Seeing that today is the autumnal equinox (when astronomers start calling it fall), I suppose I’m late on wrapping up the evangeism series I started this summer. But, since school is in session, a lesson on outreach is a good thing to post now too.
Jesus’ own method for evangelism
by David Sellnow
Jesus himself provided a model for how to share spiritual thoughts and gospel hope with others. It was when he met a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in Sychar. [See the Bible record of this in John 4:3-26.]
There are several things to notice about what Jesus did in witnessing to that woman.
He did not let barriers get in his way (John 4:4-8).
The people of Judea and Galilee despised the people in the territory of Samaria that lay between them. They would travel miles out of their way to go the long way around and not travel through Samaria. Jesus didn’t do that. He went straight through Samaria, traveling in a direct line, willing to meet anyone where they might be in life.
We can do the same—we can step outside our usual comfort zones, break the ice with neighbors and acquaintances, even be a little intrusive (but in a nice way)—like Jesus asking the woman if she would draw a drink from the well also for him. (That was huge, because of the cultural tensions between Jews and Samaritans, and even common rules for interactions between men and women in those days.)
Don’t be afraid to speak of spiritual things (John 4:9-14).
Jesus and that woman spent some time talking about the cultural taboos he was breaking. She asked him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” Jesus answered in a way that moved toward water as a picture of something bigger, eventually saying he could offer living water that leads to eternal life. Honestly, it may have been a segue that confused her, but it piqued her interest.
Our own conversations with others may end up somewhat awkward sometimes too, and that’s okay. If it’s clear our intentions are heartfelt and meaningful, we’ll build better bridges with people than if we have some tightly scripted formula we follow and try to make them listen to our speeches. It’s better to have conversations, to listen and respond.
Be bold enough to speak of sin and struggles (John 4:15-18).
Jesus took the conversation in a direction that got at the reason why this woman had come to the well at a time when no one else was there. She was an outcast in town because her marital/relationship situation was, shall we say, complicated. Jesus had more than powers of perception, of course. As God come down from heaven, he knew the woman’s life situation before she had said anything about it.
We don’t have divine powers to know in advance what people are dealing with or struggling through. But we can be perceptive. We can ask people how they’re doing. We can be open and non-judgmental. We can be good listeners. We can take time for people to trust us, so that we can talk together about difficult things.
Don’t major on minor issues (John 4:19-24).
As soon as the woman realized Jesus had some sort of ability to see things, that he was some sort of prophet, she started debating religious differences. She said, “Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain [in Samaria], but you [Jews] say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus didn’t dwell on that peripheral topic. He emphasized that worship goes beyond places and spaces, saying the time had come when “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth,” for “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
We needn’t feel ready to delve into any and every topic of religious practices with people. We want to focus on the more basic message—knowing Jesus, and worshiping God in spirit and truth.
Ultimately, point to Jesus (John 4:25-26).
The woman was spiritually-minded enough to say then to Jesus, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.” Jesus responded point blank by telling her, “I am he—the one who is speaking to you.” He is the one who teaches us the things we need, the one who provides answers to our hearts’ yearnings.
Our message with others is just as straightforward. Point to Jesus. He is the Messiah. He is the one who teaches us all we need to have life in our souls, the one who gave himself up to save our bodies and souls.
Prayer:
- Jesus, you are our life and strength and hope. Embolden us by your Spirit. Give us the courage and compassion to speak in your name and share your good news with others—naturally, freely, as part of our daily lives. Amen.
See previous posts in this series:
