Brett September 28, 2020

The evidence is clear, the world hates Christ. Hates His truth and His Gospel. The world hates His People and His Church.

The Church is no longer considered a trusted lighthouse for society. In fact, there are growing numbers of people convinced that the further society flees from the influence of the Church, the better off society will be.

Just because the world hates us, doesn’t mean we get to hate the world. That’s not the Church’s privilege. That’s not the Christian’s privilege.

Just because the world hates Christ and hates His people, doesn't mean we get to hate the world. That's not the Church's privilege. That's not the Christian's privilege. Click To Tweet

I can’t remember another season so full of all-out hatred. At a time like this, I am reminded of the pithy question that became popular in the 1990’s, “What would Jesus do?” What would Jesus do in the midst of so much hatred?

When He was being nailed to the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Everything Jesus did in his physical body, He wants to continue to do through his mystical body, the Church (you and me).

Everything Jesus did in his physical body - heal, restore, forgive and save. He wants to continue to do through his mystical body, the Church. You and me. Click To Tweet

In his physical body, Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. Also in His physical body, He went seeking the lost, the oppressed, the hurting, the shameful.

Unlike most Jewish people of the day, Jesus didn’t walk around Samaria – avoiding the Samaritans – to get to Jerusalem, He walked right through it. And as He walked, He came to a well at high noon. Upon arrival, He sent His followers away to get food.

Why did He stay at the well and send His closest friends away? Was Jesus looking for some alone time? Hardly! He sensed the evangelical moment.

He knew that a woman would soon come for water. What woman goes to the well at high noon? None that want to have a conversation, that’s for sure! The only person that goes during the hottest part of the day, is someone racked with guilt and shame AND the Savior that loves her!

The only person that goes to the well during the hottest part of the day, is someone racked with guilt and shame AND the Savior that loves her! Click To Tweet

Jesus sent his followers away because He knew that if a small crowd was gathered by the well, the Samaritan woman would have been scared away. He always prioritizes the ones He is trying to reach over the ones He is trying to keep. The events that unfolded at the well that day are another example of His reckless love and an inspiration for His Church.

Jesus wants a seeking Church! He wants a missionary Church full of missionary disciples animated with the same unconditional love for people, regardless of how fallen or addicted or messed up they are.

Jesus wants a seeking Church! He wants a missionary Church animated with unconditional love for people, regardless of how fallen or addicted or messed up they are. Click To Tweet

Just as God sent his Son into the world NOT to condemn the world but that through Him the world may be saved, so Christ sent His Church into the world NOT to condemn the world but that through her, all may be saved.

God sent his Son into the world NOT to condemn the world but that through Him the world may be saved. So Christ sent His Church into the world NOT to condemn the world but that through her, all may be saved. Click To Tweet

The Church of Jesus needs to bring living water, not more fuel to the world today – a world so full of simultaneous monologues, polarized division and violent vilification.

The prodigals will not return to the Father’s house until the Father’s house is filled with the Fathers love. It starts here. It starts now. It starts with you and me!  We are His hands and feet and voice.

The Church of Jesus needs to bring living water, not more fuel to the world today - a world so full of simultaneous monologues, polarized division and violent vilification. Click To Tweet The prodigals will not return to the Father’s house until the Father’s house is filled with the Fathers love. It starts here and now. It starts with you and me! We are His hands and feet and voice. Click To Tweet