Coffee and Conversations

Pastor has begun the new series "Coffee and Conversations". We will be looking at the conversations Jesus had. Coffee is available during the service and there will be a time at the end of the service to text message questions to Pastor Kurt or JoLynn.

We have so much to learn from the way Jesus communicated with people.

Jesus talked with people "on the way". We know that in order to touch the lives of others, we have to be willing to be interrupted. So many of the miracles of Jesus were interruptions or people He met along the way. His first miracle was an interruption at a wedding.

Jesus always had time for individuals. Jesus didn't just minister to the masses, He saw the individual. He came for the individual. We need to be sure we make time for those people who need us.

Jesus talked with anyone who would talk with Him. The list of people Jesus encountered and talked with is wide and various...tax collectors and the poor, religious people and sinners, prostitutes and widows, Pharisees and Jews, government officials and rulers, the sick, the blind, the demon possessed, the crazy...the list goes on and on. Jesus was not an elitist. He came for all. The very people who come into our lives that we try to avoid could be the very ones God is asking us to talk to.

He gave each person His full attention. In our culture and busy society, we have become less and less skilled in communication. Often times we give others half our attention while they are talking, or we interrupt or rush their story. Jesus was not like that. He gave His full attention to everyone He talked with. Not only that, He probed deeper into their lives to find out more. He asked questions often, getting to the hearts of those He encountered. In order to develop strong relationships and effect others' lives, we must give them our full attention, being selfless in conversation.

Jesus listened as well as talked. Jesus did not dominate conversations. He asked questions, listened actively, and got to the heart of the matter. Listening is a lost art in our culture. Our spouses and children as well as the rest of the world long for a listening ear, to not only hear the words being spoken but the heart behind those words.

Jesus didn't force the issue with people. Jesus always left space for those He encountered to choose. He didn't force the issue. He spoke truth to the rich young ruler, but as the young man walked away, Jesus didn't force him to choose the right way. He wasn't out to 'seal the deal'. Jesus' conversations were full of truth and life and love, but when it came down to it, He left the choosing to others.

Jesus expected the best of people. So often we assume negative things about those we encounter. Jesus made room for those He talked with to make mistakes. Jesus knew Peter would deny Him three times, yet He saw the best in him, restoring him back to himself and using Him mightily after His death and resurrection. Believing the best about others allows those we talk to the ability to open up. Not being fearful of judgment or criticism, they will talk more openly.

Jesus saw salvation as an event but evangelism as a process. The church has often triumphed in great moments of seeing multitudes saved. The church has more often failed in staying in the process of evangelism and discipleship. Door to door witnessing is no longer as effective in our culture as people are desperate for faithful, long term relationships. This disconnected generation needs face to face, shoulder to shoulder discipleship built in relationship and friendship. Jesus understood this in His conversations with others. He taught His disciples along the way, through daily life, through relationship.

Jesus gave of Himself to others. Jesus was never selfish. His life was all about service and giving. Although He was the Son of God, He still was human and had to make deliberate choices to give Himself to others around Him. As followers of Christ, we must live life with our eyes wide open, seeing those around us who need a friend, a financial gift, or a prayer. It takes intentionality to stop living for ourselves, to fight self-absorption, and to give of ourselves to others. It must become a lifestyle in order to live like Christ did.