Whether Christian or not, most people agree that Jesus is the most fascinating person to have ever lived.  The world can debate his divinity, but few can argue about his unique place in history — or his method of reaching people.

Here was an itinerant preacher in a remote area of the Roman Empire who discipled a few unlearned men and changed the world forever.

His methods of communication varied as well by sermons, parables, or miracles.  He spoke in ways his listeners could understand and with an authority that captivated his audiences.  He broke religious customs by speaking to the unclean and untouchable. This master storyteller excelled at asking questions and using those questions to teach profound spiritual truths.

A friend recently reminded me that Jesus calls his followers to be the Body of Christ, the Church.  Jesus’ Plan A is for the Church to share the Gospel and to be His hands and feet in a thirsty and dying world.  There is no Plan B. 

There were times when Jesus spoke to thousands, and others when only a small band of followers would sit and listen to his parables.  And there were  also plenty of one-on-one moments.  He was a man who spoke with authority and compassion. No one who ever met Jesus was ever the same.

One of his more unforgettable one-on-one conversations was with the woman at the well in Samaria.  Customs dictated that Jesus should never speak to such a person.  After all, she was a Samaritan, an outcast, and a woman. Ignoring her social standing and focusing on her real needs, Jesus offered a kind of water that would cause her never to thirst again. Living water!

When I reflect on the recent history of the Church, I can see where we have excelled at the grand communications, such as revival meetings in stadiums broadcast worldwide. Catholics have their Popes, Saints, and Vatican events.  Protestants have a history of great evangelists like Billy Graham, Billy Sunday, and Dwight L. Moody.  But have we, by whatever Christian flag we fly, excelled on an individual level? 

Matthew 25 reminds us a time will come when Jesus will say, 

“Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”

Sounds like a lot of one-on-one moments to me.  And let me be the first to confess that I have failed, more than I should, to be Christ in the one-on-one encounters that come my way.

Dr. Bill Brown, Senior Fellow at the Colson Center, once asked, “Who was the most important person in Jesus’ ministry?”

His answer?   “The one in front of him.”

Who does Jesus want me to serve and minister to today?  The one in front of me.

^{Note:  Thanks to Kevin B at pexels.com for use of his photograph}