Being Open to Jesus
Scripture – John 12:30-36: Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?” Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) There is something in Jesus that draws “all people” to Him. I don’t have to tell people that. I don’t have to make Him attractive. I just have to lift Him up and help people see Him. Sometimes I find it hard to separate Him from the church – to simply present Him to people without bringing all the church stuff into play. The question constantly runs through my mind these days: how can I help people come close enough to Christ so they can discover for themselves who He is?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll do the best I can to stay out of the way today – and to keep the church from getting in the way. As to the baggage other people may bring to the conversation, I’ll be sensitive to that. And as I can, I’ll help them unpack some of that. For I truly believe Jesus is the best way for us all. I’d like to see everyone give Him a fair hearing.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me a humble, sensitive spirit today. Help me, when the opportunity is there, to represent and present you well. Remind me, you’re the one who does the drawing.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Cafe.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) There is something in Jesus that draws “all people” to Him. I don’t have to tell people that. I don’t have to make Him attractive. I just have to lift Him up and help people see Him. Sometimes I find it hard to separate Him from the church – to simply present Him to people without bringing all the church stuff into play. The question constantly runs through my mind these days: how can I help people come close enough to Christ so they can discover for themselves who He is?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll do the best I can to stay out of the way today – and to keep the church from getting in the way. As to the baggage other people may bring to the conversation, I’ll be sensitive to that. And as I can, I’ll help them unpack some of that. For I truly believe Jesus is the best way for us all. I’d like to see everyone give Him a fair hearing.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me a humble, sensitive spirit today. Help me, when the opportunity is there, to represent and present you well. Remind me, you’re the one who does the drawing.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Cafe.
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