Christ-like Communication: Approachable

Jesus welcomed all people, willing to engage in conversation with them.  Read through the Gospels and you will find the following aspects of Christ-like communication:

Though God Himself in the flesh, Jesus did not hold Himself aloof but rather freely communicated with fallen human beings. He welcomed anyone from tax gatherers and sinners to the self-righteous religious leaders. At either side of the spectrum, these were people who were far from God. How He communicated varied based on who it was but He still permitted all to come to Him.

Though born a Jew, Jesus engaged in communication with Samaritans and Gentile people who approached Him.

Though His ministry primarily focused on adults, Jesus had no problem relating with children as well.  The disciples were the ones who tried to hinder them from coming to Him but Jesus said, “Let the little children come.”

Implications for Us in Ministry:

Position should not separate you. Jesus was willing to leave the glories of heaven behind and humble Himself to come to earth.

If people feel they can’t talk freely with you because of your ministry position, what might you be doing to give that impression?  What can you do to break through preconceived ideas about certain positions?

Prejudices should not define you. Jesus broke through prejudices and cultural norms.  He could be approached by anyone without fear of rejection.

If people feel they can’t approach you without being judged, what might you be doing to give that impression?  What can you do to break through your own bents and biases to accept all people regardless of who they are or what they’ve done?

Purpose should not isolate you. Jesus had a primary target group to whom He ministered but still welcomed others.

If people feel they can’t come to you because you have an agenda that doesn’t include them, what might you be doing to give that impression?  What can you do to break through a narrow view to the big picture perspective of God’s overall purpose to love Him and love others?