Her simple innocence is refreshing, but it’s also telling. She’s not from an unchurched part of the world. She’s from the suburbs of the US. Her story illustrates that we can no longer assume that people are familiar with the story of Jesus—no matter where they might live. It’s true that a majority of the people around the world have at least heard the name of Jesus. That doesn’t mean, however, that they know much about Him. It’s no longer a given for people to know that Jesus died for the sins of the world (John 3:16). And for many, the name of Jesus is simply a swear word.
The Bible says there will be a day when “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). Until then, don’t be caught off guard by the reality that some people don’t know Him from Adam.
Whether it’s starting at square one or graciously calling into question false, religious stereotypes, as believers in Jesus we’re called to reveal the fullness of His name.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 22:1-13
More:
Read Matthew 16:15-16 to discover Peter’s inspired answer to Jesus’ question, “But who do you say I am?”
Next:
What do your unsaved family members and friends know about Jesus? How do you reveal the fullness and reality of Jesus in your life?
Jerusha on September 11, 2012 at 3:49 am
My biggest fear would be to deny my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. However, I believe that “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
tom felten on September 11, 2012 at 10:24 am
Thanks for this challenge, Jeff. Had the opportunity to talk the other day with a fellow customer at a tire store about who Jesus is and who He isn’t. The opportunities to present Him and His truths are all around us.
unclegene on September 11, 2012 at 12:20 pm
I like the Holman translation better for Phillipians 2-10. Every knee will bow instead of should bow.
Jeff Olson on September 11, 2012 at 12:55 pm
The more I read the Bible, the more convinced I’ve become that nothing is more important that to declare to others the story of Jesus…To declare Him as the suffering Messiah and King and the rightful Lord of all who will one day renew all of creation to its original goodness …this is the point of the entire Bible!…and it is the declaring of His story that awakens people’s need for forgiveness and grace and calls them to walk in the exciting new life that is found in declaring and living out the rule and reign of Jesus on earth as in heaven.
Lamont on September 11, 2012 at 1:08 pm
Witnessing is a huge challenge for me. I consider myself a follower of Christ and i do come under conviction over this. I live in one of the most secular regions of the country.
tom felten on September 11, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Sharing God’s good news is a challenge for most believers, Lamont. I’m grateful that we don’t have to prove to people their need for God and the reality of their sin. As Jesus revealed in John 16, the Holy Spirit convicts them (John 16:8). Should we share our faith? Absolutely. But God’s Spirit will do the work.