The story is told of a little, handicapped boy who was sent by his mother to the store to get some groceries. His arms were heavily loaded as he left the store struggling to carry his burden. As he was maneuvering out the door, holding it open with his sacks, a man rushed in, brushing him aside, knocking him to the floor and scattering all that he had purchased, including his eggs which were broken. All the man offered by way of explanation was: “Don’t stand in the way, boy!” Just then, another man who had witnessed the selfish and brutish behavior came to the aid of the young lad. He went into the store, got two sacks and a carton of eggs and helped the boy pick up his groceries. Then, he drove the boy home. As they were riding along, the boy said, “Mister, are you Jesus?”

People can see Jesus in many ways. But, perhaps, none so effective as through the life of a loving disciple. Our mission is to seek and save the lost (Lk. 19:10). Accomplishing our mission involves introducing people to Jesus. At a feast in Jerusalem, a group of Greeks approached Philip with a simple request. They said, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus” (Jn. 12:21). Jesus no longer walks the dusty roads of Palestine. But, we can still introduce people to Jesus through His word and through our personal example. Surely, we will want to share our good fortune with others!

Before we can be effective in outreach, we must first apply the teachings of Christ to our own lives. Our love for God and others opens doors for outreach (Mt. 22:37-39). We often introduce people to Jesus by our example before we can open the Bible and share the written word. Both avenues are essential for consistent church growth. Peter says, “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which the slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Pet. 2:12). These words are reminiscent of Christ’s own words in the Sermon on the Mount when He said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Mt. 5:16). What the world needs now are shining lights pointing the way to Jesus.

–Glen Elliott–