1. difference makers in the Kingdom October 19, 2014

2. Love and Power in the Gospel of Matthew Kingdom workers: those who immerse themselves in the love and power of the King and intentionally work with the King to help others discover this love and power

3. Luke 15:1-7 ESV Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

4. Luke 15:1-7, Jesus eating with “sinners” and his story of the lost sheep

5. on Luke 15:1,2 “To understand what Jesus was doing in eating with ‘sinners’, it is important to realize that in the east, even today, to invite a man to a meal was an honour. It was an offer of peace, trust, brotherhood and forgiveness; in short, sharing a table meant sharing life…. The inclusion of sinners in the community of salvation, achieved in table fellowship, is the most meaningful expression of the redeeming love of God.” - Kenneth Bailey, Poet and Peasant, quoting Jeremias

6. Luke 15:1-7, Jesus eating with “sinners” and his story of the lost sheep

7. Greek vs. Hebrew thinking Greek, linear: A – B – C – D - E – F – G Hebrew, chiasmas, “thought-rhyme”: A B C D C’ B’ A’

8. lost Luke 15:3-6

9. lost found Luke 15:3-6

10. lost found joy Luke 15:3-6

11. lost found joy home Luke 15:3-6

12. lost found joy home joy Luke 15:3-6

13. lost found joy home joy found Luke 15:3-6

14. lost found joy home joy found lost Luke 15:3-6

15. lost found joy home joy found lost Luke 15:3-6

16. Kingdom workers: those who immerse themselves in the love and power of the King and intentionally work with the King to help others discover this love and power