Recently, before a class at Hope, someone caught me off guard by saying, “You work at Hope … and you’re still getting more church? You give the church enough time yet?”
I get why they asked. But the honest answer? It’s not more church I need. It’s more Jesus.
The past few years, I’ve sidelined Jesus more than I’d like to admit—both before and after joining the staff at Hope. I stayed busy and involved, but I wasn’t always making time for just him and me.
Lately, I’ve been trying to change that. Not out of guilt, but out of a genuine desire to be with Jesus again—not just doing things for him (as the Martha in me would like to do). That’s what drew me to the “Practicing the Way” study at Hope. I’m not trying to do more. I’m just curious as to what it looks like to live the “What Would Jesus Do” way of life.
On the first night of the class, we walked through how people often progress in their faith:
- Trusting a Christian
- Becoming curious
- Opening up to change
- Seeking after God
- Living in the Kingdom
As soon as I heard this, I rewrote this devotion. Why? Because Mark 1:29-34 seems to me like the movie trailer version of the five steps in action.
Jesus enters Simon and Andrew’s home, where Simon’s mother-in-law is sick. She doesn’t go looking for Jesus. She’s just in need. The disciples notice and bring Jesus to her. Jesus takes her by the hand, he heals her, and she begins to serve—not out of obligation, but because of transformation.
Then the whole town shows up.
The sick.
The desperate.
Especially the curious.
Jesus meets everyone right where they are—healing, restoring, bringing freedom. You can see every stage of faith unfolding here.
Some are just trusting enough to show up.
Some are curious.
Some are open and ready for change.
Others are encountering Jesus and walking away differently.
And here’s what stood out to me from the witness practice: Being a witness isn’t complicated. Being a witness is bringing people to Jesus, and bringing Jesus to people, because he’s love, he’s life, and his love and life have the power to heal.
That’s what I believe we can learn here.
The disciples bring Jesus to someone in need.
The town brings people to Jesus.
And through it all, Jesus is moving toward people.
No pressure. No perfection. Just participation.
So where do you find yourself?
Maybe you’re trying to trust a Christian. A next step could be checking out a quieter 5:00 pm service or visiting a Local Site. That was an easier starting point for me.
Maybe you’re curious. Alpha is a great place to ask honest questions without pressure, and there’s still time to join!
Maybe you’re open to change. I’ve experienced the most growth through fellowship, prayer, and the real, everyday moments where God has begun to reshape and redirect my life as I choose to seek him first (Matthew 6:33).
Wherever you are, I encourage you to take the next step. And if you’re already living this out, ask yourself: Who am I bringing to Jesus, and who am I bringing Jesus to?
Simon and Andrew didn’t heal their mom. They just made the introduction. Jesus did the rest.
Reflection:
- Where do you find yourself right now in your faith journey—trusting, curious, or open to change?
- Who in your life might need you to simply make an introduction to Jesus this week?
Prayer:
Jesus, show me where I am in this journey. Give me the courage to take my next step. Help me to see others the way you do. Encourage me to faithfully point them to you. With gratitude, I pray, Amen!