Scared of Being Left Out? What Jesus Would Say

Hey, Carpool Crew. Maybe you've been left out of a game or maybe your name didn't get invited to a party. It's okay. I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here today. Welcome to the first ever subscriber-only Saturday episode. Thanks so much for joining us, and thanks for being a subscriber. This month we're talking about: what would Jesus say about the things that scare us? And today's fear is one that stings. The fear of being left out. John 15:15 says this: 'I do not call you servants anymore because a servant doesn't know what his master is doing. I have called you friends because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my father.' When Jesus said this, he was talking to his disciples, the people who followed closely by him. And he wasn't just their teacher. He called them friends. He let them know about things of God, what God was saying, what God would want for them. You know, God, Jesus' father. And it wasn't because they were perfect. He didn't call them friends 'cause they were perfect. They were not perfect friends. But because he loved them deeply. That means you are not just someone in the crowd to Jesus. Jesus knows your name. He wants you close. See, if Jesus saw you sitting alone or watching another kid have fun without you, he might say, 'I know how that feels to be left out. But I want you to know that you matter to me. I chose you, and you're my friend.' Now, maybe someone at school didn't invite you to their birthday, or maybe your friend suddenly stopped talking to you. That hurts. But Jesus never leaves you out, and he knows how that feels. He always makes room for you at his table. He always has time for you. See, here's how you can live this out today. Say this truth out loud: 'Jesus calls me his friend.' Second, when you feel left out (and all of us do), ask him to remind you that you belong. Sometimes we all just need a reminder. 'Jesus, have you forgotten about me? Jesus, do you still see me? Do I still matter to you?' Lastly, look around. Is someone else feeling left out? Because you can include them. You know, if this is one of your fears, chances are it's someone else's fear too. So together, you can be there for one another, make a new friend, have a new conversation. Don't forget, Jesus will never leave you out, and he doesn't want you to leave others out either. No matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And parents, if you love today's episode, consider sharing the podcast with some friends. You see, this weekend we always wanna give parents the opportunity to have great discussions with their kid. Now, before you go, answer this question together. What's something kind you can do for someone who's feeling left out? I'll see you tomorrow on the Sunday episode, special for subscribers, on Carpooling with Jesus.