In what ways can we share Jesus' words with others today? The Heart of John 17:8 “ For I have given them the words You gave Me, and they have received them; they knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me.” (John 17:8) Jesus models three stages: • Receiving the Father’s words • Passing those words on unchanged • Watching faith spring up in hearers Our calling mirrors His: receive, pass on, and trust God for the results. Why Sharing Matters • Matthew 28:19-20 – His Great Commission doesn’t expire. • Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • 2 Timothy 2:2 – We entrust truth to others who will teach still others. Because Scripture is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), it accomplishes His purposes when we release it. Everyday Ways to Pass On Jesus’ Words • One-on-One Conversations – Share a verse that recently helped you. – Listen first, then offer Scripture that speaks to the need (Proverbs 25:11). • Family Rhythms – Read a gospel passage at meals. – Memorize verses together (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Small-Group Bible Study – Open the text, ask “What does it say?” before “What do we think?” – Encourage everyone to read some verses aloud (1 Timothy 4:13). • Public Reading in Worship – Volunteer to read Scripture at church. – Let God’s Word stand on its own without lengthy commentary (Nehemiah 8:8). • Digital Witness – Post a verse image or short reflection online. – Send a daily Scripture text to friends who ask. • Creative Arts – Set verses to music, paint scenes from the gospels, write poetry that quotes Jesus’ words (Psalm 45:1). • Acts of Service Saturated with Scripture – Add a handwritten verse to a meal you deliver or a care package. – Speak Jesus’ promises while serving the needy (Matthew 25:35-40). • Gospel Tracts and Literature – Slip a concise gospel booklet that quotes Scripture into a card or gift. – Leave New Testaments where allowed—hospital waiting rooms, break rooms, campus commons. • Mentoring and Discipleship – Meet regularly with a newer believer; walk through a gospel verse by verse. – Model obedience, not just knowledge (James 1:22). Posture Matters as Much as Method • Confidence – The Bible is true; speak it plainly (Isaiah 55:11). • Humility – We are messengers, not authors (2 Corinthians 4:5). • Love – Truth without love sounds like a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1). • Prayerfulness – Ask the Spirit to open hearts (Acts 16:14). Taking the Next Step Jesus entrusted His words to us just as the Father entrusted them to Him. Whether through quiet conversation, public proclamation, or a post on a screen, each believer holds a piece of the divine relay: receiving, sharing, and watching God spark faith in the hearers. |
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