THE SEND: Luke & ActsSample

Jesus loves the lost, lonely, and rejected.

That might sound obvious, but as you read Luke 14-15, ask God to challenge you afresh today about what his love really looks like.

You see, God’s love for the lost and those on the outskirts isn’t just a warm, fuzzy feeling, a nice idea, or thinking good thoughts towards them. No, it’s an action-packed response to the need for Jesus in their lives. God’s love is seen in his actions, not in his good intentions.

Throughout these stories, Jesus challenges the people around him to love in a way that is uncomfortable and costly. He invites them to see people through God’s eyes. He wants you to ask, “What if I were in God’s shoes?”

In Luke 15, Jesus tells three stories about lost things being found: a sheep, a coin, and a son. Did you notice the pattern? Each story ends in rejoicing (Luke 15:6-7, 9-10, 32).

That’s God’s response when someone who was lost comes home. Joy. Celebration. A party. And it is this rejoicing, this excitement to have them with him, that drives him to seek them out in the first place.

God’s rejoicing is so great because His love is so great!

God is like this determined shepherd. God is like this searching woman. God is like this loving father. He wants what is lost to be found. He is compelled by love into action.

But as followers of Jesus, we’re not just called to receive this love—we’re called to overflow with it. We’re invited to love the lost with the same determined compassion he shows.

Who in your life or community feels lost, lonely, and rejected?

What do you think God thinks about these people? What do you think His heart is towards them?

Ask God to move your heart for the lost like his is. Then do something about it. Text someone. Invite them in. Sit with them.

God’s love wants to be seen in your actions, not just your good intentions.