What obstacles might we face when sharing the message of Jesus like the shepherds? The Shepherds’ Simple Example • Luke 2:17: “After they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them” • Ordinary people, no special training, yet they could not keep quiet. • They spoke immediately, publicly, and confidently. Obstacles We May Meet • Fear of rejection – 2 Timothy 1:7: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” – People may scoff (Acts 17:32), but fear need not silence us. • Social pressure and hostility – John 15:18: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.” – Cultural norms often label public faith as intolerant or naive. • Feeling unqualified or insignificant – 1 Corinthians 1:27: “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.” – Like shepherds, our status does not limit God’s use of us. • Indifference and distraction in listeners – Mark 4:19: “The worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word.” – Many hear but quickly move on. • Spiritual opposition – Ephesians 6:12: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil.” – The enemy works to blind minds (2 Corinthians 4:4). • Personal doubts – Matthew 28:17 records that even some disciples doubted at first; doubt can mute our witness. • Busyness and fatigue – Luke 10:40: Martha’s example shows how serving can crowd out listening and speaking. Encouragements to Press On • Rely on the Spirit’s power—Acts 4:20: “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • Remember the urgency—Romans 10:14: people cannot believe without hearing. • Trust the Word’s effectiveness—Isaiah 55:11: it never returns void. • Keep the message simple—John 3:16 summarizes the gospel clearly for any audience. • Share personal experience—like the shepherds, testify to what you have “seen and heard.” Living It Out Today • Pray for open doors and boldness before conversations (Colossians 4:3-4). • Look for natural moments—everyday talk at work, school, or online. • Speak truth with grace (Colossians 4:6), avoiding quarrels yet refusing silence. • Partner with other believers; mutual support strengthens courage. • Celebrate every opportunity, trusting God with the results. |
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