How do you typically respond when you are wanting to share the message of Jesus and the other person makes it clear that they are not at all interested? How does that impact your desire to share the good news with others?

Both John the Baptist and Jesus proclaimed the same message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17 ). In what ways were their ministries similar? In what ways did they differ? Which approach was the “right” one? How should this inform how we look on other believers who are called to a different style or method of sharing the good news? What are the “non-negotiables” of the Gospel that must be communicated regardless of approach?

How can an understanding of the Father’s and the Son’s involvement in revealing the truth to someone encourage us to share the good news and keep us from discouragement when someone doesn’t respond? How does this reality fit with Jesus’ call to ALL who are weary and burdened to come to him to find rest?

If you have trusted Jesus, do you see him as “gentle and humble of heart’? Does his “yoke” feel easy (lit. kind) and does his burden seem light? If not, why do you think that is so?