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Introduction:
How do we love our neighbors as ourselves? When God’s love transforms us, we can’t help but want others to experience the same love, grace, and freedom we enjoy through Christ. But how do we share that love with others without scaring them away or offending them? For most Christians, “evangelism” is a scary and intimidating word. What if there was a more organic, authentic way to share our faith with our friends, neighbors, and coworkers?
“Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” —Romans 13:8
Together, we can learn to be a blessing in our neighborhoods and to those around us. We were made to B.L.E.S.S. others. If we can live out the love of God where we are, we will see those around us experience the blessings God promised long ago.
In this collection, we will discover 5 everyday ways to love our neighbors and change the world:
June 1st/4th - Begin with Prayer
June 8th/11th - Listen to the Holy Spirit
June 15th/18th - Engage and Eat
June 22nd/25th - Serve Them
June 29th/July 2nd - Share Your Story
Text: Matthew 9:9-13 (CSB, New Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: To bless our neighbors, Jesus invites us to eat with them.
Week 3 - Eat and Engage Through a M.E.A.L.
I. M
TIME TO EAT WITH OTHERS (v. 9)
A.
“He gives food to every creature. His faithful love endures forever.” —Psalms 136:25
“The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’” —Luke 7:34
B. The First
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.” —Acts 2:42
C. The Common
- Excuse #1: I don’t like to have people in my
- Excuse #2: I don’t know what to
- Excuse #3: I don’t have
II. E
YOUR MEAL WITH OTHERS (v. 10)
A. Be
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” —Matthew 6:33
B. Ask
- Where did you grow up?
- What kinds of jobs have you had in your career, or do you want?
- What do you do for fun?
- What are your dreams for the future?
“A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.” —Proverbs 11:25
III. A
JESUS TO SHOW UP (v. 11)
“Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, 20that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send Jesus, who has been appointed for you as the Messiah.” —Acts 3:19-20
“It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight.” —Luke 24:30-31
“See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” —Revelation 3:20
IV. L
TOGETHER (vs. 12-13)
“Come and have breakfast,” Jesus told them. None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. 14This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.” —John 21:12-14
CONCLUSION: Who do you need to B.L.E.S.S. this week?
DEEP DIVES:
What is your most memorable meal ever?
Why is eating with someone such an effective way to bless them?
Read Matthew 9:9-13. Why do you think Jesus chose to eat with Matthew? How do you think Matthew felt about sharing a meal with Jesus?
Who will you share a meal, dessert, or coffee with this week?
