REFLECTIONS FROM ▶ GREG'S MESSAGE ON 8/25/24
In a world where people often chase after temporary goals and fleeting desires, the life of Jesus shows us a different kind of passion—one that’s all about unconditional love and a strong commitment to others. Jesus' passion isn’t just about enthusiasm; it's about a deep, unwavering love for everyone that breaks down walls and draws people closer to God. It’s not exclusive or selective; it’s open and welcoming. Embracing this passion isn’t just for a select few—it’s an invitation for everyone to live a life that inspires others and spreads love and connection.
Understanding Jesus' Passion for People
Jesus lived with an intense love for people—all people. He always put individuals first, valuing them over rules and traditions. Whether it was the outcasts, the sick, or those struggling with life’s challenges, Jesus was always there, reaching out to those who needed it most. His passion wasn’t just a passing feeling; it was a deep, enduring love that moved him to take action, even when it wasn’t easy or convenient.
One of the clearest examples of Jesus’ love is his interactions with society's marginalized. He didn’t just acknowledge them—he sought them out. For instance, Jesus went out of his way to speak with the Samaritan woman at the well, breaking social and cultural norms. This wasn’t just about meeting her physical needs but addressing her deeper spiritual needs. Through this, Jesus showed his passion for people, proving that no one is beyond the reach of his love.
Think about your own life—how do you prioritize people? Are there individuals you might be overlooking who need your compassion? How can you better reflect Jesus’ inclusive love in your daily interactions?
Passion that Challenges the Norms
Jesus' passion often brought him into conflict with the established religious practices of his time. A striking example is when he cleared the temple of money changers, challenging the practices that had become obstacles for people genuinely seeking God. The temple, meant to be a place of prayer for everyone, had turned into a marketplace that excluded many. Jesus’ actions weren’t just about correcting a wrong; they were about showing his deep desire to remove anything that kept people from experiencing God's love.
This incident highlights a vital aspect of Jesus’ passion—it wasn’t passive; it was active and sometimes confrontational. Jesus wasn’t afraid to challenge systems that kept people away from God. His actions were a powerful statement against hypocrisy and injustice, showing that true love for God must always come with a love for people.
What barriers, intentional or not, might you have in your life that prevent others from experiencing your kindness and love? Are there ‘temples’ in your life that need clearing to make space for genuine connections?
A Healing Touch
In Matthew 8, Jesus’ encounter with a man suffering from leprosy reveals another side of his passion—his willingness to touch the untouchable. Leprosy was a feared disease that isolated individuals from their communities, leaving them lonely and hopeless. But Jesus broke social norms, reaching out with a healing touch. This act was more than just physical healing; it was a profound statement of love, acceptance, and restoring dignity.
By touching the leper, Jesus did what no one else would do. He acknowledged the man's humanity and his need for connection. This is the essence of Jesus' passion—it’s a love that heals, restores, and brings wholeness to every part of a person’s life.
Where in your life do you need to feel or offer a healing touch of compassion? Are there people around you who need a touch of kindness to feel valued and loved?
Living with a Passionate Purpose
If we want to follow Jesus' example, our lives should reflect a passion for people that goes beyond comfort and convenience. It means seeing the inherent worth in every person, breaking down barriers, and actively seeking meaningful connections. This kind of passion isn’t just about words or intentions; it’s about actions that show love and commitment.
Living with this passion means stepping out of our comfort zones to engage with people as they are. It means being willing to listen, understand, and empathize with others’ struggles. It’s about being a source of encouragement and hope, even when it’s tough. It requires being intentional in our relationships, building others up instead of tearing them down.
To live passionately like Jesus, we must also confront the issues in our own lives that prevent us from fully loving others. This might mean letting go of past hurts, addressing prejudices, or learning to forgive. It could mean developing habits of prayer and solitude, as Jesus did, to stay connected with God and his purpose for us.
How can you cultivate a passion for people in your daily interactions? What steps can you take to be more like Jesus in your relationships? Are there areas where you need to grow in empathy and understanding?
Embracing a Passionate Mission
Jesus’ passion for people wasn’t just about those around him; he sent his disciples out to share that love with the world. This mission wasn’t about force; it was about inviting others into the same love and relationship with God that Jesus demonstrated. To live a contagious life, we need to embrace Jesus' passion for us. Only when we understand and accept his love can we truly share it with others.
Do you believe that Jesus is passionate about you? How does this belief affect the way you live and interact with others? How can you better embrace and share Jesus’ love in your daily life?
Jesus’ passion for people is the essence of living a contagious life. It’s a passion that challenges, heals, connects, and sends. By embracing this passion, we draw closer to God and become a source of love and hope for those around us. In a world in desperate need of connection and compassion, let’s strive to be carriers of this love, spreading it wherever we go.
Remember, Jesus’ passion isn’t limited to a few—it’s extended to all of humanity. He invites us to join him in his mission of love, reaching out to those who are lost, hurting, or in need of hope. As we reflect on Jesus’ passion for people, may we be inspired to live out that passion in our own lives, becoming a beacon of light and love in a world that so desperately needs it.
As you think about Jesus' passion for people, how will you choose to embody this today? What practical steps can you take to make your love for others more evident and impactful?
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