Building Bridges

- Pastor Dale Oquist

“When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” – 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NLT)

One of the most incredible things that Jesus did was to connect with people. He reached the rich and poor alike. He welcomed the crowds while pursuing the outcasts. Jesus always sought a way to connect with someone and show them His love.

When the man had leprosy and begged Jesus to heal him, no contact was needed. Jesus could have spoken his healing into existence. Instead, Jesus touched him. Jesus broke Jewish tradition because He knew the man, more than anything else, needed someone to touch him. Someone who noticed him and loved him despite his condition. After his time with Jesus, the man’s life was forever changed.

When Jesus entered Samaria, He knew He would not be accepted. He was a Jewish man going into Samaria. The hatred between the Jews and Samaritans would keep Him from being effective in the town.

Instead of giving up, Jesus built a bridge toward them. He was so adept at that. Instead of going into Samaria hoping to win them over with His words and miracles, He sat outside the town at a well in the middle of the day. Jesus knew there was a Samaritan woman that would be there. Jesus knew that if He could change her heart, she would be the bridge into that community. After her time with Jesus, her community was forever changed.

Instead of waiting for Peter to come to the temple so that Jesus could call him to follow, Jesus went to the sea and stood in Peter’s boat. When Peter was amazed at the miracles, Jesus didn’t say, “Peter, I’m the Son of God; come follow me!” Instead, Jesus used language that would connect with Peter, “Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Peter decided to follow Him that day, and we are the beneficiaries of that decision. Peter traveled the world telling people about Jesus. He gives us the roadmap for building bridges, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience...”

You never know what God will do with the bridge you build for someone to find Jesus.

Make a Difference:

Take a moment and think about areas where you have been divisive with people. Ask God for His help to build a bridge toward them so they can experience the transformative power of the love of Jesus.

As You Read:

Paul looked for opportunities to connect with other people. When you read his messages to the church in Corinth and Thessalonica, how do you notice his encouraging and challenging verbiage? How can we walk that line in our interactions?