Transforming Encounters: The 40-Day Challenge (Luke)Sample

When Levi met Jesus, he immediately gave up everything to follow Him. He didn’t just finish his work early for that day, he quit his job and gave up everything he had worked for up to that point. All because he knew that Jesus had something much better for him. Shortly after his encounter with Jesus, Levi prepared a great feast, so that others could meet Jesus and make the same decision he had.

Jesus accepted the invitation to come to the feast. It was an opportunity to share the Good News of the Kingdom with those who needed to hear it most. It was the beginning of the evangelization that he would carry out throughout his life.

Just like Jesus, (and Levi), if we want to reach the lost, we must have contact with them.Jesus didn’t let social status mandate His relationships with people. He didn’t require people to change before following Him. He sought them out, met them where they were, regardless of their circumstances, and offered them grace.

Jesus showed us that we shouldn’t let cultural norms determine who we share the Good News with. The sick need a doctor, the lost sheep need a shepherd. Are we praying to the Lord of the harvest to send workers into the field? Are we willing to go ourselves? Are we willing to give up everything to follow and serve Jesus?

Think about how you decide who you will share the Good News about Jesus Christ with.