There’s a very simple story told in the first chapter of John’s gospel that I really have come to appreciate. Within the narrative we read of John the Baptist, who is this very bold outspoken follower of God. His life’s calling was to prepare the way for the Messiah, who he announced to be Jesus. John left noone doubting that Jesus was the Messiah who was prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures.
As a result of John’s bold proclamation of Jesus’ identity, two of John’s closest followers began to follow Jesus as his disciples. Though they’d yet to get to know Jesus all that well, they knew and trusted the word of John the baptist, who vouged for him.
One of those two disciples was Andrew, who went and got his brother, Simon Peter and told him who Jesus was. Hearing Andrew’s word, Peter also began to follow Jesus. The next day Jesus asked Phillip to be his disciple and Phillip asked his friend Nathanael to join their crew too.
What I love about this account is how natural it all flowed relationally. Four of those men went on to be among Jesus’ twelve apostles, who devoted their entire lives and careers to serving Jesus. It all happened because they were in close relationship with each other and weren’t afraid to share the thrilling news that they’d met the Messiah.
Telling others about our faith in Jesus is not an academic persuasion, so much as a relational invitation. No one on earth knows Jesus perfectly, but many of us have the privilege of being in a really good relationship with him. When we know Jesus well, we understand that he doesn’t want us to keep the relationship to ourselves. Jesus has never shied away from declaring that he is the Savior of the world. He came for all of humanity to know him. On that basis, it is the privilege of Jesus’ disciples to invite others to get to know Jesus for who he is.
While Jesus’ character is consistent and unchangingly faithful, his relationship with every person is unique, much like that of parents with their different children. In that regard, the way each believer shares Jesus with people is going to look different depending on our relationship with him.
The challenge for those of us who follow Jesus is to share the Jesus we know with the people we know best. If they trust us, they’ll come to trust him. We are all still getting to know Jesus better each day ourselves. It’s exciting to invite others along for the ride.
Join in the discussion in the comments, what do you think?
