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One Sunday morning Greg was struck by something his pastor said in his message. The pastor told the story of a woman who felt guilty whenever she saw homeless people begging on street corners. She always wondered why people did not take advantage of social agencies that could help the people and wondered why they did not take advantage of those services.
Greg's idea was to have a paper lunch sack filled with nonperishable food items, a bottle of water, toothbrush, and also include a prayer card with the names and contact information of social organizations on the back. Greg enthusiastically shared his idea with his Sunday school class. Someone in that class suggested calling the sacks, "Bags of Joy." When others in the church heard of Greg's idea they too wanted to join in. Some contributed money, while someone else went to the warehouse club to purchase a case of water bottles.
Before too long people from that church kept "Bags of Joy" in their cars. Whenever they saw someone out of the street asking for money, they would stop and present a "Bag of Joy." This project transformed the entire church -- they became more mission minded. The project was a success; Greg explains that "each bag is a gift of love given to Christ."
In our lesson, Jesus is dining at the home of a religious leader. Luke reports that the leaders were watching Jesus closely, perhaps hoping for something to criticize. Jesus told a parable for those who think too highly of themselves. His words continue to ring true for us, "For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." We live out our faith, as the hands and feet of Jesus in our community not to draw attention to ourselves but rather with Christ-like humility.
Greg's idea was to have a paper lunch sack filled with nonperishable food items, a bottle of water, toothbrush, and also include a prayer card with the names and contact information of social organizations on the back. Greg enthusiastically shared his idea with his Sunday school class. Someone in that class suggested calling the sacks, "Bags of Joy." When others in the church heard of Greg's idea they too wanted to join in. Some contributed money, while someone else went to the warehouse club to purchase a case of water bottles.
Before too long people from that church kept "Bags of Joy" in their cars. Whenever they saw someone out of the street asking for money, they would stop and present a "Bag of Joy." This project transformed the entire church -- they became more mission minded. The project was a success; Greg explains that "each bag is a gift of love given to Christ."
In our lesson, Jesus is dining at the home of a religious leader. Luke reports that the leaders were watching Jesus closely, perhaps hoping for something to criticize. Jesus told a parable for those who think too highly of themselves. His words continue to ring true for us, "For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." We live out our faith, as the hands and feet of Jesus in our community not to draw attention to ourselves but rather with Christ-like humility.
