Jesus never took a course in 'how to win friends and influence people'. Sometimes, it seems just the opposite. As I am working my way through the Seven Signs of John, it's somewhat astounding how Jesus didn't care if people were insulted by what He said or did. He healed on the Sabbath, knowing that the Jewish leaders of His day would accuse Him of being against God. He spoke to a Samaritan woman, even His disciples were shocked that he would waste His time with a Samaritan, let alone a woman!
Jesus told the crowds that they don't believe Him, but all that the Father gives to Him, will believe. He is straightforwardly telling them that God isn't saving them, for if He was, then they would believe. Jesus tells them that they are listening to their father, but, he is not God, or Abraham or Moses, he is, in fact, the devil. Even more than this, Jesus claimed to be greater than Abraham, greater than Moses, and equal to God, Himself. Jesus was certainly not trying to win their affection.
As a young Christian, I head countless sermons on how Jesus wants to save us, He is waiting and pleading for us to come. Jesus is knocking at the door of our hearts, He wants to come in and be with us--will we let Him in? If we would take just one step, Jesus will take the other 99 to meet us. Always the gentleman, Jesus will not go where He isn't wanted.
Scripture contradicts these teachings--Jesus is always there for His own, but there is no begging for people to believe in Him. He states the truth about who He is and what He has come to do and leaves it at that. Jesus has a security which we don't have--of course, He is God and we are not. He knows our hearts, we don't have the privilege of knowing that of others. But, I wonder how we would both think and evangelize differently if we learned to rest in Jesus and not strive to persuade. Speaking the truth, as Jesus did, and leaving the power of change to God.
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