They are only welcoming a human messenger

They are welcoming Jesus only if the person is impressive

They are doing something separate from Jesus

Welcome them as someone through whom Jesus is making himself known

Treat them kindly, but keep their message at arm's length

Receive them only after they prove they are useful

Focus on Jesus privately and ignore the person he sent

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and lived apart from you. I turn from my sin and ask you to forgive me. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I receive you as my Lord, and I trust the One who sent you. Come into my life and lead me from this day forward. Amen.

Receive the One Sent by God

Lord, wake up your Church to receive you where you come to us. Break our pride, suspicion, and spiritual dullness. Make us quick to welcome those you send, eager to honor your voice, and ready to meet you in them. Renew our love for your mission in the world, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Renew Our Welcome

Lord, make me ready to receive the people you send. Save me from suspicion, pride, and indifference. Teach me to welcome them with a listening heart, because receiving them is a way of receiving you. Shape my home, my words, and my time for this, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Open My Heart to Receive

Pray by naming one person who may be coming with Jesus' message. Ask God for humility, attention, and a willingness to respond as if you were receiving Jesus himself. Then ask for one practical step you can take today.

How to Welcome Well

Pray for missionaries, pastors, teachers, friends, and ordinary believers who carry the message of Jesus. Ask God to give them courage, favor, protection, and open doors where they are sent.

For Those You Send

Thank God for the people through whom you first heard the message of Jesus. Give thanks for their faithfulness, their welcome, and the way Christ met you through them.

Thank You for Meeting Me Through Others

ἀμὴν{a-MEEN###ah-MEEN###truly} ἀμὴν{a-MEEN###ah-MEEN###truly} λέγω{LE-go###LEH-goh###I say} ὑμῖν,{hee-MEEN###hee-MEEN###to you} ὁ{ho###hoh###whoever} λαμβάνων{lam-VA-non###lahm-VA-nohn###receives} ⸀ἄν{AN###AHN###if} τινα{ti-na###TEE-nah###anyone} πέμψω{PEM-pso###PEHM-psoh###I send} ἐμὲ{e-ME###eh-MEH###me} λαμβάνει,{lam-VA-nee###lahm-VA-nee###receives} ὁ{ho###hoh###whoever} δὲ{DE###DEH###and} ἐμὲ{e-ME###eh-MEH###me} λαμβάνων{lam-VA-non###lahm-VA-nohn###receives} λαμβάνει{lam-VA-nee###lahm-VA-nee###receives} τὸν{TON###TOHN###the one who} πέμψαντά{pem-psan-TA###pehm-psahn-TAH###sent} με.{me###meh###me}

John 13:20 — FormalTAB

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