Chapter 4: Everyone is Welcome

Chapter 4:  Everyone is Welcome

I am guessing at first thought, we would say this is true.  Is it?

Jesus’ disciples and others were critical of how Jesus would spend time with people that “he shouldn’t have been associating with.”  Jesus wasn’t patient with these people.  Read Luke 18:9-14.

 

Luke 18:9-14

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

What is it that Jesus got so mad?  Do you identify with either of characters or even both characters?

Are there times when you have felt unwelcome?  What was it like?

How welcoming is Ascension?  Is EVERYONE welcome? 

Can welcomes come with contingencies—like would be welcome to worship with us but not be in leadership.  They can be a guest but not a member?

Do you think God is leading us in a direction where all are truly welcome?  Is it possible that God is, even if we are not comfortable in that direction?