Week 9
Opening Reflection: Four Responses to Witnessing
When sharing the gospel, you’ll encounter a range of responses. To help discern how to respond, we categorize these reactions as different types of “lights.” Each “light” corresponds to someone’s openness to the message of Jesus.
Red Light - “No”
A red light response is someone who clearly rejects the gospel—whether they’re saying “no” to you or to Jesus himself. When this happens, move on and continue looking for a person of peace (more on this in Week 10). Rejection may feel difficult, especially with someone you care about, but Jesus himself taught that not everyone is ready to receive his message (Luke 10:10-11).
If the person is a friend, family member, or neighbor, continue to love and pray for them. God may still work in their life later. But if you're out publicly looking for those ready to follow Jesus, keep moving. There are people whom God has already prepared to hear and respond. Focus on finding them, helping them begin their relationship with Jesus, and equipping them to reach their own circles of influence.
Yellow Light - “Maybe”
“A yellow light response is someone who expresses interest but isn’t yet ready to follow Jesus. If you have the time and relational capacity, consider staying connected and continuing the conversation. They may need more time, more exposure to Scripture, or more personal experiences with believers before they’re ready to commit.
You can invite them to a Spotfire or walk with them one-on-one through the material in this book. If, in time, they repent and believe the gospel, they’ve moved from a yellow to a green light response.
Green Light - “Yes”
A green light response is someone who clearly says yes to Jesus—not just yes to you. They are ready to repent, believe, and follow him.
In this green light situation, your role shifts from sharing the gospel to training and equipping. Baptize them if you’re in a position to do so, and then begin discipling them.
Use Listening to Jesus Foundations as the starting point, followed by Listening to Jesus. Ideally, this happens in a Spotfire setting—but one-on-one discipleship is also effective.
“I’m Already a Christian”
You may hear, “I’m already a follower of Jesus.” Treat this as a green light, but take time to assess. Confirm that they have repented, believed, and been baptized. Then, encourage them to go deeper.
Invite them to go through Listening to Jesus Foundations and Listening to Jesus Today. If they’re part of a local church, great—consider how these tools could be used within their context. If they are not part of a local church, invite them to yours.
Remember: many people identify as Christians but don’t regularly listen to Jesus or live as intentional disciples. Our goal is not just belief—but obedient, Spirit-led discipleship. That’s what we’re inviting people into.