Let's Bring It! - John 12:20-22
Some people get nervous about evangelism, or what it means to share the Christian faith. Often people think they need to answer any and all questions about the Christian faith, or be the "bible answer man". Some people feel pressured to convert others, as if they have to meet some kind of quota. But these notions go against what it really means to share the gospel, or the Good News about Jesus with others. Let's look at this short passage from John 12 for some clues.
"Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus."
There were some Greek/Gentiles who came to the Jewish festival. They were Greek speaking Jews, who had either been converted to Judaism, or we simply interested and curious to see and meet Jesus. One commentator says,
"Sir, we wish to see Jesus: These Greeks had heard of Jesus, perhaps of His reputation as a teacher and worker of miracles. What they did know of Jesus made them want to know more about Him, so they came to Philip (the one disciple with a Greek name) asking to see Jesus." (Guzik)
Here is what I think we can learn from this story about evangelism.
1. Today there are people who are seeking Jesus and interested in learning more about him. They have either heard about him, or have met a Christian who is living their life as an authentic follower of him. Someone who is truly seeking to be like Christ (not perfect) and honestly exhibits Jesus' qualities is likely to attract others to investigate the Christian faith.
2. Notice the request was given to Philip who found Andrew who led him to Jesus. See that Philip and Andrew don't try to convert him on the spot, they bring him to Jesus. Metaphorically I believe this is a good way to look at evangelism. Some have called Andrew "the bringer" because he brought people to Jesus.
Evangelism might be easily defined as bringing people to Jesus. Often I feel the most important thing I can do is get out of the way, so people can see Jesus and not me. I love the plaque which I have found on some pulpits that reminds the preacher of something really important. It helped me a lot when I preached. As I walk to the lecturn the plaque says, "Sir we would see Jesus." I hope in any sermon I give people can see Jesus.
Are you a bringer like Andrew? Are you willing to bring people to see Jesus? It is Jesus who changes lives not us. We are merely a conduit for his love. Friends evangelism is about Jesus not us. Let's get of the way and help bring people to Jesus.
"Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus."
There were some Greek/Gentiles who came to the Jewish festival. They were Greek speaking Jews, who had either been converted to Judaism, or we simply interested and curious to see and meet Jesus. One commentator says,
"Sir, we wish to see Jesus: These Greeks had heard of Jesus, perhaps of His reputation as a teacher and worker of miracles. What they did know of Jesus made them want to know more about Him, so they came to Philip (the one disciple with a Greek name) asking to see Jesus." (Guzik)
Here is what I think we can learn from this story about evangelism.
1. Today there are people who are seeking Jesus and interested in learning more about him. They have either heard about him, or have met a Christian who is living their life as an authentic follower of him. Someone who is truly seeking to be like Christ (not perfect) and honestly exhibits Jesus' qualities is likely to attract others to investigate the Christian faith.
2. Notice the request was given to Philip who found Andrew who led him to Jesus. See that Philip and Andrew don't try to convert him on the spot, they bring him to Jesus. Metaphorically I believe this is a good way to look at evangelism. Some have called Andrew "the bringer" because he brought people to Jesus.
Evangelism might be easily defined as bringing people to Jesus. Often I feel the most important thing I can do is get out of the way, so people can see Jesus and not me. I love the plaque which I have found on some pulpits that reminds the preacher of something really important. It helped me a lot when I preached. As I walk to the lecturn the plaque says, "Sir we would see Jesus." I hope in any sermon I give people can see Jesus.
Are you a bringer like Andrew? Are you willing to bring people to see Jesus? It is Jesus who changes lives not us. We are merely a conduit for his love. Friends evangelism is about Jesus not us. Let's get of the way and help bring people to Jesus.
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