difference makers in the Kingdom

October 19, 2014

Love and Power in the Gospel of MatthewKingdom 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

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.

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

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

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

Greek vs. Hebrew thinking

Greek, linear:A – B – C – D - E – F – G

Hebrew, chiasmas, “thought-rhyme”:A

BC

DC’

B’A’

lost

Luke 15:3-6

lostfound

Luke 15:3-6

lostfound

joy

Luke 15:3-6

lostfound

joyhome

Luke 15:3-6

lostfound

joyhome

joy

Luke 15:3-6

lostfound

joyhome

joyfound

Luke 15:3-6

lostfound

joyhome

joyfound

lost

Luke 15:3-6

lostfound

joyhome

joyfound

lost

Luke 15:3-6

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