- Home
- Speakers
- David Wilkerson
- Dealing With Jesus’ Words
David Wilkerson

David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.
Download
Sermon Summary
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in handling what belongs to God, as Jesus teaches that our bodies and souls are not our own but purchased by His blood. He challenges believers to examine their hearts and deal with hidden sins before expecting greater faith or revelations from God. Wilkerson explains that Jesus' call to pluck up the roots of evil within us is essential for spiritual growth and effectiveness in faith. The sermon highlights that even a small amount of faith can lead to significant spiritual breakthroughs if we are diligent in our personal sanctification.
Dealing With Jesus’ Words
“If ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:12). Jesus is saying, “You say you want a revelation, something to enable you to do greater things. Yet, how can you be entrusted with that kind of faith, if you’re not reliable with the things others have given you?” Jesus’ words must have left his disciples scratching their heads. Their Master knew they didn’t own anything, much less something that another person had given them. They’d forsaken all to be his disciples. And they had followed him to the best of their ability. His words here simply didn’t seem to apply to them. What does Jesus mean when he says, “that which is another man’s” (16:12)? He’s speaking of our bodies and souls, which he purchased with his own blood. “Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). Jesus is telling us, “Your body doesn’t belong to you anymore, And if you don’t take care of that body—if you won’t allow me to look inside you, deal with your sin, and sanctify you—how can you expect me to entrust you with something greater?” The disciples had requested an increase of faith and Jesus had a ready answer for them: “If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it would obey you” (Luke 17:6). What could Jesus be suggesting with this image? I believe this statement is about plucking up the roots in our hearts. Jesus is speaking of roots of evil, the hidden things we must deal with as his followers. He’s saying, “Before you can believe God to move mountains, you need to remove roots. And you don’t need some great, apostolic faith to do that. All you need is the very least amount of faith. I’m asking you to do something very basic: to pluck up the roots of sin. I want you to examine your heart and remove everything that’s unlike me.”
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download

David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.