"Pit Stop for JP"

“Jesus Priority One: The Lost Sheep”  
Often the church becomes an institution who’s focus in on caring for the “flock” or congregation. The Pharisees had this type of thinking. They stressed the laws which protected the insiders and kept the rift raff out. Jesus lives with an urgent and focused desire to reach the “one” who lived outside of relationship with God.  
Luke 15:1-7(the one lost sheep is the focus),
Mark 2:13-17 (I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners)  
Luke 10:1-12 (Sheep among wolves)

“Jesus’ Priority Two: The Kingdom of God”
Jesus speaks much about the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. He speaks of that kingdom already existing in the life of the believer and the church. At the same time the kingdom is merely breaking in. We await the day when God’s kingdom will come in full. The way to be ready for “kingdom come” is to live each day for the King.  Matthew 24, Luke 17:20-18:8 , Luke 12:35-48 “Be dressed and ready.”

“Jesus Priority Three: Economic Justice”
Jesus talks more about money than sexuality or any other ethical topic. Jesus knows that where our money is there our heart will be also. He calls us to share his heart for the poor and to guard our heart from love of money.
Luke 4:14-21 Jesus’ first sermon begins with “good news to the poor”, 
Luke 6:17-26, (blessed are the poor, the rich have received their reward) 
Luke 12:1321 (The rich fool stumbles because he holds tight to his wealth) 
Luke 19:1-10 (Zacchaeus gives Jesus run of his table and gives to the poor) 
Luke 16:19-31 (The rich man and Lazarus- do we give the poor our crumbs?) 
Matthew 6:19-21 Where your money is there your heart will be also.

“Jesus Priority Four: The Unity of the Church” 
Jesus valued the unity of his body. While each church has a particular call to be missionaries in a particular place we are called to be united in our mission, building each other up in love, supporting each other, rejoicing together and bearing one another’s burdens. 
John 17:20-26 Jesus’ last words before his arrest, “Father, I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…”