Motives For Evangelism Series

MOTIVES FOR EVANGELISM

Luke 6:17-19

As Christians, we have been washed in the precious blood of the Lamb, we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we have been redeemed, delivered from our sins, and raised to walk in newness of life. Our loving God has given us a future, granted us eternal life, provided us with an eternal home in Heaven and a promised reunion with our loved ones. No matter what we face in this life, we have the assurance that one day we will see Jesus face to face. The Apostle John said, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is”. (I John 3:2).

In the early days of Jesus’ ministry, there was no shortage of crowds who were excited about following Jesus. Sadly, there came a time when the crowds turned away. In the Church, there are many people who once possessed great passion and were excited about following Jesus and sharing Him with others, but somewhere along the way they too have turned away. All of us are at risk for doing the same, therefore it is imperative that we continue to “fan the flame” concerning our walk with Jesus. One way for us to do this is to spend time examining the amazing life of our Lord and also remembering all that He has done in our lives. When we do this, it will serve to reignite our passion and excitement for Jesus and for evangelism. I would like to examine Luke 6:17-19 and consider some “MOTIVES FOR EVANGELISM”.

- One motivation for evangelism is the fact that:

I. JESUS POSSESSES POWER THAT CANNOT BE HIDDEN

Jesus is not just powerful; He is all powerful; He is the omnipotent God. His mighty power is evident on every page of God’s Word, and it is apparent in the world around us. His power is evident in the work of creation, it is evident in the miracles that He performed, His power is evident in His glorious resurrection, and according to the Bible, we haven't seen anything yet! There is coming a day when He will split the Easter sky, with a shout, with the sound of a trumpet and the voice of the Archangel. When this happens the Saints will rise and meet Him in the air.

- Christ’s power cannot be hidden. Verses 17-19 show us that:

A. JESUS POWER IS EVIDENT BECAUSE OF HIS MIGHTY WORKS

v17 He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, 18 as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.

This is one of several summary sections found in the gospels that covers numerous miracles that Jesus worked on a certain occasion. He healed "many" diseases, He cast out "many" demons, and an entire multitude came to Him seeking a miracle. Throughout the gospels we are told that Jesus:

1) Turned water into wine - (John 2:1-11)

2) Healed the Nobleman's son - (John 4:46-54)

3) Healed many lepers - (Mark 1:40-45)

4) Healed the Centurion's servant - (Luke 7:1-10)

5) Healed Peter's mother in law - (Mark 1:29-31)

6) Healed the man with the withered hand - (Mark 3:1-6)

7) Healed the woman with the issue of blood - (Mark 5:22-24)

8) Healed many blind, deaf and mute men - (Matthew 9:27-31; Luke 11:14)

9) He calmed a raging sea by saying "peace be still" - (Mark 4:35-41)

10) He walked on water - (Mark 6:45-52)

11) He fed over 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread & 2 fish (Mark 6:31-44)

12) He raised at least 3 people from the dead. (Luke 7:11-17) (Mark 5:22-24) (Jo

Even with all of the information that we have concerning the miracle working power of Jesus, there is no way for us to truly know it all. The Apostle John said, “there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written…" (John 21:25).

- Jesus power is evident because of His mighty works, and it is also true that:

B. HE POWER IS EVIDENT BECAUSE OF HIS MANY WITNESSES

v19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.