Jesus taught those desirous of the truth. On one occasion a gentleman came to the Lord and said unto Him, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him,…if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, honour thy father and thy mother: and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” It was rare for someone to be so blatant in their desire to hear the preaching of the Lord, but when the opportunity arose, you better believe that Jesus Christ took advantage of it. It perhaps is even rarer for someone today so blatantly come seeking the truth. Many are looking for a version of “truth,” but few actually are desirous of the whole truth. However, those opportunities do arise and the only question is are we ready and able to give an answer of the hope that is within us with meekness and fear (I Peter 3:15)? We must be equally willing to teach those desirous of the truth that the mission of our Lord might be fulfilled.
Jesus taught those who were not necessarily looking for truth. In Matthew 13, Christ related a number of parables related to the kingdom, one of which is the parable of the pearl of great price. “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46). This merchant man was merely looking for good pearls that he might sell and make some money. He was not necessarily looking for this pearl of great price, but when he stumbled upon it he recognized its value and ensured his possession of it. That, likely, is how many with whom Christ came in contact received the truth. A number of times in Scripture it is recorded that knowing of Jesus’ reputation for healing and aiding that multitudes would flock to where He was, not necessarily looking for truth, but for help. However, our Lord took those opportunities to not only help, but also to teach them the truth. Similar opportunities abound today. Not everyone may be looking for the truth, but many are looking for help; and by providing one they are often open to receiving the other. We, like our Lord, must be equally willing to teach those who might not even necessarily be seeking the truth, for thereby will the mission of the Lord be fulfilled.
Jesus taught those who did not want the truth. More times than they would care to mention people like the Pharisees would confront the Lord, not wanting truth, but wanting vindication for His actions. But when the Pharisees, or any others, came across the Lord still did He take opportunity to teach them. Most of the time they still rejected the truth, but they had had opportunity to hear it at least. It reminds me of hearing a preacher talk about being out one day with a friend driving around when they were stopped by two men of a particular religion wanting to talk. Asking if they could have a discussion, this particular preacher told them they would be glad to talk with them and to get into the back seat of this two-door car. He immediately had a “captive audience” and took advantage of it. Such occasions are normally unlikely, but coming across folks who do not want truth is not. We may have a strong sense that no truth would be accepted if offered, but teach still we must, for that is what Jesus did. By doing so, the mission of the Lord will be fulfilled.
Are you a missionary? Hopefully, as it pertains to its general meaning the answer is yes. If not, what is keeping you. Look at the opportunities and become more like your Lord.