One thing that has hindered my evangelism in the past is getting sidetracked with questions that are not particularly pertinent. When a person asks a question, I want to give an answer, but that often leads to more questions. So, we quickly get off track and get lost chasing rabbits, which accomplishes very little. Looking at Jesus’ ministry style has helped me see that I don’t have to or need to answer every question immediately or directly. Often in Jesus’ ministry when He was asked questions, He would not answer the questions directly. For example, in Luke 10:26 when a lawyer asked Jesus about inheriting eternal life, Jesus responded by asking him what is written in the Law and how he understood it. At the end of Mark 11, Jesus’ authority was challenged, and instead of answering questions directly, He asked about the authority of John’s baptism.
Since Jesus didn’t feel the need to answer every single question directed to Him, we don’t need to feel like we have to answer every question directed to us either. Often, it is better if we don’t. We will fare much better in evangelism if we don’t. Do not permit extra questions to derail you from your task; don’t get lost chasing rabbits. Stay focused on your task, and after a foundation has been laid, then you can take more time to answer one question at a time.
