What should I do when people aren’t interested in hearing about Jesus?

1 Peter 2:12Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

Our actions are, in themselves, a testimony to the world. Be aware that disinterest is often evidence of resistance. Pray for those who don’t seem to care about the Gospel.

Matthew 9:10-12Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.”

Believers must build genuine relationships—as Jesus did—in order to have an opportunity to minister to the lost.

Luke 8:4-8One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd that had gathered from many towns to hear him: “A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants. Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!” When he had said this, he called out, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

Sometimes our role is simply to plant a seed of faith and trust God to bring the harvest. Jesus’ parable reminds us there are four types of responses to God’s Good News, but only one of them leads to a harvest. We should pray that God will break-up and prepare the hard ground, rocky soil, or weed infested hearts around us.

Acts 17:32-34When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” That ended Paul’s discussion with them, but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

The majority of our listeners may seem disinterested or hostile, but we cannot know when someone will believe—so we should not give up.

Ezekiel 2:5-8“And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them. . . . You must give them my messages whether they listen or not. But they won’t listen, for they are completely rebellious! Son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not join them in their rebellion. Open your mouth, and eat what I give you.”

2 Timothy 4:1-2Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

Even if attitudes or circumstances are not favorable, we should courageously speak out anyway. In this way we honor God.

Luke 9:5“And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”

If after you have shared God’s Good News, people refuse to accept it, keep going—there are many others to tell.