invites us to join His Kingdom, offering a different kind of life and community that we could’ve never found on our own.

Reflect:

1. What about this passage stood out to you?

2. What does this passage say about the poor, hungry, and weeping?

3. Is there anyone in your life who needs to be invited into Jesus’ Kingdom? Who is it?

Pray:

Ask Jesus who He wants you to invite into His Kingdom. Spend some time sitting with Jesus and try to listen to His voice. If He brings anyone into your mind, send them a text or write them a note inviting them into His Kingdom.