I Said YesSample

 A Government Official Meets Jesus

There was a young man named Charlie who was invited to a youth ministry event by some of his friends. Before attending the event, Charlie would have classified himself as an agnostic who believed nothing could be known of the existence of God. He was simply here to live life, enjoy it and die someday. 

However, that night he heard about a Heavenly Father who created him, loved him and sent his Son to die for his sins. He heard the Good News about Jesus the Messiah. That night he took a step of faith and chose to say, “Yes” to beginning a relationship with God through Jesus.

When Charlie said, “Yes!” everything began to change. He couldn’t get enough of God. He read the entire New Testament in one week! He had a continual stream of questions about God, faith and life. He asked dozens of questions to leaders who were a bit further along in their faith. Eventually, Charlie’s great questions and newfound faith impacted several other students at the youth ministry. Because of his faith, many others also chose to say “Yes” to Jesus and grow in their relationship with God.

In today’s Bible reading, we read about two strangers who met at exactly the right moment. One of them is named Philip and the other is an Ethiopian eunuch who was in charge of the treasury of the queen of the Ethiopians. To put it in today’s terms, he was a religious man who held a high government position in his country. 

He was worshiping in Jerusalem at the Temple, right at the same time that Jesus was crucified and resurrected. As he was on his way home, the man became confused about something he was reading in a scroll of the book of Isaiah about the Messiah. God saw the frustrated man sitting in his chariot and once again demonstrated His grace. God gave this man a gift. He sent a mature follower of Jesus to help answer his questions about Jesus, the Messiah! And once he understood, he chose to say “Yes!” to Jesus.

Let’s face it, we all have questions about faith! And chances are, you’ll continue to have questions throughout your life. But questions don’t exclude us from a relationship with God – they’re actually a necessary part of it. And if you really want to grow in your relationship with God, an essential part is being connected to others who can help answer your questions.

For the Ethiopian eunuch, he had Philip. For Charlie, he had spiritually mature leaders at his youth group. What about you?

Every church that is serious about helping people grow as followers of Jesus has men and women who would love to walk alongside you in your faith journey! No question is a dumb question. No doubt is illegitimate. No wondering is worthless. Plus, if you have a question, chances are somebody else had, or has, the same one! 

Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. Like Philip, we all need spiritually mature followers of Jesus to walk alongside of us. It’s one of the benefits that saying “Yes!” to Jesus includes.

When you say “Yes!” to Jesus, you’re not alone! God gave us the gift of one another to grow in our faith.

Reflection Questions

1. What are some of your pressing questions about God, the Bible, church and Jesus?
2. What strikes you about how the Ethiopian eunuch says, “Yes!” to Jesus? Do you notice any similarities or differences compared to your life?
3. Would a spiritual mentor be something you would like to add to your faith journey? Why or why not?