Messy Gospel, Week 6: Can the World See Jesus in Us?
The Apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 1:27 that God has made His glory known to the world through Christ in you, the hope of glory. As Christians, Jesus is alive in us today! We have the hope the world needs living in us and working through us.
Yet the world is unable to see Jesus since “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4). The world cannot see Jesus, but as a child of God, the world can see Jesus in you. Here are five windows through which those without hope are able to see Jesus in our lives:
1: In the way we love. Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) The supernatural love of the Lord flows between brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s more than a bond of unity holding our spiritual family together; it is an evangelistic love that draws unbelievers to the Savior as the source of our love.
2: In the way we endure. The target on our back grows with our godliness. The world watches as we endure trials and tragedies, problems and persecution all with joy (James 1:2). While some may ask about the source of that joy, others will react in anger. In those moments, we show them Jesus by enduring and cling to His words in Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
3: In the way we forgive. Sin is inevitable. But because we are believers, forgiving others for sin should also be inevitable. The world is spring-loaded for bitterness and revenge. The evangelistic shock of a forgiving heart is a clear demonstration of Christ at work in us. As Paul wrote, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
4: In the way we serve. The life of Christ makes His attitude visible for all to see. He selflessly, humbly, and relentlessly served others. From washing their feet to preparing their food, no task was beneath the dignity of our Savior (Philippians 2). When we follow His example of humble service, the world will see Jesus at work in our lives. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
5: In the way we speak. Our words are the window to our soul (Luke 6:45). They are also the window to Christ’s work in us. Beyond the example of our lives, the gospel message we proclaim is the single most important way the world will see Jesus. “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14) In this context, every single Christian is “the preacher.” So “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Today and every other day of the year, we live between the fulfilled promise of His birth and the anticipated promise of His return. The world may not now see Jesus, but they can and must see Jesus through you.