Jesus consistently demonstrated that love was His first move, even when it wasn't deserved or carried risk. In John 8, when religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery to trap Him, Jesus created space by writing on the ground rather than reacting immediately. His profound response - that only those without sin should cast stones - revealed that none were worthy to condemn. Jesus didn't define the woman by her sin but offered forgiveness and a new beginning. This radical approach challenges us to love first in every situation, creating space for thoughtful response rather than emotional reaction.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

www.wesleymethodist.com

(CCLI streaming license 2009194)

In John 8:3-11, Jesus faces a trap when religious leaders bring a woman caught in adultery before him, presenting only two options: condemn her to death or disregard the law. Instead of choosing either extreme, Jesus demonstrates a third way by writing in the sand and challenging the accusers to examine their own hearts. His response diffuses the situation and offers the woman grace before accountability. This pattern reflects Jesus' broader mission - creating a third option beyond perfect obedience or death by taking our sins upon himself. As followers of Jesus, we're called to move beyond binary thinking, replacing judgment with compassion and extending grace to others just as we've received it. 

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

www.wesleymethodist.com

(CCLI streaming license 2009194)

Discover how Jesus saw beyond societal labels in his radical calling of Matthew, a despised tax collector. In first-century Jewish culture, tax collectors were considered traitors, corrupt collaborators with Roman oppressors, and were excluded from religious and social life. Yet Jesus approached Matthew's booth with a simple invitation: 'Follow me.' Matthew's response was immediate—he left everything behind to follow Jesus. His first act as a disciple was hosting a celebration, inviting fellow outcasts to meet the one who had accepted him unconditionally. When religious leaders criticized this association, Jesus explained his mission was precisely for those who knew they needed healing. This powerful encounter reveals the heart of Jesus' ministry and the nature of God's grace. Jesus didn't require Matthew to clean up his life before accepting him—he loved him first, and that love became the catalyst for transformation.By sharing meals with 'sinners,' Jesus made a radical statement in a culture where table fellowship represented intimate acceptance. This message challenges us to examine who we might be labeling, judging, or merely tolerating rather than truly welcoming. Are we seeing people as whole individuals created in God's image, or are we reducing them to political affiliations, social status, or past mistakes?The church is meant to be a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. Learn practical ways to move beyond labels and demonstrate Christ-like acceptance in your daily interactions.Discover how to create spaces where everyone feels not just tolerated but celebrated, following Jesus' example of loving first without conditions. This transformative approach to relationships reflects the radical, inclusive love that defines authentic Christian community and witness in our divided world.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

www.wesleymethodist.com

(CCLI streaming license 2009194)

Breaking Down Barriers at the Table | Jesus' Radical Approach to Love and Inclusion 

Discover how Jesus challenged social hierarchies by loving first without conditions. This message explores the powerful story from Luke 5 where Jesus calls Levi, a despised tax collector, to follow Him. Learn why tax collectors were considered social outcasts in first-century Jewish society and why Jesus' invitation was so revolutionary.

The story reveals how Levi immediately left everything behind—sacrificing wealth, security, and status—to follow Jesus. His first response was to host a banquet where Jesus ate with other social outcasts, making a profound statement about their worth in a culture where sharing meals signified deep acceptance.

When religious leaders criticized Jesus for associating with 'sinners,' His response turned their worldview upside down: He came for the sick, not the healthy; for sinners, not the righteous. This challenges us to examine our own tendencies to create divisions between who is worthy of love and who isn't.

This message addresses:

• Understanding Jesus' counter-cultural approach to love
• Why we create 'us vs. them' divisions
• How to identify our own prejudices and boundaries
• Practical ways to practice radical hospitality
• Moving beyond seeing people to actively including them

Jesus didn't wait for people to get their act together before loving them. He brought God's presence into the middle of their mess and erased the lines between 'us' and 'them.' As His followers, we're called to do the same.

Keywords: Jesus, love, inclusion, tax collectors, Levi, Matthew, radical hospitality, breaking barriers, Christian love, following Jesus, Luke 5, religious hypocrisy, grace, acceptance, Christian community, social outcasts, table fellowship, Christian discipleship, unconditional love, Jesus' ministry

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

www.wesleymethodist.com

(CCLI streaming license 2009194)

In Luke 13, Jesus encounters a woman bent over for 18 years, overlooked by society. While others in the synagogue barely noticed her, Jesus truly saw her - recognizing her full humanity and worth. This story challenges us to see beyond labels, biases, and agendas that prevent us from truly seeing others. When we put people first like Jesus did, we validate their existence and show them they matter. By practicing this kind of seeing, we participate in bringing God's kingdom to earth, creating communities where forgiveness, love, courage, welcome, and compassion flourish.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

www.wesleymethodist.com

(CCLI streaming license 2009194)

Jesus demonstrates a radical approach to love in Luke 13 by seeing, calling forward, and healing a woman who had been bent over for 18 years. While religious leaders objected to this healing on the Sabbath, Jesus challenged their priorities, emphasizing that compassion should triumph over rigid rules. This story reveals how Jesus prioritizes the overlooked and marginalized, reminding us that true faith is expressed through love rather than legalism. Jesus invites us to follow His example by truly seeing others beyond labels and categories, recognizing their inherent dignity as children of God.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

www.wesleymethodist.com

(CCLI streaming license 2009194)

Hello and welcome to Wesley Church's podcast of *That's a Good Question* where we invite and encourage questions that you have wanted to ask the church.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

www.wesleymethodist.com

(CCLI streaming license 2009194)

“He Washed Their Feet”

Scripture: John 13:1–17 (Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet)

Focus: Jesus loved through humility, even when misunderstood or rejected.

Big Idea: Love isn’t loud—it’s low. Jesus shows us the power of humble service.

Application: What small act of grace can you offer someone this week—especially someone hard to love?

WWJD Reimagined: Jesus wouldn’t seek power or applause—He would love first, even if no one noticed.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

www.wesleymethodist.com

(CCLI streaming license 2009194)

“He Washed Their Feet”

Scripture: John 13:1–17 (Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet)

Focus: Jesus loved through humility, even when misunderstood or rejected.

Big Idea: Love isn’t loud—it’s low. Jesus shows us the power of humble service.

Application: What small act of grace can you offer someone this week—especially someone hard to love?

WWJD Reimagined: Jesus wouldn’t seek power or applause—He would love first, even if no one noticed.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

www.wesleymethodist.com

(CCLI streaming license 2009194)

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

www.wesleymethodist.com

(CCLI streaming license 2009194)