The Whole Story: A Life in God's Kingdom, Part FourSample

Family Devotional:

Jesus famously told his people that he came to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). In line with this way of life, Jesus did not desire to spend his time amongst those who could do anything for him but instead focused on those who needed the kingdom. Matthew 9:10-17 includes the story of Jesus’ presence with Matthew and his friends – of whom happened to be “sinners.” Did this experience harm Jesus’ reputation in the earthly realm? Sure. But did that matter to him? No. Why? Because Jesus’ eyes are set on providing an eternity for the righteous and the “sinner.”

Daily Demonstration:

On this second day of the week leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, the Bible tells us that Jesus cursed a fig tree, wept over Israel, and cleansed the temple (see Mark 11:12-19). One of the driving themes of Jesus’ ministry on this day was to keep the temple sacred. Today, God’s presence no longer exclusively dwells in a temple but instead dwells within his family – his family is now the temple. Such a lifestyle includes keeping the “temple” sacred and inviting others to do the same. Consider, today, reaching out to friends that you don’t spend much time with – perhaps those who have not placed their loyalty in King Jesus. Invite them over for dinner this Friday and show them hospitality. As you exemplify Jesus in this way, allow God to work and move in the hearts of everyone present.

Additional Resources:

• Celebration Church, Online Resources, The Table: A Passover Dinner Guide
• Seven Minute Seminary, YouTube, Seedbed, Robert Stamps, Evangelism in the 21st Century
• Norman Geisler, Conversational Evangelism, (Amazon)