Invitation to a changed life Luke’s Gospel

Invitation to a changed life Freedom for the captives

The invitations are in our hands… To draw nearer To give away

bring good news to the poor set the prisoners free bring sight to the blind release the oppressed let people know about God’s favour. Jesus’ mission

Luke 4: Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. 33 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 34 ‘Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!’ 35 ‘Be quiet!’ Jesus said sternly. ‘Come out of him!’ Then the demon threw the man down

before them all and came out without injuring him. 36 All the people were amazed and said to each other, ‘What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!’ 37 And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area. 38 Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. 39 So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.

Jesus was being outrageous; he’d claimed to be the anointed one of God. The world’s rescuer. Fulfiller of ancient prophecies. Outrage! But no one could deny that… he taught with authority. v32

BANG! Public – in the synagogue. Man delivered from a demon. Private – mother of Simon. Jesus heals her. His actions backed up his claims. News travelled fast. This is not what religion was supposed to be like! Would have been buzzing…

Jesus has a vision bigger than himself. He’s not just after a following. He sees people burdened by sickness and evil. He longs for something better. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matt 9:36

So what’s the invitation? Leading people from where they are to somewhere better. An invitation into a relationship not a religion.

Jesus What does this invitation look like? One way…

Jesus Or another way…

Jesus said ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ John 14:6. Jesus wasn’t negotiating here. It’s the truth. Let’s be clear…

But… his follow me is about relationship. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ John 12: 32 This is Jesus’ mission and he continues today. Let’s be clear…

This changes how we think about our town. Changing the spiritual landscape becomes achievable. Jesus is already drawing people. We simply join in.

Who’s the invitation for? Who are the captives? Anyone who doesn’t know that God loves them. Our kindness, conversation and invitation are used by Jesus to build relationship with HIM.

Jesus didn’t go looking for the demonised. His presence drew them out. Jesus didn’t go looking for the sick. His presence drew them close. Public & private: relationship builder; invitation giver. Finding ways to love and serve our community. Finding ways of inviting people into a relationship with Jesus.

The distance between people and Jesus isn’t theological, social or cultural. It’s personal contact. When people’s lives collide with Jesus they are changed – and the world around them changes too.

Everywhere we go we have a spiritual impact. Pray for influence & insight. The invitation is in our hands. Relationship not religion. Belonging before believing. Community building outside the church as well as inside. Joining in with Jesus’ mission

Where does church fit in? Church: …you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood. 1 Peter 2:5 Sunday mornings: …an incredibly safe place to come and hear the dangerous message of Jesus. Dave Workman

Invitation to a changed life Next week: The rhythm of our lives as invitation givers