Euaggelion (Greek: εὐαγγέλιον) translates to “good tidings” or “good news.” It is often associated with the message of the kingdom of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ, referring specifically, to the glad tidings of salvation and the new covenant.
Evangelism is the process of spreading this good news so every person gets an opportunity to partake and fellowship in all it offers.
God reconciled the world to Himself through Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. It would be wrong to withhold such good news from those it is meant for.
Understanding Jesus’ Compassion
In the Gospel of Luke, we find a powerful illustration of Jesus’ compassion. As He approached Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus cried out to Him for healing (Luke 18:35-42). Driven by compassion, Jesus healed Bartimaeus, demonstrating His love and mercy. This act of kindness was not an isolated incident but a reflection of Jesus’ heart for those who were lost and suffering.
“But when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. And from thenceforth many of the Jews believed on him.” – Mark 12:34, KJV.
Jesus’ interactions with the blind, as seen in Matthew 9:35-37 and Mark 12:34, further emphasize His motivation of compassion rather than self-interest. While the crowds sought earthly kingship, Jesus’ higher purpose was to bring spiritual sight to the blind and set captives free. His compassion led Him to tears, as He beheld the lost and hurting (John 11:35).
Key Takeaways
- Jesus’ compassion for the lost should be the motivator for our interactions with those who are not yet saved.
- Believers are called to be disciples and apostles, students, and messengers of the Good News.
- To effectively share the Gospel, we must understand the tactics of the enemy and remain steadfast in proclaiming the truth.
- Embracing the shame of the cross means counting the cost and recognizing that following Jesus may lead to persecution and ridicule.
- We are not alone in our mission; the Holy Spirit equips and empowers us to boldly share the Gospel and see lives transformed.
The Heart of Jesus: Compassion for the Lost
Who was Jesus, and Why Did He Weep?
Jesus, the Son of God, incarnated to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). His birth was foretold as a bringer of good news, a source of great joy, and a sign of God’s favor (Luke 2:10-11). However, Jesus’ purpose extended beyond earthly comfort and joy; it was a mission of compassion and salvation.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” – John 3:16-17, KJV.
John 3:16-17 captures the essence of Jesus’ mission. His love and compassion for the world led Him to sacrifice His own life so that others may live eternally. This self-sacrificial love is the foundation of our faith and the motivator for our actions as believers.
Understanding the Depth of His Love
In John 10:14-15, Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knows me, even so I know the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing His intimate knowledge of and love for His followers. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but a deep, personal understanding. He knows each one of us by name and calls us His own (John 10:3).
Believers often struggle with low self-esteem, measuring their worth by worldly standards. However, in John 4:10, Jesus’ words offer a powerful reminder: “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” We are God’s precious gift to the world, created in His image and loved unconditionally. This understanding should boost our self esteem, knowing that we have been chosen and loved by the Creator of the universe.
The Unique Offering of the Gospel
The Gospel is unique in its ability to satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. As Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14, ESV).
Imagine possessing something more valuable than gold, a solution to the world’s deepest needs. People would seek you out, eager for what you have to offer. This is the power of the Gospel—it meets a need that nothing else can satisfy. It is living water, offering eternal life and fulfillment.
“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” – 2 Corinthians 5:14, ESV.
The love of Christ, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:14, is a compelling force. It moves us to action, motivating us to share the Good News with a lost and hurting world. It is this same love that should drive us to pray for the lost and to boldly go out and share the Gospel, as instructed in Matthew 10:1 and demonstrated by Jesus Himself.
Believer’s Guide to Harvest: 5 Principles for Impactful Soul-Winning
As believers, we are called to be disciples and apostles, students and messengers of the Good News. This commission comes with a clear job description and terms, as outlined by Jesus in Matthew 10. Let us explore five principles to guide us in effectively harvesting souls for the Kingdom of God.
1. Know Your Competition
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, NKJV.
To effectively share the Gospel, we must understand the tactics of the enemy. We are engaged in a spiritual battle, and our weapons are not of this world. By studying the strategies of darkness, we can better equip ourselves to shine light into the hearts of those held captive by sin.
Sinners are referred to as “lawful captives” (2 Corinthians 10:5), held prisoner by a tyrant who has no rightful claim over them.
The verse you are referring to is from Isaiah 49:24-25, where it discusses the captives of the mighty and the lawful captives. It states that even those who have been taken captive or are lawfully held will be delivered by God. Specifically, it emphasizes that the LORD declares that the captives of the mighty will be taken away and the plunder from tyrants will be retrieved.
Our mission is to set these captives free, breaking the chains of sin and offering the freedom found only in Christ.
2. Maintain Truth Regardless of Position
“I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” – Acts 20:27, KJV.
As ambassadors of Christ, we must remain steadfast in proclaiming the truth, regardless of our position or the consequences. Like the prophet Jeremiah, we are called to speak the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with resistance (Jeremiah 26:2).
In a world that often values acceptance and consensus over truth, we must prioritize salvation and peace. We cannot dilute the Gospel message to fit worldly agendas or compromise our integrity for the sake of friendship. Our conviction is not for sale, and we must be willing to stand alone if necessary, knowing that our reward is in Heaven (Matthew 5:11-12).
3. Embrace the Shame
“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” – Luke 9:23-24, ESV.
Following Jesus often comes with a cost. In Matthew 10:38-39, He warns that those who associate with Him will also bear the cross, a symbol of shame and punishment. Like Noah, who was ridiculed for his faithfulness (Hebrews 11:7), we may face opposition and shame for our relationship with Christ.
Embracing the shame of the cross means counting the cost and recognizing that following Jesus may lead to persecution and ridicule. However, the reward far outweighs the temporary shame, for we gain eternal life and the joy of knowing we are pleasing to God.
4. Speak Up Boldly
“And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” – 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, ESV.
Jesus never shied away from speaking the truth, even when it meant confronting evil and challenging the religious leaders of His day. He boldly proclaimed the Good News, calling sinners to repentance and offering forgiveness and new life.
As followers of Christ, we are called to speak with boldness, proclaiming the truth in love. We must call out evil and injustice, shining light into darkness, and offering hope to a world in need of redemption.
5. Depend on the Holy Spirit
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8, NLT.
As believers, we are not alone in our mission. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion and source of strength. In Mark 13:11, Jesus assures us that when we are brought before authorities or face opposition, the Holy Spirit will give us the words to speak.
No matter the challenges or obstacles we face, we can depend on the Holy Spirit to guide, empower, and equip us for the task at hand. He is our Advocate, Comforter, and Helper, enabling us to boldly share the Gospel and see lives transformed.
FAQs: Answering Common Objections around Evangelism
How can I have compassion for those who seem so lost?
“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groveled in spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have you laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept.” – John 11:33-35, KJV.
Jesus wept for Lazarus, and He weeps for those lost in sin. We can find compassion by understanding the heart of God and His desire for all to be saved.
What if I’m not bold enough to speak out?
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7, KJV.
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power. We can depend on the Holy Spirit to give us boldness and courage to speak the truth in love.
Conclusion: Embracing the Call
“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” – Matthew 10:39, ESV.
As believers, we are called to a life of surrender and sacrifice. Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:39 remind us that our earthly life is not ultimately about our own comfort or gain but about advancing the Kingdom of God. We must be willing to lay down our lives, embracing the shame of the cross, in order to gain eternal life.
By following the principles outlined in this article, we can effectively share the Gospel and see a harvest of souls. Like Jesus, may we be relentless in our compassion for the lost, driven by a desire to see them saved. Let us boldly embrace our calling, knowing that we are equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission.
