Give Them Jesus
Scripture
“So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”” – John 12:21 (ESV)
Devotion
Pastor Darren asked God for a word that would “change the landscape of the church.” He wanted something earth‑shattering, a spiritual wrecking ball. Instead, God gave him a simple phrase: “Give them Jesus.”
That’s the starting point and the center of everything. Not “give them a better program,” “give them a cooler service,” or “give them a more polished church,” but simply: give them Jesus.
We often think transformation has to come through something dramatic: huge events, powerful emotions, big visible changes. Yet, God’s answer was a Person, not a program. When Jesus is truly given and truly received, hearts change, stigmas break, churches transform, and lives are reborn—from the inside out.
Many churches and Christians unintentionally get distracted from this simplicity. We give people our opinions, our preferences, our traditions, our brand of church culture—but not always Jesus Himself. If we’re honest, sometimes we’re more passionate about defending a style or a standard than we are about sharing the Savior.
The thief on the cross didn’t get a program. He didn’t get a class. He didn’t get a follow‑up meeting. He got one thing: Jesus’ attention and Jesus’ promise—“Today you will be with Me in paradise.” That was enough.
Reflection
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
I confess that I often complicate what You meant to be simple. I’ve tried to fix people, correct people, or impress people instead of simply leading them to You. Re‑center my heart today. Teach me to “give them Jesus”—to make You, Your cross, Your grace, and Your presence the core of what I offer the world. Put one person on my heart and help me offer You to them this week. In Your name I pray, amen.
“So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”” – John 12:21 (ESV)
Devotion
Pastor Darren asked God for a word that would “change the landscape of the church.” He wanted something earth‑shattering, a spiritual wrecking ball. Instead, God gave him a simple phrase: “Give them Jesus.”
That’s the starting point and the center of everything. Not “give them a better program,” “give them a cooler service,” or “give them a more polished church,” but simply: give them Jesus.
We often think transformation has to come through something dramatic: huge events, powerful emotions, big visible changes. Yet, God’s answer was a Person, not a program. When Jesus is truly given and truly received, hearts change, stigmas break, churches transform, and lives are reborn—from the inside out.
Many churches and Christians unintentionally get distracted from this simplicity. We give people our opinions, our preferences, our traditions, our brand of church culture—but not always Jesus Himself. If we’re honest, sometimes we’re more passionate about defending a style or a standard than we are about sharing the Savior.
The thief on the cross didn’t get a program. He didn’t get a class. He didn’t get a follow‑up meeting. He got one thing: Jesus’ attention and Jesus’ promise—“Today you will be with Me in paradise.” That was enough.
Reflection
- In your conversations, do people primarily get your church, your views, your standards—or do they meet Jesus through you?
- Where have you overcomplicated what it means to help someone spiritually?
- Think of one person in your life who needs Jesus. What is one simple way you can give them Jesus this week (a testimony, a Scripture, a loving act, an invitation)?
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
I confess that I often complicate what You meant to be simple. I’ve tried to fix people, correct people, or impress people instead of simply leading them to You. Re‑center my heart today. Teach me to “give them Jesus”—to make You, Your cross, Your grace, and Your presence the core of what I offer the world. Put one person on my heart and help me offer You to them this week. In Your name I pray, amen.