April 10, 2000

Lessons for April 16



LIFE & WORK SERIES:
Christians are called to
introduce the lost to Jesus
___ John 20:1-31
___By Debra Hochgraber
___Women's Evangelism Consultant, BGCT, Dallas
___As John 20 is read, it is fairly evident Mary did not expect to see the risen Christ as she went to the garden that day. In spite of the predictions concerning his death and resurrection, she really expected Christ to be in the tomb. She had seen him die on that cross and probably had watched the soldiers carry his body to the sepulchre. Her heart probably was thrilled to think someone had removed the stone. She and the other women could finish the proper anointing. But now it seemed someone had stolen the body.
___Then Jesus sought her in the garden. He responded to her need to realize the truth of his resurrection and heal the deep hurt in her heart. Mary knew him well. She probably could recognize his voice amidst many others. So why did she not recognize him? Why did he have to call out her name? Probably because she was not expecting to see him.
___Jesus is seeking the lost in our world today. He desires to meet their needs, heal their hurts and restore their relationship with his father.
___Are the lost in our world expecting to see Christ as they walk through their day? Of course not. When he does approach them, will they recognize his voice if they have never met him?
___We often live as if we assume the world will recognize the Lord in our acts of kindness or our involvement in ministry. If we have not introduced them to Christ, why should they?
___"And Jesus said, ... 'As the Father has sent me, I am sending you'" (John 20:21). The Father sent the Son to offer salvation to a dying world. The Son has extended the mission to us.
___Introduce people to Christ so they can recognize him when they see him. Share the truth of the gospel so the Spirit can bring understanding to their hearts.
___Introduce the one who has lived constantly with anger to gentle Jesus. The one who struggles under the pressures of unrealistic expectations should meet the Deliverer. Introduce the man who has lost his life companion to Jesus as Friend. The woman who has been wounded by years of lies can be refreshed by meeting the one who is Truth. Tell the youth charmed by the deceit of many false prophets about the Name above all names. Bring the woman who feels unworthy to the Christ who valued her more than his own life. Introduce those facing the loss of a loved one to the Resurrected Christ.
___We must pray for the lost, that they be convicted of sin, that spiritual blindness be removed and strongholds be demolished. We must care for their needs and minister to them through the resources we have.
___ But we also must introduce them to the Savior. They will not be expecting to meet him. Do not be discouraged when they cannot recognize him at first.
___Neither did Mary.

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