Lighting Up Our City Video 8: Creating a Culture of EvangelismSample

Parable of Prodigal Son—Luke 15:11-32

We had to celebrate and rejoice because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. (Luke 15:32)

My granddaughter was so excited for Mother’s Day because she had made gifts and a card that she couldn’t wait to give to her mom. She wanted to skip breakfast, so her mom could open the present. I loved her joyful enthusiasm in gift-giving.

What if we thought about evangelism in this same light—telling others about Jesus is a gift that we cannot wait to give to someone we love? We should be, because this is exactly what we do have: the best gift ever—faith and salvation.

But all too often, I don’t offer others this gift. It’s easier to say nothing than to have the gift rejected. I think others may feel the same way.

So, what do we do? We need to reframe the way we think and remember that there’s a great celebration when people encounter Jesus in a meaningful and life-changing way.

Remember the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)? A son insulted his father by asking for his inheritance early (essentially wishing his father dead), left home, and squandered the money until he was penniless and desperate. The son realized the error of his ways and decided to go home to beg his father’s forgiveness and ask to be a servant in his household. But the father, when he saw the son, ran to greet him, and rejoiced because he feared his son was dead. He threw a giant party for this prodigal son, killing the fatted calf and adorning his son with a fine robe and jewels.

This is the party that happens in heaven—and even here on earth—when someone encounters Jesus and accepts Him as their Lord and Savior. Instead of death, darkness, and despair, they receive eternal life, light, and love.

So, can we be the child who cannot wait to give someone we love the greatest gift—Jesus? Will we skip everything so that the person can open it and receive everything? Don’t we want to contribute to this great heavenly celebration?

By Teresa Baumbach