Sharing JesusSample

Yesterday, we looked at the plight of a character from Plato’s story and compared that to our plight as Christians. While our end might be similar to that of Plato’s character it will nonetheless be qualitatively different in the outcome. 

Our Bible passage today reminds us that our enthusiasm for the gospel will be met with apathy. This demands our sympathy rather than frustration. Why am I saying this? Because verse 4 suggests that the god of this world has blinded their minds. 

In The Lord of the Rings, the power of the ring blinds all those who came across its path, especially Gollum. In our world the god of this world, Satan, has blinded the minds of many. But just as Gandalf reminds Frodo that instead of responding to Gollum with anger he ought to try sympathy, we too ought to be compassionate to those who reject the gospel. 

Jesus set the standard beautifully when the rich young man rejected his offer. In Mark 10:21-22, Jesus looked at him in love and the man left. Remember, the rich young man, did not leave arrogantly but sorrowful and disheartened. It is possible that many people who reject the gospel reject it sorrowful and disheartened. 

So before we see ourselves as better off, Jesus, in verse 31, reminds his disciples that while we have made the better and difficult decision to believe in him, yet, “many who are first will be last, and the last first.” That’s a very subtle warning thrown in. This quickly reminds us that our sharing of the gospel is possible only in love. We, like Jesus, must learn to look at those who have been blinded by the god of this world with love. 

“Let Light shine out of darkness.”