Musing – Evangelism or Discipleship? What Did Jesus Do?

Hebraic Musing – Evangelism or Discipleship?  What Did Jesus Do?

Let’s start with what Jesus told us to do (in red letters).  "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… “ Matt 28:18-19 NIV

We recently found that we “Christ followers” don’t always relate to people in the way Jesus did.  Remember WWJD?   He connected with people, through relationships and friendships.  I cannot help but recall Jesus’ classic encounter with the Samaritan women at the well in John 4.  Observations:
- He was not in a church or a synagogue.  In fact, He was where He normally would not go, Samaria!
- He met her where she was at.  She was at work.
- She anticipated condemnation - “How can you ask me for a drink?" Jews didn’t associate with Samaritans.
- He told her she was about to get a “Gift of God”!
- He promised her a unique gift – “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst” ?!?!
- Then He inquired into her background.  AND He was willing to take time to listen to her response.
- She openly described her life and acknowledged her sinful past.
- He filled in the blanks with factual understanding of her past.
- She respected Jesus – “Sir, I can see that you are a prophet.”  And then she asked questions.
- And she believed Him.  AND she began to tell others.

What a wonderful example of taking time to build a relationship and win a disciple.  BUT what was the reaction of the other disciples in John 4:27?  “Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman.” Much less, a Samaritan Woman!!!  Have you ever had a fellow church member express surprise that you were witnessing to a sinner outside of church, and/or in a “sinful” place?  (In my early Christian years, I can recall many successful witnessing session while flying 1^st class on Friday nights and relationships built in cocktail lounges with colleagues.  Non-traditional environment but enormously successful!  Being Careful!) 

Did Jesus follow the criteria suggested by David Kinnaman* for facilitating a non-believer’s mutual respect?   1. Listen to me; 2. Don’t label me; 3. Don’t be so smart; 4. Put yourself in my place; 5. Be genuine; 6. Be my friend with no other motives.   These sound like good discipleship techniques requiring the Holy Spirit’s help.

How did Jesus apply those criteria for building respect and mutual esteem in Luke 19 when He encountered Zacchaeus, a sinful tax collector?
- Jesus invited himself to Zacchaeus’ home.  Note that Jesus did not invite Zacchaeus to the synagogue!
- Zach was pleased and came down immediately.
- The people did not understand!  They muttered "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'"  Vs.7
- Zach acknowledged he was a sinner and voluntarily promised a restoration plan.
- And Jesus immediately declared (red letters) "Today salvation has come to this house,…”  Vs. 9

Do I sense a common thread – taking time to listen to people and meeting them where they are at?  Finding out what has happened in the other person’s life that took them down their path.  All of this involves loving your neighbor?  Should we be Telling or Listening?  Should we Evangelize or Disciple?

Points to ponder

What would happen if we loved our neighbors, instead of insisting on being “morality police”?

Did Jesus scold people?  (only the Pharisees who should have known better)

Notice that Jesus listened and engaged in discipleship even before they knew who He was?

Although it takes MY time to listen, who gave me time in the first place?

Do we have the patience to listen, understand and build relationships?
Or (sarcastically) is our witnessing more like “Speed Dating”?

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                               November 27, 2018  

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

*  Quotes & Inspiration gleaned from UNCHRISTIAN, by David Kinnaman, 2007;  253 pages