What is humanity’s responsibility with the Gospel?

From a Christian perspective, humanity’s responsibility with the Gospel is often called “The Great Commission.” 

(Mark 16:14-15)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

We often miss the setup verse for the Great Commission. In Mark 16:14, Jesus issues one of his rare rebukes against His Apostles. In the Gospel of Mark, there were five such rebukes. Each was about a failure to believe what they saw and their lack of faith.

• Mark 4:40 – After calming the storm: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
• Mark 8:17 – When they misunderstand His warning about the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened?”
• Mark 8:33 – When Peter rebukes Jesus about His prediction of suffering: “Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
• Mark 9:19 – When they can’t drive out a demon: “You unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
• Mark 16:14 – After His resurrection, for their unbelief: “He rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.”

These passages above illustrate Jesus’ ongoing effort to teach and correct His disciples as they grew in understanding and faith. Each rebuke served as an opportunity for deeper learning and spiritual growth. The last one, in Mark 16:14, came just before Jesus sent His disciples to spread the “Good News.” After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples and reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart. There are two aspects to this rebuke. First, Jesus is holding the disciples responsible for their lack of faith. When we say that Christianity is all about faith, this is why. Because of free will, each person must investigate the world and decide whether the Bible, its story, and the changed lives of His believers are to be believed. Everyone must decide if Jesus is real! Having faith is your personal decision to believe in and follow Jesus. Second, the disciples did not believe those who had seen Jesus after He had risen. Instead, they hid in fear.

These passages highlight Jesus’ desire for His followers to have strong faith and trust in Him. But they also show that as we share the gospel, we are not held accountable for the actions of those who hear it. That belongs solely to them. Our accountability lies in sharing, not in any scorekeeping. 

The first critical criterion for you is to “Understand“ the Gospel. Without understanding, we surely cannot live it, and it is impossible to share it successfully. Next might be to “Believe” the Gospel. If you don’t believe in its message of salvation and are unwilling to establish it as the foundation for your faith, it will be impossible to represent it to others. Christians must share the message of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection with others. This can be done through stories about their faith walk. People must see faith in action, demonstrating Christian values through their actions and lifestyles. You might have heard before when sharing the Gospel, use words only when necessary! Teaching others through church or family settings helps them understand the Gospel and shows them how to grow their faith—engaging in acts of kindness, charity, and social justice to reflect God’s love—people notice!

What does it take to Share the Gospel Effectively?

Have a thorough and personal understanding of Christian doctrines and beliefs. Familiarize yourself with theological arguments and counterarguments. It is OK to read a few books, do a few Bible Studies on the subject, and even practice with a close friend. Understand the perspectives, objections, and beliefs of those you engage with. This fosters empathy and prepares you to address their concerns knowledgeably. Clearly and concisely articulate your thoughts. Engage in active listening and respond with respect and patience. Ground your defense in logic, historical evidence, and philosophical reasoning. This lends credibility and persuasiveness to the reasons for your faith.

And most importantly, share your experiences and how your faith has impacted your life. What was your life like before Jesus was in it? What made you accept Jesus as your Savior, and how is it now that you are part of Jesus’ eternal kingdom? Last but never least, pray and rely on the Holy Spirit.

Contemplations

• What do you believe is the most compelling evidence for the existence of God, and why?
  • Ideas to Explore: Reflect on the intricacies of the natural world, such as the fine-tuning of the universe, the complexity of biological systems, and the laws of physics. How do these elements point towards the necessity of an intelligent designer? Now, consider personal experiences of morality, beauty, and consciousness. How do these intangible aspects of human life align with your belief in a transcendent being such as God?
• How can one effectively address the problem of suffering and evil in the world from a Christian perspective?
  • Ideas to Explore: The Concept of Free Will and Its Implications–How does the existence of free will contribute to suffering? How does this align with the idea of a loving God? Reflect on the purpose and meaning found in suffering. In what ways have stories of redemption, resilience, and transformation provided a framework for understanding suffering within the Christian worldview?