February 4 - Jesus, the Model Soul-Winner - Devotional

GracetoYou.org ^ | 2008 | John MacArthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

“Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers . . . and He said to them, ‘Follow Me.’ . . . Going on from there He saw two other brothers . . . and He called them” (Matthew 4:18–19, 21).

Every believer who would be a soul winner must emulate the key principles Jesus exemplified as the model evangelist—not only in this one occasion but throughout His earthly ministry. Think about the following six, and seek to implement them as you witness for Him.

First, Jesus was always available. He never refused a genuine request for help from penitent sinners or the downtrodden.

Second, Jesus showed no favoritism. Neither Jairus nor the Roman centurion had an advantage over the woman of Sychar or the woman caught in adultery.

Third, the Lord was completely sensitive to the needs around Him. He always could discern the open heart of someone ready to come to Him. In spite of the pressing crowd, He noticed and responded to the woman who touched the hem of His garment (Matt. 9:20–22).

Fourth, Christ usually secured a public profession or testimony from the sinner, even including a specific instruction (e.g., the man delivered from demons, Mark 5:19).

Fifth, Jesus showed love and tenderness to those He witnessed to. The Samaritan woman at the well was one such recipient. She was a religious outcast and an adulterer, yet He clearly and gently led her to saving faith.

Sixth, Jesus always had time to speak to others. Even while on the way to heal Jairus’s daughter, He stopped long enough to heal the woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years.

Ask Yourself

We still live in a time of gracious evangelism, as so perfectly exemplified by our Lord and Savior. How obedient is your church being to this model? How obedient are you being to it as an individual?

From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word ping

[Lake Living]

Let’s remember... Jesus didn’t heal everyone, didn’t go door to door sharing the 4 spiritual laws. Not saying trying to share your faith is a bad thing but my point is Jesus was led of the Holy Spirit. He even said that he only did and said what the Father told him to do and say through the Spirit - he is our example to emulate. So... we need to have the same sensitivity to God’s Holy Spirit that Jesus had then we will do similar things - or at least the good deeds that God has foreordained for us to do. Hearing that still small voice is like a snowball rolling down hill. The more you hear and obey the more you will hear and, hopefully, obey. The snowball gets bigger! We don’t know who’s ready to hear and receive Christ but the Spirit does and will lead us to them.