4.3.12 "Meet 'em Where They're At"

"Meet 'em Where They're At"

Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19
Luke 10:13-37
Psalm 75:1-10
Proverbs 12:12-14

The story of the good Samaritan is one of those that we all know.. It's told in Sunday School classes from very early on. Even though we've heard it so many times, have you ever noted the context in which Jesus tells it?

"One day an expert on Moses' laws came to test Jesus' orthodoxy by asking him this question: 'Teacher, what does a man need to do to live forever in heaven?'" (Luke 10:25)

There's nothing profound about the fact that an expert in the law was questioning Jesus. That is a common occurrence. What stood out to me is the fact that Jesus answers with a question. That's not too unusual either, but listen to the exchange.

"Jesus replied, 'What does Moses' law say about it?' 'It says,' he replied, 'that you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind. And you must love your neighbor just as much as you love yourself.' 'Right! Jesus told him. 'Do this and you shall live!'

"The man wanted to justify (his lack of love for some kinds of people), so he asked, 'Which neighbors?'" (10:26-30)

What has happened here is that Jesus knew what kind of person he was talking to. He knew the piety this expert in the law had. He knew the prejudice. The story of the Samaritan is not just about kindness, Jesus is also dealing with the issue of racism the Jews had against the Samaritans.

So many times we are confronted by, or come across individuals who have an issue of sin, or misdirected, or maybe even trying to trap us. Often we kick into the "light of the world" mode and fire up the 1000watt halogen arc lamps, and shine on their sin. What happens when you shine a bright light in someone's face? They shut their eyes and turn away.

Jesus had that opportunity. When initially asked by this man what it took to live forever, Jesus could have said, "stop being a racist pig". Those around may have cheered, said a big "attaboy, Jesus, you tell 'em!" It's easy as modern day Christians to get caught in the trap of thinking we are doing effective evangelism when we walk around slapping people in the face for their sin.

That's not what Jesus did. He met them where they were at. He gave us some great guidelines for ministering to people.

1. Establish common ground. He asked the man, "what does Moses' law say?" The man answers. It's important that we don't get caught in the "blog-o-sphere" of opinions and just banter back and forth. We need to dig for truth. If someone is asking the question in the first place, there's truth somewhere in the background. When someone asks what you believe, instead of firing up the spotlight, figure out where they're at. What's their back ground?

2. Reaffirm the truth. Jesus said, "Right!... Do this and you shall live!" Once common ground is found, encourage that. It may be going back to the 10 commandments. I was told once, "I don't believe in the whole bible, just the 10 commandments." I told him, "That's fine. Let's talk about the first one."

3. Draw them to understanding. People don't necessarily need to be "told" the truth. They need to be led to discover it. Jesus disarmed this man by telling him the truth in a "3rd party" sort of way. He told him a story where the truth could be discovered and applied in the man's own mind and heart. We need to draw people to understanding, not jam it down their throat.

I think often we view every conversation as the "only chance we'll ever have", and that stresses us into a panic of "If they don't say the sinners' prayer now, they'll be forever lost!" That's often not the case. Often we may be just planting the initial seed, or watering, or whatever. We just need to be sensitive to the Spirit, and meet them where they're at.

Pray that the Lord will guide you today as you live your Mission to Reach our World for Christ!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

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Mission to Reach our World for Christ