11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas.[a] ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’´14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ 15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. 16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ 17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ 18 “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ 19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’ 20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’ 24 “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25 “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ 26 “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27 But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’

​Imagine for a moment that you are a servant entrusted with a precious treasure, a "mina." In the ancient Greek world, the word mina (uva) referred to a unit of weight, a measure of value. Yet, in Luke 19, Jesus uses this term to represent the very resources God entrusts to each of us: our time, our talents, our relationships, and our experiences. Today's parable of the ten minas challenges us to consider how we have invested these gifts in the service of God's kingdom, especially as we approach the later seasons of our lives.
 
In this story, a master, preparing to embark on a long journey, entrusts his servants with minas and instructs them to do business until his return. When the master comes back, he calls for an account of how each servant has invested what was given to them. The expectation is clear: faithful stewardship is not a matter of size or grandeur, but of heart and intent. This message resonates deeply for us, particularly for our seniors who have spent a lifetime accumulating wisdom, nurturing relationships, and experiencing both the joys and challenges of life.
 
Consider the story of Mrs. Thompson, a beloved member of our congregation. Despite her advancing years, she noticed that her neighbor was struggling with daily tasks and the isolation that can come with age. With a compassionate heart, Mrs. Thompson began spending her afternoons helping, mowing the neighbor's lawn, tidying up the garden, and simply sitting down for a chat over a cup of tea. In these seemingly small acts, she was investing her "mina" for the kingdom, opening doors to genuine conversation about hope and faith. Her willingness to serve not only alleviated a burden but also sparked a connection that led her neighbor to inquire about the source of her boundless compassion.
 
We also find a powerful example in the life of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. Wesley was not a man of grandiose gestures but of humble, persistent service. Riding through rugged terrain on horseback, he visited the sick, the poor, and the imprisoned. His journeys were not measured by the distances traveled, but by the depth of compassion he poured into every encounter. Wesley believed that every act, no matter how modest, was a way to manifest the love of Christ. His life reminds us that faithful stewardship is an everyday calling, a series of small yet significant investments in the lives of others.
 
The Greek term mina carries with it the sense of weight and worth. In the parable, it is a symbol for the gifts and opportunities that God has so graciously given us. These are not to be hoarded or wasted but multiplied through acts of loving service. God's expectation is not that we all become extraordinary heroes in the public eye, but that we, like the servants in the parable, do what we can with what we have been given. Whether it is the kindness in a smile, the warmth of a shared meal, or the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime of experience, every act of compassion can open doors to the gospel.
 
As we reflect on this story, I invite you, especially our seniors, to consider how you might finish well. What practical step can you take this week to invest your "mina" for God's kingdom? Perhaps it is a commitment to reach out to a neighbor, to mentor a younger friend, or to share your personal journey of faith with someone who needs hope. I encourage you to choose one specific goal for relational evangelism. Then, share this goal with a trusted friend or mentor who can encourage you and hold you accountable. Remember, it is through these humble acts of love that we leave a legacy of faith, echoing the compassionate footsteps of those who have gone before us.
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In closing, let us embrace the call to be faithful stewards. May we see every resource in our lives as an opportunity to serve and to share the transformative love of Christ. And as we go forth, may our lives, like Mrs. Thompson's and John Wesley's, be a testimony to the enduring power of compassion-a beacon of hope that points others to the grace of our Savior.
 
Lord, we ask that You empower us with the same spirit of faithful stewardship demonstrated by John Wesley and the early Methodists. Help us to see the opportunities in every act of compassion and every conversation where Your love can shine through. As we go forth, may we commit to one practical goal for relational evangelism, serving others with the same passion and dedication that You have shown to us.
 
Guide our steps, fill our hearts with courage, and remind us that even the smallest act of kindness can open doors to the gospel. Strengthen us, Lord, so that we may finish well, investing our lives in the work of Your kingdom and leaving a legacy of love, hope, and grace.

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” 25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. 

​It was a warm afternoon when two weary travelers found themselves on a dusty road heading toward Emmaus. Their hearts were heavy, burdened by sorrow and confusion after the events that had rocked their world. They had left Jerusalem, their eyes downcast and their minds troubled, not expecting that the day would bring an encounter that would change everything.
 
As they walked, one of the disciples, whose heart was still raw from loss, wondered aloud about the recent events. The other listened, nodding in quiet agreement. Little did they know, the one they had been discussing-Jesus, whose life had been shattered on the cross-was walking right beside them. In Greek, the verb peripateo is used for "walking," a term that goes far beyond the simple act of moving from one place to another. It signifies a journey-a process of learning, transforming, and growing. And so, even though their eyes did not recognize Him, Jesus was there, sharing the same road, the same journey.
 
Along the way, Jesus began to engage them in conversation. He asked them about their struggles and their disappointments, gently inviting them to share their inner thoughts. With patient care, He started to explain the Scriptures. The disciples listened as He unraveled the mysteries of the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms. In explaining, or hermeneuo in Greek, Jesus did not merely recite passages; He brought them to life, connecting the ancient words to the events they had witnessed. His interpretation was filled with warmth, clarity, and the promise of hope.
 
One moment stands out vividly-a moment when the disciples recalled their memories of Jesus. They remembered how He always listened intently, how He walked with them side by side, embodying a relationship that was more than just teacher and student. In Greek, the word akoloutheo means "to follow." It captures the intimacy of that bond-the trust that grows when you walk with someone, share your burdens, and discover truth together. Jesus wasn't distant or aloof; He was right there, guiding them not from above but from alongside them.
 
This relational approach to discipleship has echoes in the rich heritage of Methodism. I recall a story from the life of John Wesley, the great Methodist pioneer. Wesley was not known merely as a preacher from a pulpit; he was known as a man who walked the same roads as his fellow believers. On countless occasions, he would travel on foot or horseback, mingling with ordinary people on their daily journeys. There's a beloved anecdote about Wesley walking alongside a group of laborers after a long day's work. Instead of commanding or preaching from a distance, he sat among them, listened to their struggles, and shared his own trials and triumphs. His presence, much like that of Jesus on the road to Emmaus, broke down barriers and made the gospel accessible in the most human way possible.
 
As you listen to this story, I invite you to reflect on your own journey. Perhaps you have experienced moments when you needed someone to walk with you-someone who listened without judgment and pointed you to the hope found in Scripture. Now, imagine yourself as that companion. Whether you are a seasoned believer or just beginning to understand your walk with God, there is a calling to walk with others. In our daily lives, we have opportunities to mentor a younger believer, to sit down with a seeker who is searching for truth, or simply to offer a kind word to someone burdened by life's challenges.
 
Consider this: every step taken together on this journey is an act of relational evangelism. When we choose to walk with someone, to listen to their story, and to share our own experiences of faith, we embody the gentle, compassionate ministry of Jesus. We become living testimonies of His transforming power. Your journey, your walk with God, is not meant to be solitary. It is meant to be shared. Just as Jesus revealed Himself on the road to Emmaus through conversation, so too can we reveal the light of Christ by walking beside those in need.
 
Let this story inspire you as you step into the new year. Whether you choose to walk with a neighbor, mentor a young person, or simply offer your time to listen, remember that in every act of companionship, you are sharing the love of Jesus. Embrace the call to walk with others, knowing that every step you take together is a step toward healing, hope, and the Kingdom of God.
 
May we all find the courage to walk with Jesus on every road, and may our lives reflect the gentle. transforming power of His love.

​1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Imagine a quiet hillside at dawn, where a gentle shepherd tends his flock. In the soft light of early morning, every sheep is accounted for, but one is missing. This is the heart of Jesus’ parable in Luke 15, a story that speaks directly to our souls. Jesus tells us about a shepherd who, upon realizing that one of his one hundred sheep is lost--ἀπολωλός (apololós) in Greek, meaning not merely misplaced but completely separated from its flock, leaves the ninety-nine in safety to search for that one. This shepherd’s heart mirrors that of our Savior, whose relentless love seeks out each person who has strayed.
 
In the original Greek, the act of finding is described by the word εὑρίσκω (heurískō). This isn’t a matter of mere chance; it is a deliberate, determined pursuit. Picture the shepherd leaving behind the comfort and security of his flock to wander through rugged terrain, calling softly for the missing sheep. It is an act of love so profound that it defies the natural order. When the lost sheep is finally found, the shepherd’s response is not one of relief alone but of exuberant celebration χαίρω (chaírō), to rejoice wholeheartedly. In heaven, this very joy is multiplied, for Jesus tells us there is more joy over one sinner who repents- μετανοέω (metanoéō) than over ninety-nine who do not need saving.
 
This parable is not just a story about a shepherd and his sheep. It is a mirror reflecting the heart of God toward each of us. Every person, regardless of how lost or disconnected they may feel, holds an immeasurable value in the eyes of our Creator. I remember a story about an elderly neighbor, Mr. Jenkins, who lived alone on the edge of our community. For years, Mr. Jenkins had felt abandoned, as if he were a lost sheep wandering without purpose. Then one day, a young volunteer from a local outreach program knocked on his door. This volunteer wasn’t a prominent community leader or someone with an impressive resume; she was simply a person who cared enough to reach out. That single act of compassion transformed Mr. Jenkins' life. Over time, he began to share his renewed hope with others in the neighborhood. Like the shepherd in the parable, the volunteer showed that one person’s genuine concern could illuminate the darkness, restoring a sense of belonging and worth.
 
I, too, have experienced this kind of personal connection. There was a time when a dear friend, who had drifted away from the church after many hardships, reconnected with me over a shared cup of coffee. It wasn’t a grand, orchestrated event, just a simple conversation where we both opened our hearts. In that moment, I saw the truth of Jesus’ words: it is through individual, heartfelt interactions that we truly experience the love of Christ. That friend’s journey back to faith was not the result of mass evangelism, but rather the gentle, persistent care of one person who believed that every individual matters.
 
This is the essence of relational evangelism. Many of us have the wisdom of years and the experience of life’s ups and downs. Our stories, much like the lost sheep, carry the potential to change lives. It is not about reaching thousands at once but about nurturing one meaningful connection at a time. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, has the power to reveal God’s relentless love. When you share your story, your struggles, your triumphs, and the undeniable presence of God in your life, you become that joyful herald of the Good Shepherd’s work.
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John Wesley’s legacy offers a profound example of what it means to pursue the lost with relentless love. In his circuit riding ministry, Wesley tirelessly journeyed from town to town, reaching out to those marginalized by society. His approach was not marked by grand gestures but by simple, genuine acts of compassion, walking alongside people, listening to their stories, and sharing the transformative message of God’s grace. Wesley believed that every soul is precious and that personal evangelism starts with individual, heartfelt connections, much like the shepherd in our parable who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep.
 
Wesleyan theology reinforces this approach through foundational concepts like prevenient grace, which assures us that God's grace is already at work in every person, drawing them toward a relationship with Him. This theology calls for personal holiness that naturally extends into social outreach. It reminds us that living a holy life involves more than personal devotion; it is about reaching out to others in their time of need. Inspired by John Wesley’s example, we are encouraged to invest in relationships, reaching out with compassion and determination. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, echoes the love of the Good Shepherd and contributes to the joy in heaven over one restored soul.
 
Now, consider this: this week, take a moment to reflect on someone you know, a neighbor, a family member, or even an acquaintance who seems to be wandering without direction. Pray that God would open your eyes to opportunities for connection. Commit to reaching out, however small the gesture may seem. Invite them for a conversation, share a meal, or simply be a listening ear. In doing so, you are not just extending kindness; you are actively participating in the heavenly celebration of one life returned to the fold.
 
Jesus’ parable teaches us that every person matters. The shepherd’s determination, his willingness to leave the safety of his flock for one lost sheep, exemplifies the nature of God’s love for each one of us. It challenges us to move beyond large-scale efforts and instead focus on the power of one-on-one relationships. Every individual you encounter is a potential spark that can ignite the transformative love of Christ in a life that has been wandering.
 
So let us leave today with a renewed sense of purpose. Embrace the simple yet profound truth that every person is precious to God. Let your life be a living testimony of His relentless compassion. Remember that the joy in heaven over one restored soul is a celebration that echoes into eternity. May you find the courage and inspiration to be that guiding light for someone who is still searching, and may your every act of kindness reflect the boundless love of our Savior.