One may ask, does the Gospel Message have to be interesting to people before they will listen to it?  There is an old saying about putting lipstick on a pig.  After doing so, you still have a pig.  The Gospel Message does not need to be “dressed up” for people to hear it.  It is simply a message of truth that needs to come out; but, there also needs to be an opportunity for that to happen.  The Apostle Paul said pointedly, how shall they hear unless someone tell them?  (Romans 10)  Perhaps we can suggest that Jesus demonstrated the answer to that question best of all.  He, in turn, taught his disciples how answer it through his presence in their daily life.

Jesus interested people in the Gospel Message by engaging them where they were.  He spoke to them in places of work, in their homes and as he traveled from one place to another, that is to say, ‘along the way.’  Jesus was never sedentary in his ministry.  True, he took time to be solitary and to pray.  He took time to be exclusively with his disciples.  Yet, he was active in his ministry to spread the good news of God’s Kingdom knowing that the plan of salvation was being worked out in a way that was seemingly hidden to the rest of the world at that time.  Jesus was focused on the ‘end-game’ of his crucifixion for the sake of our salvation.  Nevertheless, that never deterred him from engaging people almost daily.

The story of the Samaritan Woman at the well (John 4) provides an example of how Jesus broke down cultural barriers.  The story of the Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19) suggests that he was not afraid to speak the truth knowing that it may initially turn someone away.  We can only speculate that this young man eventually came to an understanding of what Jesus really wanted from him.  The story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19) suggests that Jesus was willing to spend time with anyone expressing interest in what he was doing.  Jesus never pushed anyone into accepting him as Lord and Savior.  Yet, he did challenge people to believe based on what they observed about his way of caring.  This is clearly displayed in the story of Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue. (Mark 5)  He had come to Jesus asking for his daughter to be healed.  As they were going to his house someone came stating that the daughter had died and not to “trouble the teacher any further.”  Hearing this, Jesus simply said to the man, “do not fear, only believe.” 

Jesus related to people as people and not as a “target audience.”  He had no ulterior motive other than drawing a person toward faith and belief.  His manner was not invasive; rather it was engaging and characterized by compassion, love and a willingness to listen; and, may it be suggested that he listened with his heart.  He has set the example for us today.  May we be willing to listen with our heart and may we always find ourselves active in our engagement of others with a good word that points to faith and belief in Jesus as the Risen Lord of our life.

Pastor David