Message Notes

How to Make a Difference by Loving People Like Jesus Did

 

Luke 13:10-17 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

14Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”

15The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? 16Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”

17When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

 

1. LOOK around and take time to notice people… (vs. 12)

A couple of possibilities for action:
Stop to notice people.  Look them in the eye and smile. Don’t hurry past.

•Read all or part of one of the gospels this week - either Matthew, Mark, Luke or John As you read, observe how Jesus treated people.

I am going to…



2. Take a RISK
Matthew 5:46-47 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?


A couple of possibilities for action:
Take a risk by asking someone you know if you could pray for them. Then actually pray with them.

•Take a risk by stepping out of your comfort zone and beginning a relationship with Christ.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God


2 Corinthians 5:14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.

 

A prayer to begin a relationship with Christ: “Dear Jesus, I realize that I need You in my life. I want to have a real relationship with You. Today, I have realized that you created me to know you. I also realize today that I have sinned against you. Please forgive me. I turn to you and ask you to be the leader of my life. I give you my heart, my soul, my life, my past, and my future. Thank you for dying for me.  Help me to live for you, now and forever. Amen.

I am going to…

3. REACH out

·        He SAW her

·        He SPOKE to her

·        He TOUCHED her

Ephesians 6:10a Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…

A couple of possibilities for action:
Tell someone that you love them.
•Give out some hugs, handshakes, etc. this week to someone you wouldn’t normally associate with
I am going to…

4. Expect CRITICISM
Luke 15:1-7 Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

 

5. Seize the MOMENT

Ephesians 5:15-16a Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity…

 

Another possibilities for action:
This week, when you get that feeling that God wants you to do or say something and along with it you get a sense of fear…do what He is asking you to do in spite of the fear.

I am going to…