Introduction

The act of bringing others to Jesus is a central theme in the New Testament and a vital aspect of Christian discipleship. It involves sharing the message of the Gospel and leading others to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This entry explores the biblical basis, examples, and principles of bringing others to Jesus, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible .

Biblical Basis

The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, serves as the foundational mandate for Christians to bring others to Jesus: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This command underscores the responsibility of believers to actively engage in evangelism and discipleship.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for this task: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The Holy Spirit equips believers to effectively share the Gospel and testify to the transformative power of Jesus.

Examples from Scripture

1. Andrew and Peter: One of the earliest examples of bringing others to Jesus is found in John 1:40-42. Andrew, after meeting Jesus, immediately sought out his brother Simon Peter and brought him to Jesus. This simple act of introducing a loved one to Christ had profound implications, as Peter became one of the foremost apostles.

2. Philip and Nathanael: In John 1:45-46, Philip finds Nathanael and tells him, "We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Despite Nathanael's initial skepticism, Philip invites him to "come and see," leading to Nathanael's encounter with Jesus.

3. The Samaritan Woman: In John 4, the Samaritan woman at the well, after her transformative conversation with Jesus, leaves her water jar and goes into town to tell the people, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" (John 4:29). Her testimony leads many Samaritans to believe in Jesus.

4. The Paralyzed Man: In Mark 2:1-12, four friends bring a paralyzed man to Jesus, overcoming obstacles to ensure he receives healing. Their faith and determination exemplify the lengths to which believers can go to bring others to Christ.

Principles for Bringing Others to Jesus

1. Personal Testimony: Sharing one's personal experience of Jesus' transformative power can be a compelling way to introduce others to Him. As seen in the example of the Samaritan woman, personal testimony can lead others to seek Jesus for themselves.

2. Relational Evangelism: Building genuine relationships and demonstrating Christ-like love can open doors for sharing the Gospel. Andrew's approach to bringing his brother Peter to Jesus highlights the importance of relational connections.

3. Invitation to Experience: Inviting others to "come and see" Jesus, as Philip did with Nathanael, encourages them to explore the claims of Christ personally. This approach respects individual autonomy while offering an opportunity for encounter.

4. Overcoming Barriers: The account of the paralyzed man illustrates the importance of perseverance and creativity in overcoming obstacles that may hinder others from coming to Jesus. This may involve addressing doubts, fears, or logistical challenges.

5. Reliance on the Holy Spirit: As emphasized in Acts 1:8, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to be effective witnesses. Prayer and dependence on the Spirit are crucial in the process of bringing others to Jesus.

Conclusion

Bringing others to Jesus is a dynamic and multifaceted endeavor rooted in Scripture and exemplified by early followers of Christ. Through personal testimony, relational evangelism, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, believers are called to participate in the Great Commission, leading others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.