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
Identifying opens the door, but love invites people in. John 13:1 (NASB) says, “Jesus, knowing that His hour had come that He would depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” Jesus loved His disciples despite their failures—falling asleep in His darkest hour, fleeing in fear, even denying Him. Yet He loved them to the end.
That love transforms us. I don’t always understand how Jesus loves me, with all my shortcomings, but His love compels me to love others—even those I find hard to connect with. When we show up and show Christ’s love in unexpected places—maybe by helping a struggling coworker or listening to someone who’s hurting—it speaks louder than words. That’s evangelism: loving others like Jesus, inviting them to experience His grace.
IV. Jesus Laughed
Love draws people close, but joy makes the invitation irresistible. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:11, NASB). Every time I remember I’m forgiven and loved, I can’t help but smile. Our faith is a celebration of eternal life and a Savior who’s overcome the world.
When we live with that joy—whether at church, work, or in our neighborhoods—it’s contagious. People notice when we face trials with hope or share a laugh in tough times. That joy invites them to discover Jesus, the source of our celebration. So, let your joy shine: share a kind word, celebrate a small victory with someone, or simply smile with hope. That’s evangelism—living the joy of Christ wherever you go.
Conclusion
Paul rejoiced that Christ was preached, no matter the motive, because lifting up Jesus draws people to Him. Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself” (John 12:32, NASB). If people aren’t running to Jesus, maybe we’re not lifting Him up the way He showed us. Evangelism isn’t about numbers, competition, or fancy techniques—it’s about showing up where people are, identifying with their struggles, loving them like Jesus, and letting His joy shine through us.
This week, let’s live the invitation. Show up in a place where you can meet a need. Share a story of how Jesus met you in your brokenness. Love someone who doesn’t expect it. And let your joy in Christ be contagious. Let’s pray: Father, thank You for inviting us to Your celebration of grace. Help us to lift up Jesus by showing up, identifying with others, loving them, and sharing Your joy. May our lives draw others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Go out this week and live the invitation—not by dragging people to church, but by living like Jesus. That’s evangelism, His way.
