It is popular in Christian circles to focus on mission, witnessing, and evangelism. With the dwindling numbers seen in mainline churches and the moral failures seen in high-profile evangelical ones, the need to embody authentic Christian witness is prominent.
Followers of Jesus are to embody their faith in an outward, mission-oriented way. We are to bear witness to the Lordship of Jesus.
But what exactly does that mean?
My youth pastor growing up always said, “Your life may be the only Bible someone reads.” In saying this (again and again), she was telling us that the Bible verses we memorized, the theology we learned, and the worship we enjoyed had to be embodied in our lives.
People examine the lives of Christian people before they ever pick up the Bible or step foot into a church. Thus, if we wish to be true witnesses for Jesus, our faith must be evident in our lives.
Embodying our faith, however, isn’t just about what we do. How we live, or what we focus on, is equally important. Jesus speaks to this when he appoints and sends out the 72 (Luke 10:1-24).
Jesus does not merely tell the 72 what they are to do; and he also describes how they are to embody the mission they have been given. In doing so, Jesus highlights three things our Christian witness is to focus on.
1. Focus on the Opportunity
When Jesus appoints the 72 people, he sends them to every town and place where he is about to travel. The task seems relatively simple. They are to prepare the people to receive the Messiah.
Jesus begins his instructions by reminding the 72 that “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Luke 10:2). As they head out into the harvest, the 72 are to recognize the opportunity before them.
It can be tempting to focus on the fewness of our workers rather than the abundance of the harvest. Our perceived limitations or fears can loom large.
We find many occurrences of this in Scripture. Moses, for example, focused on the slowness of his speech rather than the burning bush before him (Exodus 4:10). All he could see was his own limited ability.
It can be tempting for us to do the same. It can be easy for us to highlight our perceived insufficiency over the high calling the Lord has placed on us. Jesus calls his followers to recognize the grand opportunity we have been given.
As followers of Jesus, we have the privilege of impacting people’s lives with the grace and love of God. Through our witness, people can enter a renewed relationship with the Lord. This is the call before us.
Furthermore, we go into the harvest field in the daring belief that the “Lord of the Harvest” is with us (Luke 10:2). We do not go alone.
As faithful witnesses for Jesus, we step into the places of ministry as boldly as we can, embracing the Lord who is already at work. Jesus instructs the 72 to “take no purse or bag” (Luke 10:4) because they are to trust that Lord will provide for them.
Where do we place our focus, on the opportunity or the obstacle? Do we focus on our own weakness or on the power of the Lord? The fact is, with the Lord empowering our witness, why would we ever shy away from the opportunities the Lord calls us into?
2. Focus on the Message
Of course, the call to be a witness for Jesus does not mean that our endeavors will work out exactly as we desire. We can never assume that the life of faith will be uncomplicated and easy. In fact, Jesus is open about the struggles the 72 may face along the way.
Jesus sends them out “as lambs amid the wolves” (Luke 10:3). He describes how they are to interact with the people they meet. If they are welcomed, they stay where they are invited, eat what is before them, and heal the sick they come across.
Throughout this time, the message they bear is clear and concise: “The Kingdom of God has drawn near to you.”
Jesus also instructs the 72 on how to respond to being rejected. Jesus is clear, and our witness will not always be well received. Importantly, our message remains unchanged, “The kingdom of God is near” (Luke 10:11).
Even amid rejection, we hold out the good news. Whether someone accepts the truth of the gospel or not, the reality is the same: the Kingdom has drawn near, and God is at work.
We can never force people to accept our ministry. Jesus isn’t interested in people being coerced into the Kingdom. Jesus wants people to come to him freely and lovingly. What that means is, sometimes, people will reject him and ourselves by extension.
Jesus is open about this fact. He tells his disciples, “If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before you” (John 15:18).
Still, how someone receives our witness is never the focus. As Christian people, we are called to simply disclose the truth of Christ’s Lordship and his graceful presence in the world.
3. Focus on the Kingdom
When we step forward in boldness, grasping the opportunities before us and declaring the gospel truth, we will see the Spirit work in profound ways. The 72 return to Jesus having witnessed the power of God.
They exclaim, “Lord, even the demons submit to your name!” Jesus affirms this reality; “I saw Satan fall like lighting,” he says (Luke 10:17-18). Jesus affirms that the ministry of his followers has a heavenly impact.
People’s lives are changed by the power of the gospel. When we step out in bold witness, we will see results. This is the promise that Jesus gives.
Still, with such good news, this is never the focus of our witnessing. Our concern is never on our own greatness or the effectiveness of our ministry. Instead, we cast our vision solely upon God’s Kingdom.
Instead of rejoicing that the spirits submit to them, the 72 are called to “rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:19). Being an effective witness for Jesus isn’t based on the number of converts we rack up for ourselves, or how many demons we slay.
What is important in our Christian life is participating in God’s Kingdom. We rejoice that our name is written in heaven, not as a testimony to our spiritual superiority but as a call to join the Holy Spirit in the Spirit’s work in the world.
Why Does This Matter?
Do you sometimes shrink away from the calling that you have because you think yourself ill-equipped? Are you sometimes afraid that the task is just too big? Or do you allow the hiccups of life to speak a bigger word for you than the presence of the Lord?
Placing our focus on such things sidelines the ministry to which we have been given. As a follower of Jesus, our task is to prepare people to receive Jesus in their lives. The call is high but simple.
We bear witness to Jesus by living our Christian life with authenticity, passion, and integrity. Jesus calls us to focus on the work set before us, the message given to us, and the activity of the Spirit through us. When we set our hearts and our minds in this way, who knows what miracles we might witness.
For further reading:
How Is Representing Christ a Great Responsibility?
What Does 'Go and Make Disciples' Look Like Today?
What Does it Mean to Be a Disciple of Christ?
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