The Message In A Combatant World | John 13:15-20

For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” — John 13:15-20 Here is what Jesus was telling them and us. We are merely messengers of God's message, and we are required to humbly communicate this to the world. It's a message for all people, and the people will either receive it and accept it, or they will reject it and conspire against it. And don't miss this. Those who reject it aren't just politely saying "no" and allowing believers to have their freedom of belief. They will grow combative. They will escalate their efforts to the point they will intentionally conspire against the message and messengers. This happened to them, and it will happen to us. And it will happen from inside the ranks. This is why John wrote this Gospel. He wanted us to know that Jesus was a messenger who relayed a message to his own race and religion whose plot infiltrated his inner circle, which led to his death in an attempt to silence the message. And our call is to stay true to the message and keep telling it, expecting opposition from inside and out. So, are you communicating the message? Here are some ideas to get you started: Personal Testimony: Sharing our own experiences and how our faith has impacted our lives can be powerful in connecting with others. Being authentic and sharing personal stories helps others relate and find inspiration in our journey. Conversations: Engaging in meaningful conversations with friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances allows us to listen attentively, empathize, and respectfully share our beliefs when appropriate. Building genuine connections and fostering understanding can lead to deeper discussions about faith. Bible Study Groups: Joining or organizing small group discussions centered around studying and understanding the Scriptures can provide opportunities for deeper exploration of God's Word. Through these groups, we can foster community, learn from one another, and grow in our faith together. Online Platforms: Utilizing social media, blogs, podcasts, or YouTube channels allows us to reach a wider audience with our message. Sharing uplifting messages, devotional thoughts, and personal insights can inspire and encourage others who may come across our content online. Service and Outreach: Demonstrating God's love through acts of kindness and service is a powerful way to communicate the message. Volunteering at local charities, participating in community events, and engaging in outreach programs showcase the transformative power of faith in action and can open doors for conversations about our beliefs. Invitations to Church: Inviting others to join us for worship services, Bible studies, or fellowship events at our local church creates opportunities for people to encounter the message firsthand. A warm and welcoming environment can help others feel accepted and curious to learn more about the faith we hold dear. Creative Arts: Utilizing our talents in music, art, writing, or drama allows us to communicate the message in a creative and engaging manner. Songs, paintings, poems, and performances can evoke emotions and spark conversations that lead to discussions about faith and spirituality. Prayer: Praying for guidance, wisdom, and opportunities to share the message is essential. By praying for the hearts of those who haven't yet heard or understood the message to be open and receptive, we align ourselves with God's plan and invite His presence into our communication efforts. ASK THIS: In what ways have you shared your personal testimony and experiences with others? How have these authentic and personal stories impacted those who have heard them? Reflect on your conversations with others about faith. Have you been intentional about listening attentively, empathizing, and respectfully sharing your beliefs? How can you deepen these meaningful conversations to foster understanding and create opportunities for discussing the message of God's love and truth? DO THIS: Share the message in one way today.