But we were gentle among you, like a nurse taking care of her children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 (RSV)
It was a bright, cold January morning as I boarded the MetroBus that would drop me at the foot of Seminary Hill. It was a full bus, as it often was weekday mornings. So, I stood, holding on to the overhead railing, swaying with the rhythms of the bus as it rolled on. A morning much like any other on the way to a Church History class, or was it Systematic Theology? Thoughts drifted as I prayed that I had studied for the right test.
'Excuse me,' invaded my thoughts, 'Do you know Jesus?' The young man grasping the handrail next to me had asked an important question. 'Do I know Jesus?' The seminary mind began to click, 'can you really know Jesus?' 'How could we know what we knew was what needed to be known?' He spoke again, more urgently, for the question was of great importance to him, 'Do you know Jesus?'
He was deflated when I answered, 'Yes, I do. I believe that He is my Savior.' His disappointment lasted only a second,' What are you doing for Him to show your love for Him?' His backup question was intended to leave sputtering for an answer, which he then could swoop in to rescue me with some task to prove my love for the Savior.
'I am attending seminary, studying to be a pastor of His Church.' was my reply. One would have thought I had just announced the death of his dog. The disappointment was written on his face as he mumbled, 'that's great, good for you.' Before I could say anything more, he was on to the next person swaying to the bus rhythm, 'Do you know Jesus?'
I know he meant well, wanting to share the Gospel with me that morning. I do not doubt that he was sincere. I am also confident that I was a number to him, how many he had led to the Lord that day.
I am grateful for the lesson he taught me. Even if you are ablaze with the Spirit, eager to tell anyone who will listen about Jesus if you fail to see them as a person, as someone God loves, your words will ring hollow. If you do not love those God has given into your care, you will lose them all if they are not very dear to you.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11 (RSV)
Jesus loves His flock, laying down His life them. Those whom He calls to shepherd His flock will learn to hold them all very dear to their hearts, for they are very dear to Jesus, the Good Shepherd.