To put it in modern parlance, he was an “influencer.” Without access to technology that would allow unlimited multiplication and widespread distribution, he was limited regarding the scope of his reach. Live groups were the reality of his time; even then, the extent of his listening audience would be bounded by the natural acoustics. With those barriers, how would even the most compelling communicator get the word out?

            He might have been the Eternal Creator, but – within the practical limits of his humanity – he was not released from the reality of time and space. When he had something compelling to say, some from the live audience would be tasked with writing it down for retention and multiplication to as many as possible. I’m grateful for Matthew who was taking notes when Jesus addressed his first notable crowd, on a hillside. His first ring of recipients were the people who had already decided to follow him; the crowd beyond the elite seats were listening in as well.

            His expectation of his disciples was already forming: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything… You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

            Three years later, some of the same people who were on that hillside at the start of Jesus’ ministry were still on the team and gathered on another mountain when Jesus – after his death/burial/resurrection were completed – would share his closing message before heading back to Heaven. The essence had not changed from his early public addresses to his last appearance: “All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 18:18-20).

            Jesus had been modeling something very powerful to his followers for three years, and he intended that they use that method to expand the reach and the redemption that would follow the diffusion of Jesus’ Gospel. It was not an “inside” communiqué that was only for the adherents of the Jewish faith; instead – with its origins traced from God’s unfolding plan and promises, beginning with Abraham and continuing through Jesus – it was God’s plan to extend his offer of grace and forgiveness to all people, everywhere.

            Before marketing campaigns and viral movements were a “thing,” the infectious nature of the Good News of Jesus would utilize a person-to-person strategy, putting everyone into a recruitment posture and employing every follower of Jesus to exhibit the effects of salvation and the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit to everyone around them. Using metaphors of “salt” and “light,” Jesus’ directive did not assume sophistication or seducement. Rather, sincere demonstration of life transformed through a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus would be the calling card of the Christian Kingdom. With no limits on inclusion, “whosoever will may come” would be the invitation stretching to the ends of the earth.

            And… the Enemy hated that, then and now. Christians, publicly demonstrating winsome lifestyles and sharing their personal stories of faith and surrender would be the ruin of his attempt to thwart God’s love-powered plan to bring the world back into his family. What could Satan do to mess with the movement?

            According to the Barna Group, contemporary Christians are far less likely to take their cues today from the world-changing Christians of the First Century. Their research is sobering: the majority (56%) of American Christians see their spiritual lives as private. Why would they become so guarded about something so compelling?

            The modern deal-killer? Pluralism. Why don’t they openly express and explain their personal faith journey? Their top three responses: 1) “They can get to Heaven through their differing religious beliefs.” 2) “We shouldn’t impose our ideas on others.” and 3) “The Bible tells us not to judge others.”

            Had the first wave of Jesus’ followers bought into that claptrap, the Christian faith wouldn’t have made it into the 2nd Century. Of the original Apostles, only John was spared a martyr’s death for dedicating the rest of their lifetimes to the orders from the Boss: “Go into all the world!” For a task force without mechanized travel or modern convenience, the cost of obedience was inconsequential. Modern pushbacks would have rung hollow with the men and women who had been with Jesus, witnessed his resurrected presence and realized the singularity of God’s path to eternal forgiveness and life.

            This is a good time to be in the minority. Is the Christian faith superior to all other religious systems? YES! Should we seek to present the Truth to other people, suggesting that their alternative views are false? YES! Is it somehow “judgmental” to present a full pardon to people who are awaiting sentencing to eternity in Hell? NO!

            Part of my role in life is to help people reexamine the truth of the Scriptures and find their way into the minority position regarding the most important facts of life. If you’re most comfortable in the majority, you’ll forever be wrong. If you can connect your validation criterion to the Scriptures and filter all binding conclusions that allow you to function with a biblical worldview, you’ll forever be in the right minority: the one that changes the world and builds God’s Kingdom.

            I’m saving you a place at that table!

 — Bob Shank