Week 18: When and where should I talk about Jesus?

So far this month we’ve learned why we should talk about Jesus, what to say about Him, how to share His story, and who to share it with. Let’s tackle two last questions this month: when and where should we share the gospel?

Be ready to read the following passages:

Let’s start it.

Take turns describing your normal daily routine. How do you respond when your routine is interrupted somehow? 

Let’s learn it.

Have you noticed that we’ve spent a lot of time reading the book of Acts this month? That’s because Acts tells us how Christians first began to tell the story of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Let’s explore two more true stories of early believers who shared the gospel. Read Acts 8:26-35 to find out what God directed Philip to do.

Even though Philip didn’t know why God was sending him down that particular road, he didn’t ask, “Why?” or “When should I go?” He just went immediately. As Philip obeyed, the Holy Spirit guided him to an Ethiopian man who was a long way from home. He was passing the time in his chariot by reading from the book of Isaiah, but he didn’t understand what he was reading. God put both men in the same place at the same time so Philip could explain the good news of Jesus. If Philip hadn’t gone or waited before obeying, he might have missed a divine appointment! God sent Philip on a journey to meet just one man, but that man took the gospel message back to a whole country.

Followers of Jesus come across people every day, right where they are, who don’t know the Lord. Take a look at Acts 16:6-15 to read about another divine appointment.

Jesus directed Paul, Timothy, and Silas to the exact place He wanted them to go on this mission trip. Paul and His friends were looking for a place to pray on the Sabbath. Most likely they would have asked the Lord for opportunities to tell someone about Jesus on their trip. They could have gotten so caught up in having their prayer time that they might not have noticed this group of women. Instead, they recognized an opportunity to share the gospel right where they were. God interrupted their routine, but He also answered their prayers before they asked! Turn to 1 Peter 3:15 to read how Peter encouraged early believers to share the gospel right where they were.

Every follower of Christ has a personal testimony about faith in Christ. Believers can share Jesus every day by simply being ready to tell people who Jesus is and how they came to know Him. The people in today’s passages paid attention to the people they met along the way. The message of Jesus didn’t spread across the ancient world by accident. Jesus’ followers shared their faith with anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Let’s discuss it.

  1. Think back to the way you described your normal day in Let’s start it. How can you show the love of Christ, right where you are, every day?
  2. When has God put you in the right place at the right time to either tell someone about Jesus or to do something that showed His love?
  3. Take turns sharing your personal testimony of how you met Jesus. Make sure to include how knowing Him has changed your thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Let’s do it.

We often ask God to give us opportunities to talk about our faith in Christ. The truth, however, is that we are surrounded by opportunities to share the love of Christ each and every day. As we’ve learned how to share Jesus this month, what person has the Holy Spirit prompted you to talk with? Brainstorm with your family how to start the conversation.

As you go out this week, look for natural opportunities to tell someone how He has changed your life. Are you willing to talk about Jesus to anyone, anywhere, and at any time? Close your devotion time by praying for your family members to recognize opportunities to share Jesus and when an opportunity comes … to take it!