In an evangelism class in church, the instructor asked: “How would you introduce Jesus to an unbeliever?
Would you present Jesus as one who solves all our problems, or as one who gives us a healthy self-esteem and happiness?” Good questions!
When introducing Jesus to his two disciples, John the Baptist presents Jesus as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (1:29, 36). John reminds us that our basic problem is sin, and our basic need is salvation. Jesus died for our sins.
The disciples immediately followed Jesus (v.37). Jesus then asked them a simple question: “What do you want?” (v.38). Would you have asked Jesus for good health? A better job? A happier marriage? More money?
The disciples asked a rather strange question: “Where are you staying?” (v.38). They weren’t asking for Jesus’ place of residence. What they were actually saying was: We want to spend time with You. They were not seeking something for themselves. They were seeking Jesus Himself. Come and see. The two disciples spent the day with Jesus (v.39). They modeled for us the demands and privilege of discipleship—spending time with Jesus.
Often we miss the opportunity to spend time with our Savior because we’re seeking something other than His presence. Do we desire the Giver more than the gifts? We need to pray like Richard of Chichester: “O most merciful Redeemer, may I know Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly, day by day.”
We need to be spending time with Jesus because we want to know Him intimately. We can’t possibly tell others about Him if we don’t really know Him.
More:
• Psalm 27:4
• Psalm 42:1-2
• Psalm 73:24-28
Next:
Have you been spending time with Jesus this past week, talking with Him and listening to His Word? What have you learned from Him that you can share with others?
RoyC on September 4, 2009 at 11:47 am
We can do nothing for Him without Him. Therefore, we must have an intimate faith in and relationship with Jesus, the Son of God, The King of the Jews. Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Think if you had to share this truth with a Muslim? One must be genuine in their belief and daily life with Jesus, otherwise, not only Muslims, but anyone that does not believe would see right through any games you are playing or self-righteousness you are trying to tout. Just relax and let Jesus be Jesus through you, let that Living Water flow from your inner being so that others can drink and never thirst again, so others can taste and see that the Lord is good.
joyful on September 7, 2009 at 9:25 am
I think this article remind me not to be selfish. I always pray for good health, get good grades, and may god bless my family business. Most of the time i found myself going after worldly thing rather than spending time with god. If Jesus is asking me that question before i read this article, i bet i will ask HIM worldly thing rather than asking HE to draw me closer toward him.I really hope that i will spend more time with him and repent.. thank kt.sim
elisau on September 10, 2009 at 7:37 pm
By getting involved with them in a relationship no matter what. You have to invest yourself in other people’s lives and show Jesus to them through your life. We are the salt and light of the world and it’s our calling to share that with the world.