The ways in which we invite others to look at Jesus are as many, and as unique, as there are people. This is where I love to see the individuality of people, as God gifts each one of us differently, but all of us are gifted for this specific task of setting forth the cross before the eyes of people and calling them to look and live, calling them to wash and be free, and to experience the transforming power of Christ.
One person is more theological than another and sticks closely to the Scriptures, setting the theological framework and foundation for the cross and then calling people to enjoy the biblical results and benefits from believing it.
Another person is more conversational, interacting with the students in more of a dialogue format, mentioning what looking at Jesus, and washing at the cross, has done for them and calling the student to do the same.
Yet another loves to use questions (though we all should be asking questions of our students) and will set a Scripture before the student’s mind and ask them how it points to the cross of Jesus Christ. They continue this manner of questions and answers all through their mentorship.
Others love the use of similarities and differences, and these people mentor their students by pointing out similarities and differences of the gospel with biblical stories, and call the student to learn to do the same.
The list is truly endless as each mentor brings his or her own human experience, background, learning, etc. to the role of mentoring.
All of this individuality is encouraged, welcomed and embraced here at Setting Captives Free. Our aim is not to have cookie cutter mentors. While we each are presenting the same story and calling our students to look, we do it in numerous different ways based on many different factors. I love to see the uniqueness of each individual and watch their personal method for setting forth the cross and calling others to look.
And yet as individual as we all are, as unique as each one is and as different as our methods are, we are all calling, as with one voice, for our students to behold Christ, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). We are simply displaying the glory of God in the face of Christ, and saying to our students, “Look! Just Look!” and we are asking them what they see when Jesus and His cross-love are displayed in vibrant colors before them. And pretty soon, as they continue looking, they start washing and experiencing the preciousness of Jesus as He went to death and the grave and back for them. That is our goal, and that is our role. And in doing so, we are using the very message God has given us to use, whereby He will change the heart of the student.
1 Corinthians 2:1-4 NLT “When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. (2) For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. (3) I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. (4) And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:1-4 NLT). Question 4. Consider your own heart for just a moment, and how it is being transformed by seeing Jesus, by considering the love He showed you at the cross. How is your heart being impacted by this good news? Please share here:
Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.