Pastor Alex Michel
April 10, 2011 - W1115

As a pastor, I always want to share Jesus with others. But I’ll let you in on a secret – I have found it hard to share Jesus with others. I struggle with witnessing. I get all tongue tied and nervous when opportune Jesus sharing moments present themselves. So I wondered, was it meant to be this hard? Well, I decided to do some research and according to the Bible we are called to be witnesses but not necessarily witnessing. These are the number of times these words are mentioned in the Bible …

• Number of times "witnessing" in the Bible   0
• Number of times "witness(es)" in the Bible   121
  
  

So we are supposed to BE witnesses more than try to “witness”. In other words …

1. We are to be like JESUS.

As the Bible says, "For those He foreknew He predestined to be conformed into the image of His Son..." (Rom. 8:29) We are called to be more like Jesus and the world could use more people like Jesus. If we are to be like Jesus than we have to be witnesses because …

2. Jesus was a WITNESS.

It is written that Jesus was a witness rather than He was witnessing; "Grace and peace to you from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness." (Rev. 1:4-5)

3. Our call is to be WITNESSES...like Him.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

So what is a witness? The word comes from the Greek word “Martus” as in "Witnesses" - MARTUS: One who is killed, or gives their life because of their beliefs or convictions. Root of our English word "martyr".

Jesus wants not as much talking about Him but more being like Him. Being a Christian is a call on how we are to live.

To be a witness biblically means that when people see ME, they see HIM!

An Example: DANIEL
"Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, 'Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.'" (Dan. 2:46-47)

Daniel was able to divine and interpret the King’s dreams and thereby open the King’s eyes to God.

What did Nebuchadnezzar see because of Daniel's witness????

• God of gods: THE FATHER. (Deut. 10:17)
• Lord of kings: THE SON. (Rev. 19:16)
• Revealer of mysteries: THE HOLY SPIRIT. (John 16:12-13)
• NEBUCHADNEZZAR SAW THE TRINITY!!!!

My neighbor was sick and so we made him chicken soup. I did not think of it as a big deal at the time but doing so made a profound change in my neighbor’s behavior. He was so grateful and became closer to God afterwards. By simply being a witness and an act of Christian kindness we made a big impact on him more so than simply witnessing or talking about Jesus.

Saint Francis of Assisi once said,” Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary."

We should all ask ourselves,

Can people really see me and See HIM?!

Or more specifically, can …
Our NEIGHBORS

Our FAMILIES

Our SPOUSES

Our CHILDREN see Jesus in us?

It is easy to quote the Bible and tell your spouse not to let the sun go down on her anger against you but it is better to behave lovingly instead. God doesn’t say that you have to get your act together before He can love you. He says He loves you unconditionally so you can get your act together.

I remember once yelling at my son in anger. I later felt guilty and ashamed about it and so apologized to my son. I was very worried that he would reject me but instead he opened his arms wide and we hugged. Instantly and clearly I could see Jesus in him!

Study Suggestions

1. Who does God want us to be like?

2. Why is it better to be a witness rather than witnessing?

3. When others see us, what are they supposed to see?

4. By being a witness, what did Daniel get the king to see?

5. What are you doing that allows others to see Jesus in you?

6. How can you make yourself more like Jesus?