Living The Invitation: Jesus’ Way Of Evangelism

Living the Invitation: Jesus’ Way of Evangelism

Introduction

Have you ever invited someone to a celebration, only to hear them say, “I don’t go to church—it’s full of hypocrites”? That stings, but it points to our calling: to live in a way that draws people to Jesus’ love, like inviting them to the greatest celebration of all—life in Him. In Philippians 1:18 (NASB), Paul says, “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.” Paul didn’t care who preached or why—he rejoiced that Jesus was lifted up.

Dr. Harry Ironside once saw a woman preaching in a park in Oakland, California. His friend grumbled, “Isn’t it a shame she’s preaching?” Ironside replied, “It’s a shame there’s not some man to take her place.” The point? Christ was being shared, and that’s what matters. Today, we’re not just celebrating the Gospel; we’re learning how to live the invitation, sharing Jesus’ love the way He did—by showing up, connecting, loving, and bringing joy to a world that needs it.

Scripture Reading

Let’s read Philippians 1:12-18 (NASB), where Paul shares his heart:

“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the entire praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brothers and sisters, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from goodwill; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice.”

Paul’s joy wasn’t in perfect preachers—it was in Christ being shared. But how do we share Christ effectively? Jesus Himself showed us the way. Let’s look at four ways Jesus lived out the invitation to His love and grace, and how we can follow His example.

Main Points

I. Jesus Showed Up

The first step in living the invitation is showing up where people are. Scripture tells us, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory” (John 1:14, NASB). Jesus didn’t wait for people to come to Him—He went to their homes, markets, and messy places. As His followers, we’re called to be holy, set apart, but also sent back into the world. Jesus prayed, “I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15, NASB). We’re to be in the world, not of it.

Yet too often, we hide in a Christian bubble—sticking to our books, movies, and circles that feel safe. Someone once quipped that the average church service is “a bland man standing before bland people telling them how to become blander.” That stings, but it challenges us. Evangelism starts when we step out—maybe to a coffee shop, a coworker’s lunch table, or a community event. By showing up, we become salt and light, adding Christ’s flavor to draw others to Him. So, this week, try it: meet a neighbor’s need, join a local group, or simply listen to someone’s story. That’s evangelism—showing up like Jesus did.

II. Jesus Identified

Jesus didn’t just show up—He identified with us, stepping into our struggles. Hebrews 2:17-18 (NASB) says, “He had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest… For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” Jesus faced our pain, so He can say, “I know, my child, I know.”

Because Jesus identified with us, we can identify with others. Paul called himself the “chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15, NASB), admitting his brokenness, yet he wrote, “For this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16, NASB). When we share how Jesus met us in our failures—whether it’s doubt, shame, or sin—we build trust with others. They don’t need perfect Christians; they need real ones who say, “I’ve struggled too, and Jesus was there.” That’s evangelism: connecting through shared humanity to point to Christ’s mercy.

III. Jesus Loved