The Jesus Style Life: Seek and Save
Excerpted from my recent book The Jesus Style Life: A Practical Guide to Living in the Way of Jesus. (Check it out at https://stan.store/iannschonken/p/the-jesus-style-life for a 30% discount over Amazon. If you prefer Kindle or paperback: Go to Amazon please.)
In Luke 19:10, Jesus declares His purpose in no uncertain terms:
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
This single verse encapsulates the heart of Jesus’ mission on earth. He came to seek out those who were far from God, to save them from their sins, and to bring them into the family of God. As His followers, we are called to join Him in this mission.
But what does it mean to seek and save the lost in our context today? How can we effectively carry out this mission in a world that is increasingly hostile to the message of the Gospel? This chapter will explore the biblical foundation for seeking and saving the lost, the example set by Jesus, and practical ways we can engage in this mission in our daily lives.
The Heart of Seeking the Lost
The mission of seeking and saving the lost begins with understanding the heart of God. Throughout Scripture, we see that God is deeply concerned with those who are far from Him:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9, NIV).
God’s Relentless Pursuit
From the Garden of Eden, where God sought out Adam and Eve after they sinned, to the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15, we see a God who relentlessly pursues those who are lost. In the parable, Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to go after the one that is lost. When he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and brings it home, saying:
“Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep” (Luke 15:6, NIV).
This parable illustrates the lengths to which God will go to bring back a lost soul. It shows us that every individual is precious to Him and worth the effort of seeking out. As followers of Christ, we are called to have this same heart for the lost, to be willing to go out of our way, to take risks, and to invest our time and resources in reaching those who are far from God.
The Compassion of Christ
Jesus’ ministry was marked by compassion for the lost. In Matthew 9:36, we read:
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
This compassion moved Jesus to action. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and taught the crowds about the Kingdom of God. But Jesus’ compassion was not just about meeting physical needs; it was about addressing the deeper spiritual needs of the people.
He understood that without a relationship with God, people were lost, no matter how successful or content they appeared on the outside. This is why He was willing to go to the cross—to provide the way of salvation for all who would believe in Him.
The Call to Save the Lost
While seeking the lost is about finding those who are far from God, saving the lost is about leading them to a place of repentance and faith in Christ. This is not something we can do in our own strength; it requires the power of the Holy Spirit working through us.
The Power of the Gospel
In Romans 1:16, Paul writes:
“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
The Gospel is the power of God for salvation. It is the message that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This message has the power to transform lives, to bring people from darkness to light, and from death to life.
As believers, we are entrusted with this powerful message. But sharing the Gospel requires boldness and a willingness to face rejection. Not everyone will respond positively to the message of Christ, but that should not deter us from sharing it.
We must remember that it is not our job to save people; that is the work of the Holy Spirit. Our role is to faithfully proclaim the truth and trust God with the results.
The Role of Prayer in Salvation
Prayer is a vital component of seeking and saving the lost. Before we ever speak a word of the Gospel, we should be praying for the hearts of those we seek to reach. In Colossians 4:3, Paul asks the church to pray for him:
“that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.”
Paul understood that without God opening doors and softening hearts, his efforts would be in vain. We, too, must rely on prayer to guide us in our efforts to reach the lost. We should pray for opportunities to share the Gospel, for the courage to speak when those opportunities arise, and for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those we encounter.
Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s and prepares us for the spiritual battle involved in seeking and saving the lost.
Practical Ways to Seek and Save the Lost
Understanding the mission is one thing, but putting it into practice is another. How can we effectively seek and save the lost in our everyday lives?
Building Relationships with Purpose: One of the most effective ways to reach the lost is by building genuine relationships with those around us. People are more likely to respond to the Gospel when they see it lived out in the context of a loving, authentic relationship. This means taking the time to get to know people, listening to their stories, and being there for them in their times of need. In John 4, we see Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well. He didn’t immediately confront her with her sin; instead, He engaged her in conversation, showed her respect, and offered her living water. It was through this relationship that Jesus was able to reveal Himself as the Messiah, and the woman’s life was transformed. We can follow Jesus’ example by being intentional in our relationships, looking for opportunities to share the love of Christ, and being patient as God works in the hearts of those we are reaching.
Sharing the Gospel with Clarity: While relationships are important, there comes a time when we must clearly articulate the message of the Gospel. This can be intimidating, especially in a culture that is often resistant to Christian beliefs. However, it is essential that we are prepared to share our faith when the opportunity arises. In 1 Peter 3:15, we are encouraged: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 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.” Sharing the Gospel should never be about winning an argument or forcing our beliefs on others. It should be done with humility, respect, and a genuine desire to see people come to know Jesus. There are many ways to share the Gospel, from using a simple outline like the “Romans Road” to sharing our personal testimony. The key is to be clear, concise, and focused on the core message of Christ’s death and resurrection.
Serving as a Witness through Our Lives: Our actions often speak louder than our words. Living a life that reflects the character of Christ can be a powerful witness to those around us. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This doesn’t mean we have to be perfect, but it does mean we should strive to live in a way that honors God and draws others to Him. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, integrity in the workplace, or the way we handle challenges, our lives should be a testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel.
The Reward of Seeking and Saving the Lost: There is great joy in participating in the mission of seeking and saving the lost. Not only does it bring glory to God, but it also has eternal significance. When we lead someone to Christ, we are participating in the greatest miracle of all—the salvation of a soul.
• The Joy of Heaven: In Luke 15:10, Jesus says: “I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The joy of heaven over a single soul coming to Christ is immeasurable. When we lead someone to Jesus, we are joining in that heavenly celebration. This joy is not only for the angels but for us as well. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing a life transformed by the power of the Gospel. It reminds us of the grace we have received and renews our passion for sharing that grace with others.
• The Eternal Impact: The impact of seeking and saving the lost extends beyond this life. In Daniel 12:3, we read: “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” Our efforts to reach the lost have eternal consequences. The souls we help lead to Christ will spend eternity in His presence, and our faithfulness in this mission will be rewarded in the life to come. This eternal perspective should motivate us to be diligent in our efforts to seek and save the lost. It reminds us that our work is not in vain and that the sacrifices we make in this life will bear fruit for eternity.
Conclusion
The mission to seek and save the lost is not an optional part of the Christian life; it is central to our calling as followers of Christ. It requires compassion, boldness, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit. As we engage in this mission, we must remember that it is God who saves, but He chooses to work through us to accomplish His purposes.
May we be faithful in this calling, always seeking opportunities to share the Gospel, and trusting God to bring the increase. Let us embrace the joy of joining Jesus in His mission, knowing that every soul saved is a victory for the Kingdom of God.
Reflection Questions
How can you cultivate a heart of compassion for the lost like Jesus?
What practical steps can you take to be more intentional in building relationships with non-believers?
How can you overcome the fear of sharing the Gospel and trust God with the results?
Excerpted from my recent book The Jesus Style Life: A Practical Guide to Living in the Way of Jesus. (Check it out at https://stan.store/iannschonken/p/the-jesus-style-life for a 30% discount over Amazon. If you prefer Kindle or paperback: Go to Amazon please.)