What is Jesus method of evangelism?

Answer 1

HOW DID JESUS TEACH HIS DISCIPLES TO REACH THE LOST?

Let's look at what he told the 12 and the 72, all of whom he sent out in twos.

1. THE TWELVE

In Luke Chapter 9 verse 1 we read: "When Jesus had the 12 together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick." We know from Matthew Chapter 4 verse 17 that the message of the kingdom included a call to repentance from sin: "From that time on Jesus began to preach "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.""

2. THE SEVENTY-TWO

Later, in Luke Chapter 10 verse 1 Jesus sends out the 72: "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go." In verses 8 and 9 he adds: "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, "The kingdom of God is near you."" On their return, the 72 reported (verse 17): "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." Note that, when Jesus responded to their joyous exclamation, he said to them (v 19):"I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you".

3. THE MODEL FOR US

While we would not dare to compare ourselves with the 12 - the Apostles - we can reasonably equate ourselves to the 72 who were un-named followers, normal believers of no special mention or exalted position either then or thereafter. In the Great Commission set out in Matthew Chapter 28 verses 16 to 20, Jesus says: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you (my italics). And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Some words Of Jesus from John's gospel:

John 14:15: "If you love me, you will obey what I command."

John 14:21: "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me."

John 14:23: "Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.""

John 14:24: "He who does not love me will not obey my teaching."

6. POINTS OF SIGNIFICANCE

Disciples of Jesus are required, via the Apostles and believers down the ages, to "obey everything that I have commanded you". Note also John Chapter 14 and verse 12 where Jesus says: "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing". The relevant commands in relation to evangelism, based on his commands to the 12 and 72 seem clearly to be threefold, namely:

(a) Preach the Kingdom of God

(b) Heal the sick and cast out demons, and

(c) Preach repentance from sin and the nearness of the Kingdom of God in the personhood of Jesus.

As always with Jesus, he never asks us to do anything in our own strength. Consequently, we need to take note of his opening words in verse 18: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." As believers, that authority to do Jesus' works now rests on us, his agents for the Kingdom.

7. HOW DID JESUS HEAL THE SICK AND CAST OUT DEMONS?

The Gospels are full of examples of Jesus' work in healing the sick and casting out demons. Frequently we find him speaking to the infirmity with a command, for example Matthew 12: 9-13, Mark 7: 31-37, Luke 4: 38-39, Luke 13: 10-17. Many times he would also place his hands on the person on the afflicted part, e.g. deaf ears and blind eyes. In the case of demons, he normally commanded them to go, in the same way as he commanded infirmities.

It is clearly evident that Jesus never prayed for the sick in evangelism, nor did the 12 and 72 whom he trained. We find not one example of Jesus or anyone else ever healing a person by asking God to do the healing. In each case the healing was done by the power of the Holy Spirit working through a human agent.