Day 29 of 50

READING GUIDE:

• Read today's devotion below and Matthew 8.
• During days 29-35 (at your own pace) read chapters 17 and 18 from Joining Jesus on His Mission.
• After days 29-35, meet with your small group and follow the back-of-the-book discussion guide for SESSION 5.

"When he [Jesus] came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him." (Matthew 8:1 ESV)

"When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him..." (Matthew 8:5a ESV)

"And when Jesus entered Peter's house..." (Matthew 8:14a ESV)

"And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him." (Matthew 8:23 ESV)

"And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him." (Matthew 8:28a ESV)

In chapter 17, Finke shares, "Remember how we said 53% of Americans have almost no one to talk to? There are reasons for that. And one of the reasons is that we can live within 20 feet of other people, and it's normal not to get to know each other. Recently I read that 30% of Americans know none of their neighbors." He later shares the idea of having a neighborhood party and we will get into that tomorrow and the next day.

For now, let's look at Jesus from Matthew 8. Look at the verses above. What do you see? 

I see Jesus always on the move and initiating contact with others. Now some made steps toward Him when they came within His vicinity, but He took the first relational step in making Himself present and available with people.

What do you learn from Jesus' example? What is He teaching you? Even before planning a party, how can you take a next step towards being present and available with your neighbors?