Early Church
o Where Deacons come from
o Apostles’ saw need for those to serve others
§ Couldn’t take care of their own
§ Made sure had others to do so for them
Old Testament
· Widows and Orphans have been important since OT
§ Note this comes right after law on “resident alien”
§ God described as the one who helps the helpless
o Widows and Orphans could not take care of themselves
§ Sign that we need to help one another
o Deut. 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18
§ Quoted by Jesus in Matt 22:37-39
§ Summary of the 10 Commandments
§ Sign that loving God means loving our neighbor
Jesus’ Ministry
· Made up in two parts
1. Teachings
a. Parables- stories
b. Sermons and Explanations
2. Healings
· Helping others- could see as Outreach
· What Jesus was primarily sought out to do by others
· Justice or Jesus?
o We chose Jesus, but in choosing Jesus, choose Justice
o Called to help others as Jesus did
§ Jesus showed His love for us on the cross
§ We in turn, show that love to others
§ Outreach is one tool we use to do so.