The Mouth Of Jesus

Many times we, as Christians, focus on the actions of Jesus during His ministry on earth. Certainly the things Jesus accomplished deserve our attention and should be talked more about in our Sunday School classes and pulpits. With that, I also believe we can learn so much about our Savior by studying not only what He said, but how He said it.

In his second letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul speaks to how we should talk to people; especially those that are struggling with their faith. Look in 2 Timothy 2:23-26 where Paul is talking about spiritual patience through how we speak to people. As his mentor, Paul is also encouraging Timothy not to talk too much. Many times, Christians will try to convince or even force someone to seek salvation. In fact, some pastors will identify members of their congregation and talk them into choosing to give their life to the Lord. It is not the responsibility of a believer, church official, or pastor to convince someone to be saved. Understanding that many will disagree with my last statement, let us look to Jesus as the perfect example of how to speak to those around us and share the Good News.

Jesus was confident when He spoke. As He spoke, He did so knowing that His words were coming directly from the Father. In John 14:11, Jesus tells us, Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.

Each time He interacted with someone, whether they were a friend or a foe, Jesus did so with confidence. Even while standing in front of Pilate, the very man who held the power of life or death, Jesus confidently looked him in the eye and said he only has that power because God has allowed him to. Now that is confidence!

Jesus was also concise. Unlike the Pharisees and Sadducees, Jesus never spoke (or prayed) just to hear Himself talk. In Matthew (5:37), Jesus speaks to this very thing when He tells us, But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. This directly addresses when a believer tries to talk someone into accepting Christ. Like Jesus, we can share His love with just a few words of encouragement from scripture and how it has impacted our own lives. In other words, keep it short and sweet and LET GOD WORK.

Finally, He was correct. Is it not wonderful knowing how the story ends? To base our beliefs and life on a Book that has been proved true for hundreds and hundreds of years. Over 2,000 prophecies have already been fulfilled (read that sentence again). Look what Jesus tells us in John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. Jesus has never lied to me and He will never lie to you.

Are you talking to people with the mouth of Jesus? Are you confident, concise and correct when you share the Good News with a lost and dying world that is in desperate need of the hope only He can bring? If not, I encourage you to start speaking like a king...

Pastor Aaron