GO FISH! But not like a Pharisee

(This article was used at our recent leader's camp entitled GO FISH)

“YOU HYPOCRITES!” Ouch. That must’a hurt. Jesus was furious.
He was making a point and a strong one if I may add.

I remember the last furious person I faced was my mom. I can’t remember much but I knew it was because of one of my crazy antics. I remember running away as fast as I can from a butt spanking but it was futile. I felt her fury.

Jesus was teaching in the temple courts when the priests, the Pharisees and the elders came and questioned Him looking for a way to arrest Him. But Jesus knowing their thoughts addressed their wrong motives and wrong doings with passion. They felt his fury.

Jesus was mad. Not only because these Pharisees were being hypocritical but more importantly, they PREVENT the people from coming to Jesus and entering the kingdom of heaven with their offensive ways.



There is a ‘built-in offense’ to the essential message of the gospel, but we don’t have to make it worse by being offensive or insensitive to people. And far too often this happens. I have watched it. You probably have too. A Christian will walk up to an unbeliever and start the conversation with something like this: “Hey, sinner. Did you know you are going to hell?” This is a bit exaggerated but you get the point. This is not the way to build a bridge. In fact, relating to those who are far from God with that approach is the fastest way to lose their respect and trust.

Paul said the same thing to the Colossians
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. (4:5–6)

Paul encouraged the Colossians to live wisely among unbelievers, to be courteous and to be gracious in our speech. When we tell others about Jesus, the goal is to bring out the best in them in a conversation, not put them down, cut them out to bleed emotionally. In Ephesians 5:22, Paul tells the Ephesians to live a life of love when relating to people whether it be a believer or not. By this, people far from God would come to know of His love. Isn’t that a better way to fish?

In your walk with God, what are the troubles you face when sharing Jesus to other people? Do you find yourself impatient and harsh at times? What can you do to GO FISH from a love stand point of view?