Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws
(Based on Adam Hamilton’s book by the same name.)
In the Gospel of Luke, we find stories of Jesus’ ministry with those on the outskirts of society. As we explore Jesus’ life through the stories in Luke, we’ll meet the ordinary, even unexpected, people who Jesus chose to be his friends and do his work – people who aren’t perfect, may be struggling, and don’t have their acts together – people just like us. During the season of Lent, come and meet these people. You may just see your own reflection in their eyes.
March 5 (Ash Wednesday)
Jesus and His Friends in Low Places
On this Ash Wednesday as we begin reading Luke to understand Jesus’ ministry and purpose, we remember how we are the people he dies for. We are among those he no longer calls servants, but friends. That is, friends in “low places” as Garth Brooks sings. So if you find yourself in a low place, you are in good company. Come receive the sign of ashes. Remember your sin and mortality. And know that Jesus calls you friend and came for you.
March 9
Why are we reading Jesus’ birth narrative as we enter Lent? Luke foreshadows this baby’s entire ministry and his purpose. He came to lift up the lowly. What does that mean? Who are the lowly? How did Jesus embody this in his birth? How did he fulfill this in his ministry?
Reflection Questions: Who would be considered the lowly in our society today? Name one way you could “lift up the lowly” in the next week. In what ways are you “the lowly”?
March 16
Jesus and the Women
Do you see this woman? That’s what Jesus asked Simon the Pharisee at his home. For centuries women have not been seen, invisible, considered unequal, underpaid, and taken advantage of. Yet Luke includes more women who are part of Jesus’ ministry than any other gospel writer. Do you notice them? They are disciples; they are examples; they are the healed; they are the providers.
Reflection Questions: In what ways are women still invisible or considered “less than” today? How could you open your eyes to see the women in your midst who are strong and indispensable as well as vulnerable and exploited?
March 23
Jesus and the Outcasts
Jesus told parables to teach those who wanted to learn from him. In many of those stories there is an unexpected twist and we are left wondering who the sinner and who the saint are. So it is with this parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector who go to the temple to pray. Who was the righteous and unrighteous person according to society? Who were those people in God’s eyes?
Reflection Questions: In what ways can you identify with each of these characters? How is God continuing to surprise you and reverse your expectations on who the sinners and saints are in this world?
March 30
Jesus and the Outsiders
Lepers. Samaritans. Samaritan Lepers. Children. All of these were considered outsiders. People without power. People who were shunned. Yet Jesus makes them a priority, welcomes them, spends time with them, heals them and even lifts them up as examples for the “insiders.” How might we do the same?
Reflection Questions: Who would you consider the outsiders today? When have you felt like an outsider and how did it feel? Did someone take the time to include you, listen, or make you feel welcome?
April 6
Jesus the Humble, Weeping, Angry King
In the final week of Jesus’ life he went through a lot of emotions knowing his death was inevitable. He humbly rides into Jerusalem and is treated as a celebrity. He weeps over Jerusalem and its looming destruction as well as what was to come for him. He becomes outraged by those who were taken advantage of in the temple. Finally he ends his last night teaching that true greatest means lowering your status and serving. This was a surprising new image of a King.
Reflection Questions: What emotions would you be going through if you were approaching the last week of your life? When are times you have been humble? Have wept over bad choices people have made? Have had righteous anger because other were being exploited?
April 13 (Passion Sunday)
Jesus and the Outlaws
Jesus was crucified between two outlaws. These were common criminals who were receiving punishment for their behavior. One was repentant of his behavior and pleads to be with Jesus. He turns to Jesus remorseful of his sin. The other continues his hate-filled rhetoric. He turns away from the Son of God. Only one is promised Paradise. We are all hanging on our own crosses for the sins we have committed. Which cross are you hanging on?
Reflection Question: Which criminal are you and why?
April 17 (Maundy Thursday)
Mary Magdalene at the Cross
Mary Magdalene has just witnessed Jesus’ death on the cross. Hear her thoughts and grief as she reminisces about her rabbi, teacher, and friend. What would have been your thoughts and feelings if you had witnessed Jesus’ death on the cross?
April 20 (Easter)
The Crucified and Resurrected Life
The resurrection of Christ changed everything for his disciples. Seeing Jesus raised from the dead lifted them up when they were low, grief-stricken, and fearful. Resurrection brought them joy instead of sorrow. It gave them hope in place of despair. It gave them peace and courage instead of fear. This is the crucified and resurrected life.
Reflection Questions: How would you describe the crucified and resurrected life? In what ways are you (or would you like to) live that kind of life? When you are feeling low, grief-stricken, and fearful, how does Jesus’ resurrection “change everything”?
April 27
The End (and the beginning) of the Story
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he commissioned and blessed them. Jesus’ ascension is the end of Luke’s story. But it’s just the beginning for Jesus’ disciples who worshipped him in the temple with overwhelming joy. Now their story begins. He records that in Acts. But we are to see ourselves in this story as well. How does our story begin now that we have mourned his death and celebrated his resurrection?
Reflection Questions: If Luke were to record your story of being Jesus’ disciples, what would the highlights and lowlights be? How important is worship to you in responding to what Jesus has done for you in his death and resurrection? What role does joy play in your life?
May 4
Youth Sunday