Jesus as evangelist

The following reflection was written by Missionary Liam Kopp (Mito, Japan) and included in his recent newsletter.

In church today we read the account of Jesus and the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-35), and I was struck by something I’d never considered before. On this road to Emmaus, Jesus demonstrates the perfect evangelistic model. Look at these individual steps:

1. He approaches (instead of waiting to be approached)

2. He establishes a relationship through curiosity and listening ("What are you discussing?")

3. He invites a confession of faith and doesn’t shy away from suffering (“What things?” referring to the “things which have happened” which had their faces downcast)

4. He shares the good news of the Word (and noticeably their eyes are not opened to Jesus' presence, yet…)

5. He accepts an invitation to stay with them and speak further when they reach the village

6. At last, their eyes are opened to Jesus when he does an act of praise (gives thanks to God before breaking bread)

We, too, are called to share the Word and let Christ shine through our actions.

It is one thing to share the Word and another thing to testify to Jesus by living according to it. This is exactly the formula that Friends Network missionaries practice throughout Asia, and it is also what gives me such joy and fulfillment here in Japan.

Photo: Walking to Emmaus (1891), Fritz von Uhde. Pastel on paper, 66 × 90 cm. Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden.