In this Beyond season, we’re asking a bold question: What if God wants to do more, in us, through us, and for us, than we’ve ever dared to imagine?

Key Takeaway

When you see what Jesus sees, you’ll feel what Jesus feels. And then you’ll do what Jesus did.

Throughout this series we are asking what it could look like for all of us to go BEYOND where we’ve been spiritually and let God work through us to make an impact in Journey City. Most of us would say that we care for others and want to help them, but often we don’t see the needs that are right in front of us.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus was driven by deep compassion for the people he met, taught, and healed. He didn’t just see their need, he felt how spiritually lost and physically broken they were. He knew that the harvest of people who needed him and would open their hearts to him was great, but that the workers were few.

This need is still present today, and his answer is the same now as it was then: pray for more of us who have experienced his love to see the need, feel compassion, and actively work to help make a difference. As a church our heart is to show compassion in Jesus’ name, more now than we ever have before.

The vision of BEYOND will take all of us, but God’s power in us can do infinitely more than we can imagine. Together, we will become the workers Jesus prayed for.

We will serve the broken and hurting and give generously of our resources to spread the Good News of Jesus throughout Journey City. When we let Jesus update our prescription we will be able to see what he sees, feel what he feels, and we will do what he does.

Pray

Prayer is our time to talk to God. Let this prayer inspire your conversations with God this week.

Dear God, we acknowledge that you have greater plans than what our limited vision allows us to see. You are great, and you have a vision for Journey City. So often we fail to acknowledge what you are truly capable of. Please forgive us for our shortsightedness. In our minds, we have limited what you can do, but we know that you are able to accomplish more than we could ever ask or think.

In Matthew 9:36 your word says that your son Jesus was filled with compassion for those who were hurting and helpless. We ask you to fill us with that same compassion. Thank you for continually reminding us of what true faith and love look like. Give us a deep desire to reach those who are in need of love and provide us with the same passion and mercy that Jesus demonstrated while he walked this earth. We love you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set from this weekend into your Slot and Spot and praise him for his compassion and will to work through you.

• I Can’t Help But Praise by Jordan Colle
• Mighty Name of Jesus by Hope Darst
• Set My Eyes by Michael Bethany

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

• Read Matthew 9:35-38
• Read Wide Open: Opening Our Lives to What God Wants to Do Through Us
• Watch – Compassion from Bible Project
• Listen – Matthew 9 from Through the Word

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your Slot and Spot/discussions with others.

When we see what Jesus sees, we’ll feel what Jesus feels. Then we’ll do what Jesus did.

• Where in your daily life is God inviting you to slow down and notice people more intentionally?
• What might be preventing you from feeling the compassion that Jesus felt for people who are hurting, lost, or struggling?
• Who in your life may need you to show up, serve, or speak hope the way Jesus did?

Read Matthew 9:35-38. Jesus spends his time teaching, announcing the good news, and healing.

• What may be keeping you from stepping into the role of being a worker in God’s field?
• In what ways could you teach others, spread the Good News, and bring healing to someone through your actions this week?

Going BEYOND where we’ve been won’t just change the way we see people; it will also shape the way we live. This includes how we practice generosity and partner with God in what he’s doing in our church and in Journey City.

• When you think about living a generous life, what comes to mind for you personally?
• What is holding you back from trusting God more deeply with your resources?
• As you pray about your commitment, what is God asking you to do to take your generosity BEYOND where it has been?

Next Steps

Compassion Weekend is when our whole church steps BEYOND our walls to serve Journey City. Grab your family or your J-Group and sign up to serve at one of our events.

The BEYOND Guide has resources for your Slot and Spot. Follow along each day this week and take time to reflect and respond to what God might be saying to you. Didn’t get a copy of the guide? Grab a digital version here: BEYOND Guide.