My for evangelism class today was Jesus and Evangelism. First, I talked to them about his teaching on the topic. As you can imagine there are dozens of passages that address this topic. I put my focus was one three ideas from the teaching of Jesus.

1. The Harvest is Plentiful

This idea is quoted in Matthew 9:35-38. In that context Jesus sees people and has compassion on them.
The same idea is quoted in Luke 10:1-3. There Jesus is sending out his followers into the world.
In this second passage he says that he is sending them out and they are going as lambs among wolves.

Here is the simple lesson: Sometimes God uses the idea of evangelism to bring comfort to the struggling. But the flip side is also true: Sometimes God uses evangelism to add struggle to the comfortable.

2. The Lost Need Found

The focus for this lesson was on Luke 15. There Jesus is found eating with sinners. The Pharisees are angry about this behavior. Jesus tells them a parable(s).
First is the Lost Sheep – or really it is more about the searching shepherd. The emphasis is on the value of the one who is lost.
Second is the Lost coin – or is it the searching woman. The emphasis is on the value of the search.
Third is the Lost Son – or is it the welcoming father. The emphasis is on the love of the father but also the lack of love from the brother.

3. Jesus Commissions His Disciples.

My focus was on Matthew 18:18-20. Here Jesus tells us to GO. Then he tells us to make disciples or learners and not just converts. Finally he says that he is with us. His presence will guide and direct us for his purpose.

Jesus obviously taught a great deal more about evangelism, but I think we will be better followers of Christ if we can just try and live out these three.