A Brief Summary of “Witnessing”…..

There’s much to say about witnessing to others about Jesus. Here is a brief summary of what we are to do, and the mindset we are to have. Minus the miraculous ability to heal, raise the dead, and cast out demons, we are to share the Gospel with others. When they don’t respond positively, we are to move on. When we don’t have the words to say, there’s no need to worry, for God will give us what we need to say at that moment, when we ask. Here’s the surprising one, most Christians have forgotten, “be as shrewd as snakes”. This doesn’t mean we are to check our brains at the door and roll over on our backs like a submissive dog. Nor does it mean we trample people under our feet either. It means we are to use the faculties God has blessed us with to try to convince or show people their predicament: they’re sinners in need of rescue. This rescue is Jesus, the only way to be made right with God. This passage destroys the modern day approach of “not to offend” anyone in our culture’s twisted view of the Gospel. If someone is sick, and headed for death, isn’t our duty to point them in the direction of a hospital? Take them to a doctor? Have the desire to help them get well? Of course. But in reality, we can’t force someone to want to get well. We can only point out the seriousness of their life-threatening status, present a the Cure, and show them how to get to the Doctor that can heal them. They have to do the rest. And regardless of their reaction, we need to know how to respond to all of their possible reactions, good or bad. Here, in Matthew chapter 10, Jesus tells us just that. Who says the Bible isn’t practical?

5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, 6 but only to the people of Israel–God’s lost sheep.7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!9 “Don’t take any money in your money belts–no gold, silver, or even copper coins.10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.11 “Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town.12 When you enter the home, give it your blessing.13 If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing.14 If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.15 I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.16 “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.17 But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues.18 You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are My followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about Me.19 When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time.20 For it is not you who will be speaking–it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:5-20