Helping the World See Jesus
The church’s role isn’t to “take Christ to the world,” thus fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 29:19-20, but to recognize Christ already at work in the world and help others see him, too. God is visible through his handiwork, but easily seen? Not always. So the church is called to direct the world’s gaze past mere “human decency” or “good fortune” to God as the ultimate source of goodness.
When someone professes atheism but also awe at nature, we might gently share our conviction that God designed such beauty. When medical care yields a cure, we can thank Jesus openly for healing. When community volunteers deliver toys to foster children; when counselors help families communicate; when neighbors welcome newcomers …there is Jesus.
Christ doesn’t hole up in church buildings until church members “take him” to the world; he works in the world, through churched and unchurched alike. But the church is key to helping people recognize him.
