Jesus was compelled by a greater joy, greater than having friends, than building his movement, greater than full pews and vibrant programs. This greater joy was the joy of what was lost being found again, of the lost one coming home. He saw the world as lost. Jesus knew he had come to seek and save the lost and so, everywhere he went, in every way he could, he extended the invitation to everyone, “come home.”

How was Jesus moved by Joy?

• invested disproportionate energy in seeking outsiders

• served humbly, skillfully, giving of himself

• invited others to imagine his joy and to share in it

So what does it mean for us to be a place of belonging in Jesus’ name?

• a disproportionate amount of energy will have to be invested in others, especially outsiders

• a greater level of humility and service will have to be shared by all

• a greater imagination of heaven’s joy will have to be grasped