LOVING THE LOST
Matthew 27:39-42
Jesus had committed his entire life to seeking and saving the lost.
At this point here, the eternal salvation of mankind was at hand and at stake.
At this point Jesus faced taunts, jeers, mockery and insults.
At this point Jesus had a decision to make - stick to his commitment to the lost or bring himself down from the cross to get back at his mockers.
At this point Jesus' love for the lost was severely tested.
At this point one thing became clear: Jesus would not allow even the threat of death to separate him from his love for the lost.
Romans 9:1-4
Paul was willing to pay the ultimate price for his people, the Israelites, to get saved - lose his own salvation. He felt strongly about their lostness.
Q. You know about the lostness of many, but how strongly do you feel about it and for them?
Q. What will you give up in order to win the lost?
1. THE LOST ARE HURTING
Matthew 9:20-22
This woman had been hurting for 12 years.
Non-Christians are hurting. We all are hurting.
How do we get to the point of feeling for people's hurts? You must get close to them, get to know them, and open up with them about your own hurts.
You'll only know how badly people are hurting when you win their trust and they open up to you.
Hebrews 4:12,13
The Bible does what it is designed to do. It identifies and exposes sin. How much do you love people(?) - to the extent that you open up the Bible with them, ex. Mark 10:21,22 Jesus loved this man by telling him the biblical and spiritual truth about his life and heart.
2. THE LOST NEED COMPASSION
Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus helped all sorts of people become Christians - tax collectors, fishermen, Pharisees, etc. How was he so effective? Why was Jesus constantly travelling form town to town? Why would Jesus pray with loud cries and tears? Why did Jesus put up with constant opposition and persecution, questions about his authenticity and threats to his life? Because he had compassion.
Q. Are you acting out of compassion or compulsion? Do you reach out to people because you want to or because you have been told to?
There are three types of disciples - those who:
i. Never share their faith. This shows lack of appreciation for their salvation, and they will soon fall away.
ii. Share their faith out of duty only. These people do not hang in their with non-Christians who are having a hard time becoming disciples, but give up quickly on them instead. These people are also inconsistent in sharing their faith, and when they are fruitful, they do little to help the young Christian remain strong. These people want to study the Bible only with those who are quick and easy to convert.
iii. Share their faith out of compassion. These may not always be fruitful but they are constantly using available opportunities to reach out to people. They do this joyfully and gladly make sacrifices of time and effort in order to help non-disciples become Christians.
As you are a disciple because someone was compassionate enough to reach out to you, so you need to extend the same to those around you.