From Fringe to Follower

  • Pastor Josh Smith
Have you ever felt like you’re on the fringes, unseen and unworthy? Discover how two lives, once bound by darkness and greed, were rewritten by an encounter with Jesus. Let’s explore how His transformative power can bring freedom and generosity into your life.

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From Fringe to Follower

Message Summary
Have you ever felt like you’re on the fringes, unseen and unworthy? Discover how two lives, once bound by darkness and greed, were rewritten by an encounter with Jesus. Let’s explore how His transformative power can bring freedom and generosity into your life.
Key Scripture
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
John 10:10 NLT
Additional Scriptures

5 Day Devotional

Day 1

Day 1: Encountering Jesus on the Fringe

Scripture: Luke 8:1-3 NLT

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.

Devotional: In a society where women and the marginalized were often overlooked, Jesus made a point to include them in His ministry. Mary Magdalene, once tormented by seven demons, found freedom and purpose in following Jesus. Her story reminds us that no one is too far gone for Jesus to reach. He sees those on the fringes and invites them into a life of purpose and generosity.

Response Questions:

  1. How does Jesus’ inclusion of women and marginalized individuals challenge societal norms?
  2. In what ways have you felt on the fringes, and how can Jesus’ example encourage you?
  3. How can you extend Jesus’ inclusive love to those around you?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for eyes to see those on the fringes and the courage to include them in your life.
  2. Ask God to reveal any areas of your life where you need His freedom and healing.

Day 2

Day 2: The Power of Transformation

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 NLT

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Devotional: Zacchaeus was a man known for his greed and deceit, yet a single encounter with Jesus transformed his life. His story illustrates the power of Jesus to rewrite our stories, turning greed into generosity and isolation into community. Zacchaeus’ willingness to make amends and give generously is a testament to the profound change Jesus can bring.

Response Questions:

  1. What does Zacchaeus’ transformation teach us about the power of Jesus’ presence?
  2. How can you apply Zacchaeus’ example of restitution and generosity in your own life?
  3. What areas of your life need transformation through an encounter with Jesus?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for a heart open to transformation and the courage to make necessary changes.
  2. Ask God to help you see opportunities for generosity and restitution in your life.

Day 3

Day 3: Freedom from Darkness

Scripture: John 20:1-18 NLT

Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed—for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. Then they went home. Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her. “Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”). “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message.

Devotional: Mary Magdalene’s journey from darkness to being the first to witness the resurrected Christ is a powerful testament to the freedom Jesus offers. Her story is a reminder that Jesus not only frees us from our past but also entrusts us with a future filled with purpose. Her encounter with the risen Lord is a call to recognize the new life and mission Jesus offers each of us.

Response Questions:

  1. How does Mary Magdalene’s story inspire you to seek freedom from your own past?
  2. What does it mean to you that Jesus chose Mary to be the first witness of His resurrection?
  3. How can you live out the new purpose Jesus has given you?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for the courage to embrace the freedom Jesus offers from past darkness.
  2. Ask God to reveal the new purpose and mission He has for your life.

Day 4

Day 4: Life and Life Abundantly

Scripture: John 10:7-10 NLT

So he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

Devotional: Jesus contrasts His purpose with that of the thief, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. In contrast, Jesus offers a rich and satisfying life, one that is abundant and full. This promise is not just for eternity but for the here and now. As we follow Jesus, we are invited to experience the fullness of life He offers, marked by peace, joy, and purpose.

Response Questions:

  1. How does understanding Jesus as the gate change your perspective on life?
  2. In what ways have you experienced the abundant life Jesus promises?
  3. How can you share this abundant life with others?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for a deeper understanding and experience of the abundant life Jesus offers.
  2. Ask God to help you be a conduit of His abundant life to those around you.

Day 5

Day 5: Generosity as a Response to Grace

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NLT

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

Devotional: Generosity is a natural response to the grace we have received from Jesus. As we recognize the depth of His love and the freedom He offers, our hearts are moved to give freely and cheerfully. This passage reminds us that God provides for our needs and blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. Our generosity is a reflection of His abundant grace in our lives.

Response Questions:

  1. How does understanding God’s provision encourage you to be generous?
  2. In what ways can you practice cheerful giving in your daily life?
  3. How does your generosity reflect the grace you have received from Jesus?

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray for a heart that is open to giving generously and cheerfully.
  2. Ask God to show you specific ways you can be a blessing to others through your generosity.

Group Leader Guide: Responding to the Message

Objective: Guide the group through a discussion that explores the themes of transformation, generosity, and freedom as presented in the sermon. Encourage personal reflection and practical application.

Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the discussion and open hearts to the message of transformation and generosity.

Discussion Questions and Context:

  1. How does Jesus’ inclusion of women and marginalized individuals challenge societal norms?
    • Context: The sermon highlighted how Jesus consistently included those on the fringes, such as Mary Magdalene, who was once tormented by demons. This inclusion challenges societal norms by showing that Jesus values every individual, regardless of their status or past. Discuss how this perspective can change the way we view and interact with those who are often overlooked in our communities.
  2. What does Zacchaeus’ transformation teach us about the power of Jesus’ presence?
    • Context: Zacchaeus, a notorious tax collector, experienced a radical transformation after encountering Jesus. His story illustrates that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus’ transformative power. Discuss how Zacchaeus’ willingness to make amends and his newfound generosity reflect the impact of Jesus’ presence in his life.
  3. How does Mary Magdalene’s story inspire you to seek freedom from your own past?
    • Context: Mary Magdalene’s journey from darkness to being the first to witness the resurrected Christ is a powerful testament to the freedom Jesus offers. Her story is a reminder that Jesus not only frees us from our past but also entrusts us with a future filled with purpose. Discuss how her story can inspire us to seek freedom and embrace the new life Jesus offers.
  4. In what ways have you experienced the abundant life Jesus promises?
    • Context: The sermon referenced John 10:10, where Jesus contrasts His purpose with that of the thief. Jesus offers a rich and satisfying life, one that is abundant and full. Discuss personal experiences of this abundant life and how it manifests in peace, joy, and purpose.
  5. How does your generosity reflect the grace you have received from Jesus?
    • Context: The sermon emphasized that generosity is a natural response to the grace we have received. As we recognize the depth of Jesus’ love and the freedom He offers, our hearts are moved to give freely and cheerfully. Discuss how your generosity can be a reflection of the grace you have experienced and how it can impact others.

Practical Application: Encourage group members to identify one practical way they can demonstrate generosity in the coming week. This could be through acts of kindness, financial giving, or offering their time and talents to serve others.

Closing Prayer: Conclude with a prayer asking God to help each group member embrace the transformation and generosity that comes from following Jesus. Pray for opportunities to share His love and grace with others.