Over four weeks, we’re taking a closer look at what it means for us to grow as a Ready Church. At FBG, we describe that readiness in four simple ways: Focused, Faithful, Prepared, and Looking. We want to be focused on the promise of Jesus’ return, faithful in our relationship with Him, prepared to be used by God, and looking for the people He has placed in our path to help find and follow Jesus.  This week, week four, we looked at what it means to be "looking". 

Summary

This Sunday, Dr. Michael Sawyer walked us through Matthew 9:35-38 as we considered the fourth and final facet of what it means for us to be a Ready Church: looking to invite others into the family of God.

We learned that Jesus went from town to town teaching, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing the sick. At the heart of everything He did was deep compassion for people who were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Pastor Michael reminded us that this compassion is the “why” behind sharing the gospel.

This Sunday, we were challenged to look at the people God has placed around us with the same heart Jesus had for the crowds. Rather than seeing people as interruptions, problems, or projects, we were reminded to truly see them, care for them, and recognize the urgency of inviting them into the family of God.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today grateful for the gift of Your Word and for the church family You have placed us in. As we reflect on what we learned this Sunday and discuss what it means to invite others into Your family, soften our hearts and give us the compassion of Christ.

Lord, we do not want to simply talk about the gospel. We want to be moved by it. Holy Spirit, guide our conversation, show each of us what You want us to see, and give us the courage to respond faithfully. May everything we discuss bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Ice Breaker

Think of a time when someone noticed a need you had without you ever having to ask. What did that feel like, and who stepped in for you?

Key Verses

1. Matthew 9:35 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

2. Matthew 9:36 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

3. Matthew 9:37-38 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

4. Ephesians 3:16-19 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

Questions

1. This Sunday we learned that Jesus was moved by compassion when He looked at the crowds. What is the difference between seeing people with compassion and seeing them with judgment? Which posture do you tend to default to?

2. Jesus saw the people as “sheep without a shepherd,” people who were vulnerable and unable to guide themselves to safety. Who in your life comes to mind when you hear that description? What does that image stir in you?

3. Pastor Michael reminded us that we can sometimes disqualify ourselves from sharing the gospel because we feel we lack the right personality, theological knowledge, or background. What reason are you most likely to give yourself for staying quiet? How does Matthew 9 challenge that thinking?

4. Pastor Michael shared J.I. Packer’s reminder that faithful witness, rather than conversion results, is the measure of true evangelism. How does that change the way you think about your responsibility when sharing your faith?

5. Jesus told His disciples to pray before giving them a strategy for going into the harvest. Why do you think prayer came before action? What does that remind us about whose harvest this really is?

6. This Sunday we talked about three fears that can keep us from sharing the gospel: fear of rejection, fear of the cost, and fear of saying the wrong thing. Which one resonates most with you? What might faithfulness look like in the face of that fear?

7. We were reminded that inviting someone to church and sharing the gospel both matter, but they are not the same thing. How could those two things work together in your relationships with people who do not yet know Christ?

8. Pastor Michael challenged us not to wait until our church is “perfect” before inviting others. How can we be honest about the imperfections of any church while still confidently inviting someone into our FBG family?

Life Application

This week, ask God to place one specific person on your heart. Once a name comes to mind, commit to praying for that person each day.

Then take one tangible step toward them. It might be starting a conversation, sending a text, inviting them to church, sharing part of your story, or simply being present when they need someone.

Before the week ends, spend a few minutes reading Matthew 10 and notice how Jesus sent ordinary disciples into the harvest. Let their example encourage you to take your own faithful step toward someone God has placed in your life.

Key Takeaways

1. Compassion is the foundation of gospel outreach. This Sunday we saw that Jesus did not approach the crowds merely out of obligation or strategy. He saw them, cared for them, and was moved by their condition. Our desire to invite others into God’s family should flow from that same genuine love.

2. The harvest belongs to the Lord. We were reminded that our responsibility is faithful witness, not guaranteed results. When we pray and submit ourselves to the Lord of the harvest, we are freed from the pressure of changing someone’s heart. That work belongs to God.

3. God sends ordinary people. Jesus sent fishermen, tax collectors, and everyday disciples. We do not have to be theologians or gifted speakers to participate in His mission. God calls ordinary people like us to faithfully say yes.

4. Fear does not have to keep us silent. Jesus knew His disciples would face fear. Rather than pretending those fears were not real, He reminded them of God’s care and faithfulness. We can step into the harvest knowing we do not go alone.

5. A Ready Church looks outward. As an FBG family, part of being ready means noticing the people God has placed around us and looking for opportunities to invite them into His family. Meeting physical needs matters deeply, but we also want people to hear the good news of Jesus and have an opportunity to respond.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time together and for what You taught us through Your Word this Sunday. You looked at broken and wandering people with compassion, and we want to see people the way You do.

Forgive us for the times fear, comfort, distraction, or feelings of inadequacy have kept us from being faithful workers in Your harvest. Give us eyes to notice the people You have placed in our lives. Give us compassion to move toward them, courage to speak when You give us an opportunity, and wisdom to know what to say.

Help us trust You with the results. Make us a church that is ready, focused on Your return, faithful in our walk with You, prepared for every good work, and always looking for opportunities to invite others into Your family.

To You be all the glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.