PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 12:1-21

What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?

“Whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Matthew 12:30)
These words are spoken about the religious leaders.
They were not gathering, they were driving people away.
“You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.” (Matthew 23:13)
They were breaking the bruised reeds, snuffing out the smoldering.
Jesus did not come to drive people away, or make it hard to come.
Jesus came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10).
Jesus is in gathering mode, and is still doing the same today.
He gathered an eclectic bunch of disciples, and sent them to do the same.
Too often in history the church has followed the pharisees.
It continues to be a risk for Christians today.
Is my way of being a Jesus follower gathering or scattering?
Is how I express my faith, or my beliefs, winsome or repellant?
Jesus attracted sinners, seekers and strugglers… do I?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, may I not be a hindrance to sinners, seekers and strugglers. I want to gather with you!