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This week, we’re in Practice #7: Go Evangelize. On Sunday, our guest preacher Kyle Martin shared with us four steps to take when sharing the gospel with someone new: Love - Listen - Discern - Respond.

Today, let’s consider what LISTEN looks like in the context of sharing the good news about Jesus, beginning with Matthew 20:29-34 (NET):

As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed them. Two blind men were sitting by the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” The crowd scolded them to get them to be quiet. But they shouted even more loudly, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” Jesus stopped, called them, and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Notice that Jesus’ first response was a question: “What do you want me to do for you?” I’m sure Jesus, being God, knew exactly what these men wanted. I’m sure the crowd, being observers of the men, knew exactly what they wanted, too. And yet, Jesus asked a question.

Listening happens when we close our mouths and engage our ears. It often is prompted by a simple question such as “How are you?” or “What can I do for you?” Listening is the gateway to real dialogue, not just a one-way speech.

Jesus prompted people with questions at least 300 times in his ministry. He led with listening. Consider your own relationship with others. Do you lead with questions? And then, when answers come, do you really listen? How can you grow in this area?

Ask God to give you one person that you can listen to today to show the love of Jesus. Be prayerful that God will open a door for you to care for them and share with them the gospel.