JESUS DISPLAYED
1 Corinthians 9:16–27
About a month ago, I was away from my usual barber and needed a haircut. As you can probably tell from my picture, my hair is not a great priority in my life. As I’ve gotten older, my hair has thinned and is now turning gray. For me, haircuts are a quick clip in a military style. After a Google search, I decided to pop into a place close to where I was staying that seemed to be what I needed for a quick cut.
My stay lasted more than two hours because of an interesting conversation with the person cutting my hair. His name was Sal, and I am thankful that God allowed me to meet him that day. Sal is a Muslim and needs Christ. While there are major differences in Sal’s theology and mine, he is still made in the image of God and loved by Jesus.
He is also someone God put in my path to show grace and Christian hospitality.
His only opinion of Christ may rest on how I treated him and talked with him that day. Each day, we have the opportunity to represent Jesus to the world around us. It is not always easy, but it is worth it eternally.
We have been given a commission to share Jesus. (16–18)
The Apostle Paul is a constant reminder of what it means to be a passionate follower of Christ. He was compelled to share Jesus in every season, setting and situation. While we each have different gifts and personalities, the calling to share Christ with a world in need remains the same.
The good news of the gospel is our message, and seeing Christ save souls is our motivation. When we allow the depth of Christ’s atonement to penetrate our hearts and minds, we too will be eager to share with others.
Step into the shoes of others to share Jesus. (19–23)
Some miss the meaning of these verses and try to change who they are to fit in anywhere. God has not called us to be chameleons; rather, He has called us to be consistent in our message.
We do not have the authority to change the message of God’s Word, but our approaches may vary. I would probably not fit in at a cowboy church, and a cowboy might not be comfortable at a megachurch with thousands of people. The power of the gospel is the same in both settings, but the environment in which it is shared can reach every type of person.
Sharing Jesus takes discipline and self-denial. (24–27)
You cannot fail when you share Jesus! Yes, someone may reject what you say, but they are not rejecting you; they are rejecting Jesus. They are responsible for their actions, not you. Don’t forget, though, that you are still responsible for sharing. Sharing Jesus comes from confidence in Him, not in yourself.
It may happen in a church foyer, a grocery store or even with a barber named Sal. Jesus loves them, and He loves you. You have an amazing, life-changing story to share. Our world does not need perfect Christians; it needs Christians who care. You can display Jesus in every situation you are in. The old song rings true: “Let others see Jesus in you.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
