How to Share the Gospel
“When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were troubled. So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in custody in his master’s house, “Why are your faces downcast today?” (Gen. 40:6-7)
Entire forests have been decimated and oceans of ink spilt over one simple question: “How do you share the gospel?” The responses verge on everything from a scripted response to the need of a Ph.D., and we wonder why Christians are so hesitant. Could we spend just a moment and make sharing the gospel simple? Let me give it to you in three steps.
One, know the gospel and its comfort. When I sold appliances, we were tasked with selling Extended Protection Plans, and we were given a simple rule: “You cannot sell something you don’t believe in.” This required knowing exactly what the plans were and the benefits the offered. What of Christ and His gospel? When Joseph rose to fame and sent his brothers to herald the good news to Jacob, Jacob did not believe until he saw Joseph’s riches, his benefits. What of us? Can we look at others and say, “I know Christ, and here is all the evidence of it”? This does not require a great depth of training; rather, it requires a depth of relationship.
Two, ask about others. Joseph looked at these two men and saw troubled, teary eyes. He noticed them, and he asked about them. “Why are you downcast today?” Trust me, there is a broken heart in every pew of every church and every aisle of every store. Engaging with others does not sound hard, but it proves to be a stumbling block for many. Why? Our favorite topic of conversation is ourselves – our lives, our families, our hobbies. Other people are simply opportunities to talk about us. (May I interject and say that this is usually a sign of a sin-sick soul?) However, when we see the face of another human being, we should not look for our own reflection, but the reflection of God. Are they not made in His image? Should this not elicit from us a great love and desire to engage with them for their own sakes? Again, this does not require great training; it requires a relationship.
Third, let us apply the comfort we have been given to the sorrowful news we have received. Joseph knew something of dreams from his youth, and he seeks to comfort these two men with the same comfort. He knew His God, he knew their troubles, and he simply put the two pieces together. Before we cry out in despair at the challenge, can I point out that we do this all the time? If someone needs an electrician, we tell them of an electrician who has helped us before. Can we not do the same for God? Know the Lord, know their problems, and put the two together.
Before I leave you today, let me make one announcement. Every year, my family spends Halloween setting up tents and tables to give away candy, hot chocolate, and chili. If you happen to be venturing down Court Street on Halloween, stop by! Warm yourself by the heaters with a warm bowl of chili and some good fellowship!
