So, a couple weeks ago we looked at some of Jesus' most challenging teachings about the kingdom of God - you know, the ones about people being blessed if you're poor and hungry? And loving your enemies? And praying for people who hurt you? Yikes.
Well, yesterday we looked at just a few stories of how Jesus put those teachings into practice. He spent time with all kinds of people - definitely not just the perfect and normal ones.
To help us think about the kind of company Jesus kept, we listened to the Casting Crowns song, "Jesus, Friend of Sinners". Looking at the lyrics, there are several biblical references (and there are also things that get us thinking about our day and age, too).
Well, yesterday we looked at just a few stories of how Jesus put those teachings into practice. He spent time with all kinds of people - definitely not just the perfect and normal ones.
To help us think about the kind of company Jesus kept, we listened to the Casting Crowns song, "Jesus, Friend of Sinners". Looking at the lyrics, there are several biblical references (and there are also things that get us thinking about our day and age, too).
Here's the music video for the song, with the lyrics below. You'll notice there are several links embedded in the lyrics - those are links to Bible passages that connect with the lyrics (most of which our class read and discussed in small groups). In what ways does this song get you thinking? | |
"Jesus, Friend of Sinners" by Casting Crowns
(Click the green words for Scripture references!)
Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours
Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours
You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet
'Cause You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours
And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah...
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet
(Click the green words for Scripture references!)
Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours
Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours
You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet
'Cause You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours
And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah...
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet
Looking ahead...
We have no class next week (11/26). We will meet next on 12/3 and will be discussing session 12, "Jesus Is King".
Don't forget our trip to Sioux City Gospel Mission on Saturday 12/6. We'll meet at church at 9:00 a.m. and return by 2:00 p.m. Parents and mentors are encouraged to serve with us.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Don't forget our trip to Sioux City Gospel Mission on Saturday 12/6. We'll meet at church at 9:00 a.m. and return by 2:00 p.m. Parents and mentors are encouraged to serve with us.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!