What can you tell me about Jesus?

Who do you say that I am?

This is a challenge to us who today call ourselves his disciples. We have been given the commission to continue his work in the world, to proclaim and explain the Kingdom of God; to heal the sick, comfort the brokenhearted, rescue the neglected, and encourage those who would despair. And yet, so many have heard of Jesus Christ, but do not know, really, who He is ... much less accept Him and follow, to have a personal relationship with Him.

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life," and "if anyone wants to become my disciple, let him deny himself, pick up his cross, and follow Me." These are scary words, for to follow his way, we must become preachers about God's Kingdom, and about Jesus Himself, even if the path frightens us, and we meet with the spiteful reactions of those to whom we speak. He suffered rejection, and so may we, but that is just part of the job.

So, for whoever is uncertain of how to start a conversation about Christianity, there can be a  simple question: What do you know about Jesus? You will very quickly find out if the other person has any ideas, or knowledge, or any feelings about talking about religion. But you also have to have an answer, in case he or she responds, "not much, but I've been wondering ..."

There are quite a few options for beginning to tell someone about the Saviour:

Anyone with any sense will agree that this world stinks with violence, corruption, vice and sin; and that we will be lucky if we don't destroy ourselves and the planet with us. That condition is the trouble that God is offering to save us from. Jesus can give us the power to change our lives, to break the patterns that lead us to bad ends, and ultimately to hell's perdition. And we can follow Him, and help to save the world, to turn it around, away from those things that could ruin and destroy it.

For others, the world is full of suffering and tragedy, loss and loneliness. Jesus knows  how much a broken heart can hurt, and He came to bring us good news. Heaven is not like that, and God has not abandoned and forgotten us. He saves those who have faith, and trust Him. Jesus loves us, and wants to have a personal relationship with us. He wants to be our big brother, and teach us how to grow and navigate our way through this world, and make our way home.

Some of us are troubled by guilt, knowing that they have done something so terrible that they can't forgive themselves, and they don't expect anyone else to forgive them either. But Jesus offers forgiveness, even for the worst sinner. He only asks for our willingness and intention to turn away from sin, to break the patterns that lead us away from God. If we listen, He can teach us how to live by faith and love. And yes, He knows how weak we are. He continues to forgive each time we fail and ask for help. Indeed, He can help, giving us a better way, and the strength to follow Him.

Yet others look at life, and just don't see the point. The world seems meaningless, and full of struggles without any reason or purpose, so that it just doesn't feel like it's worth the effort. Jesus comes to give us the assurance that there is a point, a real purpose and a meaning. Even if we cannot grasp it, God knows. He has a plan for the world, and each of us has a part to play in it. We were not put here to suffer, but to build our character and learn how to follow and respond to Him, and to serve our fellows with love.

For those who suffer the ills of body and  mind, or the pains of misfortune, and complain asking how a good God can allow people to suffer, Jesus brings an answer. This world is not our true home. Of course, God could heal us right away, or ward off bad luck, preventing our distress. But would we turn to Him and ask for help, if we were never troubled? We should not become so comfortable here that we don't yearn for Heaven. There are things we can do to make this world better, and that is our job, but here will never be perfect.

Then finally, there are some who feel that no one cares about them, that they are alone in the world. Truly, this is far from the truth. Jesus came for these first, before the rest, to rescue them from despair. He wants them to know that He is here, always standing beside them, and He loves and values everything they are. He told us in parables how much He values the lost sheep, that He would leave the flock to watch for itself, while He went to find the one who wandered off. He cares. You are not alone. Jesus wants you to come home, and He can give us a guide to help us stay on the right path. All we need to do is ask.

So, when the Spirit moves you to speak to someone about Jesus, and the Kingdom of God, you can begin by asking, "Who do you think Jesus is?" And the conversation will unfold from there. Just remember, our purpose is to build up the Church. Jesus commended Peter for his answer, "You are the Messiah, the Son of God."