Preparing to Proclaim: An Introduction to Evangelism
A Good Starting Point
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Jesus is a perfect model on how to prepare his disciples to proclaim the Good News. Surprisingly, the Scriptures seem to reveal that he spent most of his time preparing his disciples on how to overcome obstacles rather than teaching them what to say.
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Matthew 9:35-38
What emotion does Jesus display to his disciples when he saw the crowds and knew they were being harassed and helpless? Why would this be important for evangelism?
When Jesus talks to his disciples, he lets them know that he sees a harvest that is plentiful. The disciples saw the crowds, too. Yet, Jesus makes an important point. He saw people who were struggling physically and were spiritually lost due to false teachers in the world. They were reachable.
Do you think Jesus has a large prospect list?
I know this is a facetious question. On one hand, the entire world is on Jesus’ prospect list. On the other hand, he places saints in Christ in specific fields to sow and harvest. Every soul is important to Christ. Despite what we may think, every field is a harvest because that is what Jesus sees.
It seems that Jesus gave a good starting point for personal evangelism.
| Compassion | Evangelists must have compassion for those who are lost. They are helpless and harassed. They need to hear some Good News. |
| Vision | We can’t see what Jesus sees, but evangelists trust Jesus’ vision. There is a harvest to be gathered in fields where Jesus has planted us, but there are only a few workers willing to work. |
| Ask | We are encouraged by Jesus to send workers out into the fields and it can start with us by asking, “Why not me?” |
We ask and Jesus sends.
“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.”
Matthew 10:1
Immediately after calling his disciples, Jesus gives them authority. Before Jesus commissions us to “Go and make disciples” he reminds us that “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Therefore, go and make disciples. Anybody who goes to spread the Good News goes under the authority of Christ.
But that’s not all! He promises to be with us every step of the way.
Evangelism is not easy. We can’t do it ourselves.
Take Action: Answer the questions for this section, starting on page 2 of the study guide.