The message I gave this past Sunday was titled “Following Jesus into Community.”  In case you could use a refresher…

I based the first half of my message on three passages found in Matthew’s Gospel. These passages highlight the importance of Jesus’ followers (1) taking the initiative to reconcile when a relationship with someone in the church is fractured (Matthew 5:21ff…), (2) being careful to not be judgmental of others’ opinions and convictions (Matthew 7:1fff…), and (3) being willing to hold fellow Jesus-followers accountable when they stray into rebellion. (Matthew 18:15ff…)

The second half of the message emphasized the particulars of Jesus’ own life “in community” as He walked His way through first century Palestine. I simply observed that He mostly avoided the larger, opulent, showy cities designed and built by Herod the Great, choosing to spend the bulk of His time in the smaller communities of Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Chorazin, where people lived “up close and personal.”

I was satisfied that the call to community from Matthew’s stories and from Jesus’ life was compelling and ended the message with an exhortation to find community in one of our church’s small groups.

But something about that message wasn’t setting well with me, almost from the moment I closed in prayer. That sense of incompleteness was validated by comments from a member I highly respect who told me that they are a part of a small group, but that they find “community” as much in the teams they serve with as they do in the small group setting.

I have reflected on those comments over this week. They have resonated with me, to the point that I’d like you to consider this short devotional the continuation of Sunday’s message.

When my friend told me that they have found community in serving Jesus with friends, I realized what a profoundly biblical comment it was. It has been my experience, too, that I find great connection and community with those with whom I serve.

My mind eventually turned to Paul’s letter to the Romans. That theological masterpiece ends on a relational high note, as in the last chapter, Paul sends his greetings to a long list of twenty-seven men and women, by name.

Today, you and I don’t recognize most of these names, but the people behind the names meant enough to Paul that he singled them out for special recognition as his “fellow workers” (vv. 3, 9, 11), “beloved” (vv. 5, 8), one who has “worked hard” (v. 6), “fellow prisoners” (v. 7), and “the approved” (v. 10).

All of these are people for whom Paul obviously had great affection. And the terms he uses to greet them suggest to me that he appreciated them because of their partnership in serving Jesus together, often at risk and sacrifice. And, yes, his terms of endearment speak of community.

There is no doubt that a sense of community develops as we meet in small groups for study, prayer, and care. And I truly hope that more and more of us find supportive community in these groups.

But, as Paul’s monster list in Romans 16 demonstrates, serving Jesus together also builds community.

Community – that sense that we are in this great mission together; the joy that comes from serving a transcendent purpose in Jesus together; the thrill that comes from sacrificing time and energy together for Jesus – is breaking out in our church among those who lead us in worship on Sundays, who serve children and babies, who lead our ESL ministry, who serve youth, who are involved in the Food Pantry, who  serve as Elders and as Deacons, who serve by promoting Missions, who have recently launched unleashing initiatives – and more.

Friends, the experience of community is part of your birthright as a Jesus-follower. Follow Him into community through any of the varied and multi-faceted pathways He has provided.

Yours…His,

Dave