Inspirational Message: How Can We Reach the Masses?

The crowds who followed Jesus must have had mixed motives. Some people probably had heard that He had the words of life and He spoke with authority. They may have hungered for spiritual food! Many others were without doubt looking for physical healing for themselves, for family or friends. Others wanted to learn if He was the promised Messiah who would liberate them from Roman rule. What about the curiosity seekers? Once, the crowd was so large that Jesus climbed into a boat while people pressed against Him. He had to teach from a distance (Matthew 13:2). The crowds continued to increase and the Pharisees commented, “Look how the whole world has gone after him!” (John 12:19).

Just before this time, he sat upon a donkey as large crowds of Jews gathered to see Lazarus whom He had raised from the dead! Jesus reached the masses through special events, teaching opportunities and to some people who wanted to see Him for themselves.

How can we reach the masses in His name? How can we make Him seem real to others? People see us and hear us, but they also watch our actions. Are we compassionate toward others? Are we concerned about the needs of others? Are we reluctant to share resources? An excellent example is giving to the needy (Matthew 6) and we can organize others to join us in distributing needed resources where and when needed most.

Jesus the compassionate Savior hated sin, but loved all sinners. He reached the masses in large crowds according to all of the Gospel writers. One of the most easily used methods of reaching potential believers is through prayer. We as growing believers become God’s greatest missionaries by praying for ourselves and others as often as possible. In Matthew 6 and Luke 11 we have Jesus’ examples of prayers. Jesus, Himself came down to the level of fallen humanity. We are taught by Jesus to focus on individual needs in a number of stories such as His conversation with Nicodemus (John 3), the woman at the well (John 4) and the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24).

The foundation of Jesus’ ministry was His personal touch. He traveled from town to town proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God. Because the Master’s hand had personally touched many lives and those people went on to touch others personally. Jesus spoke words of comfort and encouragement to those who were helpless. For us today, the same messages (Matthew 11:28-30) are true and supportive for our stressful, burned out or less peaceful moments. We can think of ways we can use our gifts and time to minister directly, one-on-one, to the needs of others. We can always thank God for, the personal touch of Christians who have comforted and ministered to us when it was needed. May God continue to bless our efforts!

Mrs. Gladys R. McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.