Modeled After Jesus’ Example: Build, Bless, Begin to Pray, Bring the Kingdom
Opening Questions
- Who in your life do you deeply care about that doesn’t yet know Jesus?
- What barriers or fears stop men from sharing their faith naturally?
- How did Jesus’ approach to unbelievers differ from the religious leaders of His day?
When it came to reaching people far from God, Jesus gave us the perfect model. He didn’t begin with sermons, judgment, or arguments. Instead, He met people where they were, showing love through relationship, compassion, prayer, and truth.
In this study, we’ll look at four simple, powerful steps—all modeled by Jesus—that can help us introduce Christ to those we love who don’t yet believe:
- Built a Relationship – Jesus took time to know people personally. He broke through barriers with kindness and genuine interest.
- Blessed Them – He met practical needs, healed hurts, and showed undeserved grace.
- Began to Pray for Them – Jesus prayed for others—even His enemies—modeling intercession before confrontation.
- Brought the Kingdom of God Into Their Lives – Through His presence and actions, He revealed what life looks like when God reigns.
As men of faith, we’re called to do the same. By building, blessing, praying, and bringing, we don’t just talk about Jesus—we live out His mission so others can see and experience Him through us.
1. BUILT A RELATIONSHIP
John 4:7–10
A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” … “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
Explanation:
Jesus broke deep social and religious divides to connect with a Samaritan woman. Jews typically avoided Samaritans, yet Jesus offered dignity and conversation. His “small talk” became an eternal turning point.
Question:
- What barriers might you need to cross—cultural, social, or emotional—to build genuine friendship with someone far from God?
Luke 19:5–7
When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed Him gladly.
Explanation:
Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, expected judgment—but Jesus invited Himself into his life and home. This act of relationship preceded repentance. Jesus’ love reached where society’s rejection could not.
Question:
- What does inviting someone into your “space” (home, time, or schedule) look like in your life?
Mark 2:15–17
While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples…
Explanation:
Jesus’ willingness to share meals with “outsiders” modeled relational ministry. Eating together in the first century was a sign of acceptance and covenant friendship. He built bridges over barriers.
Question:
- What simple act of hospitality could you offer that might build a bridge of trust?
2. BLESSED THEM
Matthew 9:10–12
When Jesus was at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him… Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”
Explanation:
Jesus’ blessing came through presence. His willingness to be with sinners demonstrated mercy. His kindness softened hearts before truth ever did.
Question:
- How can your presence and encouragement be a blessing to someone overlooked by others?
Mark 10:13–16
People were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them… He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.
Explanation:
In a culture where children had no social status, Jesus valued and blessed them. His action revealed the Father’s heart—grace for the humble, not just the powerful.
Question:
- How can you bless those who are often ignored, showing them God’s value for their lives?
John 2:1–11
Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” … and He turned the water into wine.
Explanation:
At a wedding feast, Jesus met a practical need in a way that honored both the hosts and His mother’s request. This first miracle “revealed His glory” through joyful provision—an act of quiet blessing.
Question:
- What practical need could you meet that might quietly reveal Christ’s character to others?
3. BEGAN TO PRAY FOR THEM
Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Explanation:
Even as He suffered, Jesus interceded for those crucifying Him. This prayer embodied His teaching to “love your enemies” and revealed divine compassion that seeks forgiveness before justice.
Question:
- Who could you begin to pray for daily—even someone who has hurt or opposed you?
Romans 10:1
Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.
Explanation:
Paul’s longing for his own people reflects the missionary heart of Christ. He didn’t just debate or persuade—he prayed. The work of salvation is always God’s work first.
Question:
- Who has God placed on your heart to consistently bring before Him in prayer?
1 Timothy 2:1–4
I urge that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people… This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved.
Explanation:
Paul’s instruction to Timothy highlights prayer as the foundation of outreach. Intercession aligns our hearts with God’s desire for all people to experience salvation.
Question:
- How might your prayer life change if you truly believed God “wants all people to be saved”?
4. BROUGHT THE KINGDOM OF GOD INTO THEIR LIVES
Luke 10:8–9
“When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
Explanation:
Jesus taught His disciples that proclaiming the Kingdom involves both word and deed—meeting physical needs and declaring spiritual truth. The kingdom of God arrives wherever God’s reign is recognized.
Question:
- Where can you demonstrate the kingdom’s presence—through service, justice, or mercy?
Matthew 5:14–16
“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Explanation:
Jesus commissions His followers to live visibly for God’s glory. Light dispels darkness not by argument, but by presence. Good works don’t save—but they reveal the Savior.
Question:
- How can your everyday actions reflect the light of God’s kingdom in practical ways?
Romans 14:17–18
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Explanation:
Paul reframes the Kingdom as inward transformation, not outward ritual. Wherever the Spirit rules, righteousness and peace follow. When we live by the Spirit, others see the reality of God’s reign.
Question:
- How could righteousness, peace, and joy in your own life draw someone toward Christ?
Closing Challenge
This week, choose one person God has placed on your heart.
- Build a connection: listen to their story.
- Bless them: serve or encourage them practically.
- Begin to pray for them daily by name.
- Bring God’s kingdom near through your actions and words.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” — Colossians 4:6