Uncommonनमूना

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot

Jesus was not typical. He wasn’t just a nice guy or philanthropist. He did not fit into a crowd. He was “of God.” His words and actions shook up the earth’s standard of survival. Jesus was uncommon, wholly set apart from this world.

Jesus did relationships differently. His relationship with people was not the status quo. Jesus was blessing prostitutes and tax collectors. He was giving leadership opportunities to grimy fishermen, the least likely candidates. Jesus stood up for the lost and the broken. Giving up His position, He took on the form of a servant to save all of us through the cross. He could see the beauty in seemingly awkward moments, such as a woman washing His feet with her hair. He wanted the children to come to Him, even when his disciples tried to shoo them away. Jesus always saw the potential for miracles throughout time and space as He walked the earth. Indeed how He viewed success was not the norm. “The last shall be first” would never be the ideological makeup of the world, especially today.

Our culture settles for common relationships and common love. We value ourselves over others. We groan at the idea of sacrifice and demand self-care days.

Jesus was and is so counter-cultural. Jesus was uncommonly loving, uncommonly serving, and uncommonly saving. He taught servitude over stature and sacrifice over self-gratification.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What are some specific examples of Jesus acting counter-cultural? (For some help, read Matthew 18:21-22)
2. What are some ways we could be counter-cultural for the sake of Christ?
3. How could you partner with the people in your Uncommon small group about being counter-cultural?