“ THE MIRACLE OF GRACE ”
K E YQ U O T E S
• “The status quo would not heal her.”
• “Our call as followers is to see like Jesus and to move like Jesus. When we see someone in need, our call is to go to them and to help them.”
• “We honor the past, but we forget that the past was about change and growth.”
S C R I P T U R E
• Luke 13:10-17 (click on scripture to read online)
P O I N T ST OR E V I S I T
Last Sunday’s sermon focused on an account of Jesus healing a crippled woman on the Sabbath, and Jesus’ response to religious leaders who accused him of undermining the importance of Sabbath traditions by healing on that day. Glenn preached:
“Jesus rebukes them. He says, ‘Freeing her is no different than freeing your donkey or your ox so that they might have water to drink.’ Why would we not free her so that she could drink from the living water, the water that give us life?”
Glenn challenged us to be 'untied' from rigid traditions and freed to extend grace to others, just as Jesus did.
P
R
A Y E R
Lord, open my heart and mind to understand how I might be bound by traditions or rules that prevent me from fully sharing your grace with others. Help me to see others as you see them and give me the courage to extend your love freely. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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• How can traditions be both helpful and harmful in our faith journey? Have you ever relaxed or let go of a religious tradition or belief in order to grow?
• What 'status quo' in your life might God be calling you to challenge?
• What might help you to better 'see' people like Jesus did in this story?
• What prevents us from taking the initiative to extend grace to others in our daily lives?
• For children and families: What words would you use to describe Jesus? Talk together about why someone after reading today's Bible story might call Jesus a rule breaker.
LI F EA P P L I C A T I O N
Glenn asked us to be aware of the grace that we have received and to use that awareness to claim our freedom to change. This week, intentionally look for someone who appears to be struggling or in need of help. Make an effort to assist them, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone or breaking from your normal routine. Remember how Jesus saw the woman in need and acted without being asked.
E N D I N GP R A Y E R
Loving God, thank you for seeing us and freeing us through your grace. Help us to be people who notice others in need and respond with your love. Give us wisdom to know when to honor traditions and when to break free from rigid thinking that prevents us from serving others. Make us instruments of your grace in our daily lives. In Jesus' name, Amen
KINDNESSCHALLENGEFORKIDS
Thankfulness instead of complaining. This week when you feel like complaining think of something you have to be thankful for instead.
