Mission: Impossible
The Mission – Part 3

Scripture Reading: Luke 5:17-26

Key Verse: Luke 5:19

When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

We need to spend one more day on this scripture.  These four men had determined to bring this paralytic to Jesus.  It took determination and creativity to make it happen, as we discussed yesterday.  The question for today is: What will our “mat” look like?  In other words, this paralyzed man came to Jesus on a mat.  What will it take for your family member or friend to come to Jesus?

            In most situations it will take a warm relationship.  Studies have been done to find out the most effective methods of influencing people to accept the claims of Christ.  The most effective were not Bill Graham crusades or TV evangelists.  By far the most effective “mat” that brings people to Jesus is friendship.  A person must like and trust the person who is trying to introduce them to Jesus.

            A second “mat” is being an authentic follower ourselves.  In other words: “walking our talk.”  We must be consistent and faithful to the teachings of Jesus ourselves if we plan to influence others to become followers.  This doesn’t mean we pretend to be perfect.  It means we admit our failures and consistently keep getting back up to follow Him.  Be sure to demonstrate your love and faith in Jesus by your obedience to God’s Word!

Father, I want to be used of you to help others come to know you.  Help me build those relationships and be faithful to you.  In Jesus’ name, amen.