Stop Expecting the Lost to Act Saved: Learning from Jesus

How often do we expect the world to act like the church before they’ve met the Savior?

If we want to be like Jesus, we must stop expecting the lost to act saved. Jesus didn’t distance Himself from the messy. He didn’t require people to get their lives in order before approaching Him. He walked toward them, sat with them, listened to them, and loved them—right where they were.

This is the heart of evangelism, which is the heart of Christ. This is what it means to begin learning from Jesus.

Let’s walk through five powerful encounters where Jesus crossed social, religious, and personal barriers to meet people exactly where they were—and transform them by His grace.

Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, engaging in conversation under a warm sky — A Jewish Man. A Samaritan Woman. A Divine Appointment.

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4:1–42)

Learning from Jesus means understanding how revolutionary this moment truly was.

“You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” (John 4:9, NLT)

Jews and Samaritans despised each other. Jews considered Samaritans both ethnically impure and religiously corrupted. Men didn’t speak with women publicly—especially not rabbis with women of questionable reputation. Yet Jesus not only speaks to her, He initiates the conversation.

He starts with something simple and relatable: water.

“But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again.” (John 4:14, NLT)

Jesus doesn’t shame her past—He acknowledges it and invites her to something better:

“True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23, NLT)

She becomes the town’s evangelist:

“Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did!” (John 4:29, NLT)

A traditional-style painting of Zacchaeus joyfully welcoming Jesus into his home, surrounded by surprised onlookers.

Jesus and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10)

“Zacchaeus, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” (Luke 19:5, NLT)

Zacchaeus was despised—a corrupt tax collector who grew rich off his own people. But Jesus calls him by name and chooses relationship over reputation.

The result?

“I will give half my wealth to the poor… and pay back four times as much!” (Luke 19:8, NLT)

Jesus affirms this heart change:

“Salvation has come to this home today.” (Luke 19:9, NLT)

Learning from Jesus means leading with grace and watching it transform even the hardest hearts.

A close-up of scattered stones on sunlit sand, with shadows of people in the background and the words “LET THE ONE WHO HAS NEVER SINNED THROW THE FIRST STONE – JESUS” overlaid. — Stones dropped to the ground—grace spoken, judgment halted.

Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1–11)

“Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” (John 8:7, NLT)

The religious leaders try to trap Jesus. A woman is caught in the act of adultery and dragged into the temple. Jesus doesn’t take the bait. He protects her dignity before addressing her sin.

“Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said.

And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:10–11, NLT)

Learning from Jesus means offering truth wrapped in compassion—not condemnation.

A Roman centurion kneels in faith before Jesus, their hands clasped in reverence. — No Status Needed – He Wore Power, But Knelt in Faith

Jesus and the Roman Centurion (Matthew 8:5–13)

“Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8, NLT)

A Roman military officer—an outsider and enemy by national standards—approaches Jesus with faith. Jesus is amazed:

“I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!” (Matthew 8:10, NLT)

And He heals the servant without hesitation.

Learning from Jesus means acknowledging unexpected faith in unexpected places.

Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1–17)

“He began to wash the disciples’ feet…” (John 13:5, NLT)

Jesus, the Son of God, takes the position of a servant. He even washes the feet of Judas, who will soon betray Him.

“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15, NLT)

Learning from Jesus means leading through humility. Evangelism isn’t a spotlight—it’s a basin and a towel.

Jesus washing Peter’s feet as other disciples watch, with the words “IF HE SERVED, SO MUST WE.” — The Servant King — If the Savior knelt to serve, what excuse do we have?

What We Learn from Jesus

Jesus didn’t wait for people to act saved before showing them love.

Learning from Jesus means:

Going where people are
Using everyday moments as Gospel bridges
Serving before preaching
Honoring dignity while confronting sin
Loving first, speaking truth always

Practical Ways to Do This

You don’t have to be perfect—just present.

🎯 Go where people already are (parks, events, coffee shops)
👂 Listen more than you talk
🧩 Find common ground: hobbies, kids, life experience
❤️ Be real—not preachy
💬 Use your social media to lift, not lecture
🙌 Let your life speak the Gospel before your lips do

Final Thought

“Jesus never lowered the truth, but He lowered Himself.”

If we want to reach the lost, we must go where they are—without fear, without pride, and without compromising the Gospel.

Let’s stop expecting the lost to act saved. Let’s start learning from Jesus.

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