Let’s Talk About Something Else…

Lance Rogers

Scripture:  John 12:34-50

The crowd answered him, ‘We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains for ever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?’ Jesus said to them, ‘The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.’

After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfil the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

‘Lord, who has believed our message,
    and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?’

And so they could not believe, because Isaiah also said,

‘He has blinded their eyes
    and hardened their heart,
so that they might not look with their eyes,
    and understand with their heart and turn—
    and I would heal them.’

Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him. Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God.

Then Jesus cried aloud: ‘Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me.’

Focus verses:  John 12:42-43   Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him.  But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory of God.

I love to listen to the Comedy Central station on my phone app or satellite radio, because I just enjoy a good laugh.  One of my favorite comedians is Jim Gaffigan.  One of the bits he does goes something like this:

“I want everyone (the audience) to feel comfortable here tonight…  That’s why I’d like to talk to you about Jesus…  It doesn’t matter if you’re religious or not.  Does anything make you feel more uncomfortable than some stranger saying ‘I’d like to talk to you about Jesus?’”

There’s so much truth to that joke for most of us… I’ll admit it makes me uncomfortable.  It’s engrained in our social norms that talking about politics and religion to strangers is just not socially acceptable.  Talking about politics is one thing, but The Gospel is something completely different… we’re talking about the opportunity to bring people to Christ and a closer relationship to God.  This is the Good News we’re talking about!  There are plenty of stories in the New Testament that indicate the disciples didn’t have any hang-ups about approaching strangers.  So what are we waiting for?

I wouldn’t suggest grabbing a bullhorn and hitting a corner of downtown Durham… I wouldn’t do that either.  In reality, the “socially unacceptable” part of it would drive people away.  But, we should always be ready to share and profess our faith when the opportunity arises… even at the risk of breaching social etiquette.  Whether it’s explaining why you felt compelled to return their lost wallet or encountering someone in great need, opportunities can present themselves in many forms.  So are you willing to overcome a small bit of social awkwardness for the glory of God?

Prayer:

Lord, please help me have the discernment to know when I should mention my faith to others as a chance to share Your love and The Gospel to someone I don’t know, but may need to hear it.