Session 10

Don’t let obstacles get in your way

From Matthew: A 28-Day Devotional

Gesù è il Signore.

Those are powerful words, but unless you speak Italian, they mean nothing. "Gesù è il Signore" means “Jesus is Lord” in Italian. The frustration we feel when we're surrounded by a language we don't understand is the same feeling people get when Christians speak their own language or refuse to meet them where they are.

In Matthew 13, a large crowd came to Jesus. He didn’t break them into manageable groups or send people away. Instead, Jesus got in a boat so everyone could see and hear Him speak. Then, Jesus taught using parables, or simple stories. When the disciples asked why He taught in stories, Jesus replied, “You have been given the chance to understand the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. It has not been given to outsiders” (Matthew 13:11, NIRV). Jesus met people on their level by using words they could understand. Teaching again in a parable, Jesus explained meeting people where they are allows the seed of the Gospel to sink into their hearts and grow more easily.  

Obstacles can make it difficult to share the Gospel. Jesus didn’t let obstacles stop Him, though, so we can’t, either. In this story, Jesus met people where they were by stepping out on a boat. How can we step out to reach people where they are and share the Gospel?

Reflect:

• What obstacles hold you back from sharing the Gospel?
• How can you overcome them?
• One great way to share the Gospel is to tell your story. This tool is a great way to practice sharing your story of how Jesus changed your life.