Posted: 1/10/05
LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Jan. 16
There is a place for everyone in God’s family
Luke 4:17-21; 6:17-21; 9:46-48; 18:15-17
By Pakon Chan
Chinese Baptist Church, Arlington
In our society, many people are helpless and lonely. Many of them are under the bondage of poverty, addictions, bad communal or peer influences, and discrimination. This group of people sometimes gets less attention from churches and Christians, even though we provide various social services for them. A big, beautiful middle-class church will donate a lot of food and clothing to the poor but may not welcome poor people into their fellowship and church.
Show concern (Luke 4:17-21)
Jesus had established his status as a popular itinerant rabbi very soon after he entered into his ministry and was preaching in many places and synagogues (vv. 14-15). It was not unusual for a person in a synagogue gathering to stand and read Scripture. When Jesus stood, he knew what he was going to read. After he had received the book of Isaiah, he turned to a passage and proclaimed the prophecy was fulfilled in him (v. 21).
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This proclamation was his mission on earth. From this passage that Jesus used to proclaim his mission, we know God loves the poor and the helpless. We should read this paragraph literally even though it does have rich spiritual implications. From what Jesus did in his three years of earthly ministry, we can see him reaching out to the poor and helpless people of society. He deliberately went to the people of lower class or even social outcasts to minister to them and bring them the good news of God’s salvation. Jesus showed his concern for them by meeting their needs, talking to them, touching them, and even eating and staying with them.
There are many people in our society who are captured by spiritual and sinful bondages, or who are poor and oppressed by many injustice social situations. Some are mistreated mentally and physically. Others suffer many diseases and sicknesses. They are the most ignored group, but God loves them and tells them this is the reason he sent his only begotten Son to save them from their helpless situations.
Provide assistance (Luke 6:17-21)
Again, in this event, Jesus showed his mercy to the poor and helpless. People came to Jesus to hear him and to be healed of their diseases (v. 18). This crowd came from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and other places, because they knew their needs would be met by Jesus. With this expectation, they were attracted to listen to his message. When we help meet people’s needs, we should not forget to share with them the good news of our Lord Jesus, for that is the biggest blessing we can give them.
After meeting the needs of the crowd, Jesus turned to his disciples and told them God loved and cared about these people. The poor may not have a place in society, but in the kingdom of God there is a place for them. All they need to do is to come to Jesus and to seek for his forgiveness and saving grace.
We, as disciples of Jesus, need to share the gospel with them so they may enjoy happiness in God’s kingdom. We also are responsible to feed them and comfort them. We should not only meet their physical needs, but also should meet their emotional and spiritual needs.
We may see churches provide food and services for the poor and homeless, but we are not sure if they have a place for them within the fellowship. We will feed them, but we may not share their feelings and frustrations. This is not just a special calling for some special Christians, it is the calling and responsibility of every disciple of our Lord Jesus. Jesus wants us to extend our perimeter of love and care to include the poor and helpless in our fellowship and church life.
Minister to children (Luke 9:46-48; 18:15-17)
Children in ancient Jewish society did not have any rights. They were seen as the property of adults. Children also are weak and cannot protect themselves. They are another group of helpless people. People feel great if they can serve the greatest person and have a closer relationship with him (v. 46). Jesus, however, has a very different definition for greatness. Those who are willing to serve the helpless and the least are the greatest (v. 48).
Jesus told his disciples if they wanted to serve him and have a closer relationship with him, they should serve the weak and the helpless. Going to the poor and the helpless to have fellowship with them and serve them is one of the spiritual disciplines. By doing that, we welcome our Lord Jesus and the Father (v. 48).
One thing that will bother us when we serve the poor and the helpless is our pride and the sense of superiority. We should not go to the poor and the helpless as if we are the savior and giver. We go to share and to serve, and through serving them, we have fellowship with them. From their poverty, we learn to live a simple life. From their helplessness, we learn to rely on God. Unless we can appreciate the simplicity of a child and live a simple life, and be humble enough to realize we also are helpless like a child, we cannot enter the kingdom of God (v. 17). Jesus does not come for those who think they are powerful and rich, but he comes for those who are humble and seek help from him.
Discussion questions
Why does Jesus want us to minister to the poor and the helpless?
How can you help your fellowship to minister to the poor and the helpless?
What is your definition of greatness?
What should you do if you think that you are stronger in faith?
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