THE CROSS WE BEAR — PART 7  

CAN THEY SEE JESUS IN YOU?

Primary Texts: Mark 8:38; John 13:34–35

BIG IDEA

If we are genuinely following Jesus, there ought to be visible evidence of the One we are following.

Mark 8:38 challenges our allegiance.  

John 13:34–35 challenges our love.

I. OUR ALLEGIANCE MUST BE VISIBLE

Jesus says, “Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words…”

Following Jesus eventually becomes visible in our choices.

It is easy to confess Christ when there is no competing loyalty. Loyalty becomes clear when we have to choose.

Daniel 6 shows us quiet, consistent faithfulness under pressure.

Courage without humility can become arrogance. Humility without courage can become compromise.

ASK YOURSELF:

What would people conclude has final authority over my life?

II. OUR ACTIONS MUST BE CREDIBLE

Matthew 5:14–16

Our lives should support the message we profess.

Christian witness includes ordinary faithfulness:

Keeping our word  

Being dependable  

Working with integrity  

Treating people fairly  

Being honest  

Taking responsibility when we are wrong

A credible Christian life is not sinless. It is honest, repentant, accountable, and increasingly consistent.

Sometimes one of the strongest things a Christian can say is:

“I was wrong. Please forgive me.”

III. OUR AFFECTION MUST BE DISTINCTIVE

John 13:34–35

Jesus said people would recognize His disciples by their love for one another.

Christian love:

Serves  

Forgives  

Speaks truth  

Sacrifices  

Remains faithful

Love does not require agreement.

Christian love does not abandon truth, and Christian truth never gives us permission to abandon love.

Ephesians 4:15

Speak the truth in love.

1 John 3:18

Love must become practical.

Love gets real when somebody needs our time, forgiveness, compassion, or help.

HOW WE TREAT EACH OTHER MATTERS

The way believers treat one another is part of our witness.

Forgiveness matters.  

Patience matters.  

Refusing gossip matters.  

How we handle disagreement matters.

Our differences should never make the love of Christ unrecognizable.

PERSONAL APPLICATION

Can they see Jesus in you?

Can they see Him in your relationships?

Can they see Him in your integrity?

Can they see Him in your priorities?

Can they see Him in how you respond when you are hurt or disappointed?

If somebody followed your actual life for a week, would they encounter something that looks like Christ?

The goal is not a flawless performance.

The goal is a faithful witness.

When we fail, let them see repentance.  

When we are blessed, let them see gratitude.  

When we disagree, let them see dignity.  

When there is need, let them see compassion.  

When truth is unpopular, let them see conviction.

FINAL THOUGHT

We are not the source of the light.

Jesus is.

We reflect the One who said:

“I am the Light of the world.”

Let our allegiance be visible.  

Let our actions be credible.  

Let our affection be distinctive.

May they see more than us.

May they see Jesus.