A technician moves a probe over a toddler’s chest; she points to the screen and says, “There is your heart!”

Eyes wide, he looks closer. “Do you see Jesus in there?”

A preschooler listens to a sales representative boast about the wonderful amenities of a timeshare. Approaching the stranger, he asks, “Did you know God made everything?”

Don’t you envy the pure heart of a child? When do we stop speaking from the heart, particularly about faith? We seem to think it is better to miss an opportunity to share Jesus than to appear foolish or naïve.

Several years ago, a coworker of mine – a new Christian – shared a problem with me regarding a decision about her future. She didn’t directly ask for advice, but I sensed it was the reason she had engaged me that day.

So, what was my response? I listened and commiserated, but I didn’t direct her to the Bible.  That missed opportunity to discuss our mutual faith and what God’s word said about her situation makes me cringe, even today. Someday, I will answer to God for caring more about an awkward moment than about my friend’s walk with the Lord.

I’d like to say that since that day, I have witnessed to every friend and acquaintance who doesn’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior. But that is, sadly, far from the truth. Where is my passion for lost souls? Shouldn’t I have a sense of urgency regarding their eternal destiny?

These are difficult questions to answer. And when I face difficult questions, I turn to the Bible for direction. There are several examples of Jesus sharing one-on-one, which I want to focus on today.

In John 3: 1­-21, we eavesdrop on a conversation between Jesus and a Pharisee named Nicodemus. This man was well educated in Jewish laws and the Scriptures. It is political suicide for a man in Nicodemus’s position to meet with Jesus, so Nicodemus comes to him at night.

Curious, but skeptical, the Pharisee has some questions for this man who performed miracles. Jesus tells him he must be born again. Nicodemus is dumbfounded. “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again” (John 3: 4 NLT)?

I can hear Jesus sigh. Jesus clarifies using references to Scripture, such as Ezekiel 36: 26-27: “being born of water and the Spirit.” Yet, the scripturally-educated Pharisee is still confused.

Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things” (John 3:10 NLT)? The Message translation says that Nicodemus is using questions to procrastinate, to avoid accepting the truth (John 3:10-12).

The encounter seems to end abruptly, with Nicodemus still on the fence about Jesus as the Savior.  Fast forward and we find Nicodemus defending Jesus in the presence of other Pharisees (John 7: 45-50) and after the crucifixion Nicodemus offers to help with Jesus’ burial. (John 19:39)  No more hiding in the dark.

In John 4: 1-42, we find Jesus in Judea. However, Jesus knew the Pharisees were getting angry, so he decides to return to Galilee by way of Samaria. Most Jewish men took the long way around rather than travel through this region. There is tension between Samaritans and the Jews for various reasons, but in part, because the Samaritans are not “pure” Jews.   However, Jesus was not a racist, so he traveled through the region on his way to Galilee.

Jesus is weary, so he stops at a well in Samaria. In order to avoid the afternoon heat, most women come in the morning and evening to get water from the well. However, today a woman approaches the well in the afternoon, probably not expecting to see anyone.

Jesus speaks to the woman and asks for water. The woman is aghast. Jewish men don’t talk to women at all in public, and a Samaritan woman is a double whammy. She calls him out on his impropriety.  His response was something like, “You’re right; I don’t need your water; I have water that quenches thirst permanently.”

Now, he’s caught her attention. Not being the spiritual type, she takes this literally; she is hoping for a way to avoid daily walks to the well.

I bet Jesus is thinking, gee, first Nicodemus and now this woman! Doesn’t anybody recognize metaphors?  Jesus steers the conversation in another direction, toward the woman’s sinful lifestyle.

She is amazed at his insight. How did he know about her? Is he a prophet?  At the very least, he is a religious man; perhaps she can distract him from her sin with a theological question about the correct place to worship. He responds to this inquiry:  authentic faith and attitude matter, not the place of worship.

She is probably wondering why his answers are different than those of other “religious” folks. Suspicious, she puts him in his place, saying, “I know the Messiah is coming – the one who is called Christ. When he comes he will explain everything to us” (John 4:25 NLT).

Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah” (John 4:26)!

Is it Jesus’ revelation, or the fact that the disciples are arriving – with disapproving looks – that causes her to run off and forget her water jar? I don’t know, but she tells others about this man who claims to be the Messiah. Not only does he claim it, but she half-believes him.

This woman is immoral, but not gullible, so her interest in what this man has to say piques others’ curiosity, and many come to check out this Jew who doesn’t talk like a Jew or even walk like a Jew – after all, he has walked into Samaria. Jesus stays a couple of extra weeks to minister to these people, and many are saved.

In Luke 18: 18-23, a rich man approaches Jesus, seeking assurance of his eternal destiny. Already knowing this man’s heart, Jesus looks askance and says, “You know the commandments” (Luke 20a NIV).

I can see the man straightening his shoulders and proudly telling Jesus, “Yes, and I follow them to a T.”

And what is Jesus’ reply to this self-righteous answer? Something like, “That’s great. All that’s left to do is forsake your comfy life and inheritance and you’re all set.”

Give up all his money? Is that what Jesus said? Love God more than anything else? The man walks away, keeping his money, but losing his soul.

Then there is Zacchaeus, a Jew, who has aligned himself with the corrupt Roman government, spending his days collecting taxes and lining his pockets with stolen money. He hears Jesus is coming through Jericho. Intrigued by what he has heard about Jesus, he climbs a tree for a better view. (Luke 19: 1-9) Perhaps he will see one of those miracles people talk about.

Sensing an opportunity, Jesus calls him down from the tree and invites himself to Zacchaeus’ home. I can hear the gossiping about Jesus’ affinity for the scumbags of the world. Jesus pays no attention to the naysayers. A life is about to change for eternity. Zacchaeus not only believes but promises to return the stolen money – times four!

So, what do these examples teach us about sharing our faith?

Jesus didn’t force himself on people. All these people were seeking the truth. Jesus doesn’t tackle people in the street or impose himself into their lives; instead, he simply answers their questions. Even the women at the well, who was shocked to be spoken to by Jesus, asked questions and stayed engaged. And, when she left, he didn’t chase her down.

Jesus made himself available, and not just during office hours. He was approachable, even at night, and he reached out to people others avoided, such as Samaria and Zacchaeus. We need to engage people outside the church and to make ourselves available to talk, commiserate, and answer questions. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way (1 Peter 3: 15b, 16a NLT).

Jesus treated people as individuals. He referred to Scripture when speaking to the well-read Nicodemus, let the Samaritan woman know she had value by speaking to her, enlightened the rich man about the true path to salvation, and acknowledged Zacchaeus’ presence while others ignored and rejected him.

The salvation message is simple and the same for everyone, but connecting with complicated and unique individuals is different. You must vary the approach to fit the person. It is easier to reach someone when you understand their struggles, fears, and weaknesses. Are you offering friendship, or merely forging ahead talking about your religion? Care about their earthly lives and foster trust, then discuss their eternal destinies.

Jesus took advantage of opportunities. Embarrassed, in Jesus’ place, I might have kept my head down and pretended not to see the man in the tree. He had every right to ignore the Samaritan woman; after all, it was improper to speak to a woman in public. Instead, Jesus seizes these moments; because he cares about people’s spiritual health enough to share the truth.

You may think that opportunities like Jesus encountered don’t come our way. But is that true? Maybe the truth is that I’m too busy, or think it’s too much of a risk to engage others often.  Maybe I’m distracted by something fun or exciting. Not Jesus, though: he didn’t allow distractions from his mission. He loved those chance encounters. Why don’t I?

Jesus spent time with people. Quoting a verse or throwing out a proverb was not Jesus’ style. Tracts and altar calls are valuable evangelizing tools. But, in the above examples, Jesus used no such tools. Rather, he answered questions and showed love and compassion to individual people. After the woman at the well told others about Jesus, he stayed a couple of extra weeks to minister to the Samaritans. There are people in heaven because he spent extra time there.

On the other hand, Jesus didn’t squander his time. He knew when to quit. Some people need time to decide, such as Nicodemus. Others know right away, like the Samaritan woman and Zacchaeus. Rejection happens, as that of the rich man.  “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy.  Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you” (Matthew 7:6 NLT). Not everyone will respond positively to your efforts. Know when it is time to move on.

Jesus strategized for optimum exposure. Now, this may sound jaded, but it’s not. Individual evangelism and discipleship impact the world. Nicodemus had influence with the Jewish leadership, the woman at the well got the ball rolling in Samaria, and I’m sure the rich man concluded that Jesus was crazy and shared his outrage with the elites. And then, there is Zacchaeus. Don’t you wonder how many people were inspired to find out more about Jesus when this corrupt tax collector returned his ill-gotten gains?

Following Jesus’ example is not easy. I still grapple daily with witnessing to others, praying for courage to share my faith and God’s word. Beating people over the head with the Bible is not my style, nor is it, in my opinion, an effective way to reach others. However, I pray for God’s direction, so that when I meet Jesus, I will know I did my best with those he brought into my life.

What about you? I would love to hear your perspective on ways to witness and spread God’s word. Also, please share the Scriptures that help you witness and evangelize. It would certainly help me to hear your thoughts. Hopefully, it will also help others who visit.

The Word of the Week is “fulfillment.” Please download the devotion and use it throughout the week. Also, don’t forget to download and print the Walk Through the Bible devotion for the children in your life.

Next week’s blog is titled When God is Distant. We will delve deeper into Zacchaeus’ story and use Scriptures from James for practical advice on drawing closer to God. Hope to see you then!