But…I don’t know how!
Last week, for my “after Easter” blog message, I urged us (me, too!) to spread the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
But, talking to others about Jesus, the Risen Savior–the one who chose to die for our sins can be a scary business. We hold ourselves back with a lot of what ifs…
- What if I can’t talk about Jesus because I’m not knowledgeable enough? There are lots of other people who know the Bible better than I do.
- What if I make people angry or I spoil a friendship by trying to talk to them about Jesus?
- What if I can’t find the right words to express who Jesus is and what He did for us?
- What if I fail?
We all feel unworthy at times–and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a challenge that can loom before us as an insurmountable peak.
But, what does Jesus say to us? What guidance did he provide His disciples before leaving them to do their work on Earth?
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:16-20.
Jesus didn’t hold back. He made several points VERY clear:
- Jesus has full authority to direct disciples to a task.
- The task is: Go and make disciples of all nations.
- Teach people to obey the commandments Jesus has given.
- Jesus will be with His disciples always–until the end of time.
Wow–that’s seems perfectly clear, doesn’t it?
Our first response may be to say–“I’m not like those first disciples!”
But, aren’t we disciples? Our Sunday School lesson this morning shared this definition of a disciple–“one who learns.” We’ve likely been told that a disciple is one who follows Jesus. Pastor Taylor Mills, author of our lesson, takes the follower concept a step further by saying this about being a disciple:
It no longer means to just follow Jesus. Now it means to follow Jesus and bring others along to follow him, too.”
Pastor Taylor Mills
So, our task as a disciple of Jesus expands to following His commands and teaching others to do so as well. Oh! That’s scary, too!
Let’s talk about a few of those commands Jesus shared:
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. Matthew 5:12a
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
But, I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34
Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Matthew 7:1
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you.” Matthew 7:7
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 22:37-39
Of course, these are just a few of the teachings Jesus shared in the scriptures, but we are reminded of the information that we, as His disciples, are to share with others as we Go Tell!
- God loves us.
- God loves us so much that He sent His Son as a living sacrifice to bear the burden of our sins.
- Believe and have faith.
- We love God.
- We love one another, our neighbors and our enemies.
- We take our petitions to the Lord and pray for one another.
- We are a light for Jesus, sharing His love at home, in our community, country, and the world.
We can be disciples for Jesus. We can follow Him, learn from Him, and share the light and the love He gives with others.
What God calls us to do–He will equip us to do. We can climb that mountain!
Perhaps, like me, you are apprehensive about taking the first steps of that challenging mountain of telling others about Jesus. Which aspect of being a witness for Jesus is most difficult for you? What encouragement and advice can you offer for those who seek to spread the Good News?
We can climb that mountain one step at a time.
Wishing you blessings, my friends.
Reference: Pastor Taylor Mills, “Call and Commissioning”, Adult Bible Studies, Spring 2019, Vol. 27, No. 3, Cokesbury.
Thank you for the reminder, Katherine, to “go and tell.” You’re right, that it can be daunting and scary! But, we’re never told it would be easy! We’re just told to “do it.” So…..I need to obey, right?!? (How are you? Are you going to Blue Ridge?)
You are right, Julie. God didn’t promise it would be easy. In fact, Jesus warned us it would be HARD! (“take up your cross and follow”). But, still we are to do it, share the Good News with the world and He will be with us on the journey. Great to hear from you! Hope to see you at Blue Ridge!
Amen Ms. Katherine. As we mature in Christ, we are to disciple others. I think this is a key tenet of fellowship. We must lift up others and share with them what God has taught us. In doing so, I’ve often found a deeper understanding myself. Great post ma’am. God’s blessings.
You’ve touched on one of the marvelous wonders of His love, J.D. When we reach out to share the Good News and to help others to a greater understanding of Christ’s love, we receive an amazing blessing in return. Our faith is strengthened and He guides our trembling steps in His service. Wishing you a blessed week, my friend and lots of sunshine on the ranch!
Katherine, what an inspirational post. I love your encouraging words and Scriptures to back them up. We are all ambassador’s for Christ (even if we don’t “feel” like it sometimes).
I noticed that you and Julie will be at Blue Ridge. I’m so sad that I’m unable to attend. I’d love to meet you and others face-to-face.
Blessings to you and yours!
Beckie, I’ve been blessed to make many online writer friends this past year since my venture into blogging and other social media. It’s been awesome to be encouraged and inspired by so many loving and faithful Christians. I’m sorry you’re not going to be at Blue Ridge, but I hope we have another opportunity later to meet. Wishing you blessings on your journey, my friend!
This is a great post and an important reminder. I think one of the most important things to remember is that we’re responsible to share the Good News, not for the outcome. We cannot control how others respond to the Gospel, but how we respond to them is very important.
Thank you, Joshua. You’ve emphasized a very important point–it’s our task to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and God will take care of the outcome. Let’s keep sharing the Good News!
Sharing Christ with others is a daunting task. Sometimes I try to “just let it come up.” When situations arise, I try to openly deal with them in a way that honors God. Then, when I retell the story, I include my discussions with God as part of the narrative. I try to speak in a way that, “leave my light on.” 🙂
That’s wonderful advice, my friend. If we make the effort to share, I believe God will guide our process of sharing. Bringing in our personal journey helps make it real for our listener. I think that is a critical point–if we haven’t “lived it” (with our light on!) then it will be tough for others to be led by our example. We’re not just “telling” we’re also “showing” that we walk with Jesus. Wishing you a blessed week-end!