Evangelizing with Compassion: Reaching Those Who Feel Unworthy
This study focuses on evangelizing with compassion, particularly towards individuals who feel rejected by God and others due to their past or present circumstances. We will examine the encounters of Jesus with Matthew, the prodigal son, the Samaritan woman, and the woman caught in adultery, drawing lessons on how to extend God's love and acceptance to those who feel "too bad" to be accepted.
-- Ads --
I. Case Studies of Compassionate Evangelism:
1. Matthew (Was rejected for acceptable norms of culture and religion) - Matthew 9:9-13
• Background: Matthew was a tax collector, a profession despised by the Jewish people as they were seen as collaborators with the Roman oppressors and often extorted money. He was an outcast from mainstream religious and social circles.
• Feelings of Unworthiness (Implied): Matthew likely experienced social ostracization and judgment due to his profession. His willingness to immediately follow Jesus suggests a potential openness to acceptance and a desire for something more.
• Jesus' Compassion: Jesus called Matthew to be his disciple without condemnation or judgment of his past. He then went to eat at Matthew's house, associating with "many tax collectors and sinners" (Matthew 9:10). When the Pharisees criticized him, Jesus responded with the powerful statement, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:13), highlighting his mission of extending grace to the marginalized.
2. The Prodigal Son (Had lived a stormy life) - Luke 15:11-24
• Background: The prodigal son squandered his inheritance on reckless living in a distant country, eventually finding himself in utter destitution.
• Feelings of Unworthiness: The son's plan to return home was marked by a deep sense of unworthiness. He intended to ask his father to be treated as a hired servant, acknowledging he was "no longer worthy to be called your son" (Luke 15:19).
• Jesus' Compassion (in the Parable): The father in the parable embodies God's compassionate heart. He didn't wait for the son to grovel or earn his forgiveness. He saw him "while he was still a long way off," felt compassion, ran to him, embraced him, and kissed him (Luke 15:20). He then restored the son's dignity with the best robe, a ring, and sandals, celebrating his return with a feast. This illustrates God's overwhelming love and readiness to forgive and restore those who have strayed.
3. The Samaritan Woman (She grew up in a different religion and culture and had lived a sinful life) - John 4:1-42
• Background: The Samaritan woman was an outsider due to her ethnicity and her morally questionable lifestyle (having had five husbands and currently living with another man). Samaritans were considered religiously impure and were often avoided by Jews.
• Feelings of Unworthiness (Implied): Her isolation (coming to the well alone at noon, an unusual time) and her initial defensiveness suggest she was accustomed to rejection and judgment. She likely felt unworthy of respect or genuine interaction with a Jewish man.
• Jesus' Compassion: Jesus initiated a conversation with her, breaking cultural and social barriers (John 4:7). He didn't condemn her past but gently led her to confront her sin and revealed himself as the Messiah (John 4:10-26). His acceptance and genuine interest in her led to her transformation and her bringing many others in her community to believe in him.
4. The Woman Caught in Adultery (Was found in “sin”) - John 8:1-11
• Background: This woman was caught in the act of adultery, a sin punishable by stoning under Jewish law. She was brought before Jesus by the religious leaders who sought to trap him.
• Feelings of Unworthiness: She was publicly exposed and faced imminent death, undoubtedly feeling shame, fear, and utter unworthiness of mercy.
• Jesus' Compassion: Jesus' response was one of profound compassion and wisdom. He didn't condone her sin, but he also refused to participate in the judgmental cruelty of the religious leaders. His famous words, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her" (John 8:7), disarmed her accusers. Finally, he said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more" (John 8:11), offering forgiveness and a path to a new life.
II. Characteristics of Individuals Who Need Companionship (Evangelism with Compassion):
• Maybe they were rebels - Matthew 9:9; Luke 15:12-13; John 8:4: They may have made choices that went against societal or religious norms, leading to feelings of alienation.
• Maybe they want to deny their past - John 4:17-19: Shame and guilt can lead individuals to avoid their past and resist acknowledging their mistakes.
• They usually feel rejected by others – Matthew 9:11; Luke 15:25-32 (the older brother's reaction); John 4:9: Past actions, cultural differences, or social status can lead to a sense of being excluded and judged by others.
• They respond to acceptance - Matthew 9:9-10; John 4:28-30; John 8:11: When shown genuine acceptance and love without judgment, these individuals are often open to hearing the message of hope.
• They want mercy and forgiveness - Matthew 9:12-13; Luke 15:19; John 8:11: Deep down, they often long for understanding, pardon, and a fresh start.
• They will be willing to deal with your past - Luke 15:17-19 (the son acknowledging his actions); John 4:39 (the woman's testimony): When met with compassion, they may be more willing to confront their own past and embrace change.
III. The Approach of Christ:
• Christ showed acceptance - Matthew 9:9-10; Luke 15:20-22; John 4:7, 8:10: Jesus reached out to these individuals without prejudice or condemnation, meeting them where they were.
• Christ accepted religious criticism - Matthew 9:11; John 4:31-38, 8:3-6: Jesus was willing to face the disapproval of religious authorities to minister to those they deemed unworthy. His focus was on the individual's need, not the opinions of others.
• Christ chose to forgive - Matthew 9:12 (healing as a sign of forgiveness); Luke 15:21-22; John 4:10 (offering living water); John 8:11: Jesus offered not just acceptance but also forgiveness and the promise of a new beginning.
• Christ focused on reaching family and friends - Matthew 9:9-10 (Matthew's circle); John 4:39-42 (the Samaritan woman's testimony leading to others' faith): Transformation often leads to a desire to share the good news with loved ones and those in their immediate community.
IV. Using Compassion in Evangelism:
• See where people live, work, and spend their free time - Matthew 9:9-10 (Jesus going to Matthew's house); John 4:5-7 (meeting at the well); John 8:1-3 (encounter in the temple); Luke 19:1-10 (Zacchaeus' workplace): To show genuine care, we need to be present in people's lives and understand their context.
• Accept people as they are - Matthew 9:9-10; Luke 15:20; John 4:7-10, 8:10-11: We must extend the same unconditional acceptance that Christ offered, without judgment or preconditions.
• Don't be distracted by questions about religion (initially) - John 4:19-21: While theological discussions have their place, our initial focus should be on building relationships and demonstrating genuine care, meeting people where they are in their understanding.
• Focus on introducing people to Christ - Matthew 9:9-10 (calling Matthew to follow); John 4:25-26 (revealing himself as the Messiah); John 8:10-11 (offering forgiveness and a new path): Our ultimate goal is to connect individuals with Jesus, the source of true healing, forgiveness, and acceptance.
- 7 Privileges of the Christian Life
- 7 Attitudes Every Christian Should Have Ephesians 4:24
- What do You Think About Christ? Matthew 22:42
Conclusion:
Evangelizing with compassion means mirroring the heart of Jesus towards those who feel marginalized and unworthy. It requires us to move beyond judgment, extend genuine acceptance, and offer the message of God's love and forgiveness without reservation. By following Christ's example of meeting people where they are, showing tangible care, and focusing on introducing them to the Savior, we can effectively reach those who feel "too bad" and help them discover the boundless grace and acceptance found in Jesus Christ.
