What steps can we take to bring others to Jesus, inspired by Mark 6:53? Setting the Scene “When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored the boat.” (Mark 6:53) Observe the Pattern: Jesus’ Example The Spirit-inspired narrative shows three simple movements: crossing over, arriving at a specific place, and mooring. What follows in vv. 54-56 (people recognizing Jesus, running to gather others, and laying the sick before Him) fleshes out a clear, practical pattern for anyone who longs to bring others to Christ. Step 1: Cross Over Obstacles • Jesus literally crossed a lake; we cross whatever stands between us and those who need Him. • Personal comfort, busy schedules, cultural divides—none are too large when obedience calls (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23). • Decide, then act. Evangelism begins with deliberate movement, not mere intention. Step 2: Choose a Strategic Place • “They came to land at Gennesaret.” Jesus did not stay mid-lake; He went where people actually lived. • Identify the modern “Gennesarets” in your world—workplace, campus, neighborhood, online community. • Pray for discernment, then plant your feet there with purpose (Acts 17:26-27). Step 3: Anchor in Presence • “…and moored the boat.” He made Himself accessible; He didn’t keep drifting. • Consistency builds trust. Show up predictably—same lunch table, same coffee shop seat, same community event. • A moored life says, “You know where to find me if you need hope.” Step 4: Let Yourself Be Recognized • Verse 54: people “immediately recognized Him.” Recognition demands visibility. • Live openly as a follower of Christ (Matthew 5:16). • Simple identifiers—praying over a meal, offering to pray for a coworker, speaking of God’s goodness—signal where true help can be found. Step 5: Welcome the Hurting • Verse 55: they “carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was.” • Expect brokenness to arrive. Receive it without shock or judgment (Romans 15:7). • Practical hospitality—listening ears, a ride to church, a meal shared—creates a runway for the gospel. Step 6: Direct Them to Personal Contact with Jesus • Verse 56: they begged “to touch even the fringe of His cloak.” • Our goal is not to make admirers of us but disciples of Him (John 1:40-42). • Open Scripture, explain salvation, invite a response (Romans 10:17). Putting It Into Practice 1. Identify one obstacle you will “cross” this week. 2. Select a strategic place and schedule regular presence there. 3. Adopt one visible habit that marks you as Christ’s. 4. Prepare a simple, gracious gospel explanation (1 Peter 3:15). 5. Offer tangible help to someone hurting and link that help to Jesus’ love. Scriptures That Reinforce the Steps • Crossing over: Luke 8:22 – “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” • Strategic presence: John 4:4 – “He had to pass through Samaria.” • Visibility: Philippians 2:15 – “…shine like stars in the world.” • Welcoming the hurting: Matthew 11:28. • Directing to Christ: Acts 8:35 – “Philip began with that Scripture and preached Jesus to him.” |
    |