If a person becomes like those they spend the most time with, then who exactly are you becoming? The message begins with the plain truth that knowing what is right has never yet changed anyone, and then turns to the conversation between the mother of Zebedee’s sons and Jesus (Matthew 20), which exposes the hunger for power hidden in every one of us. Jesus does not scold the disciples; he turns their world upside down: whoever wants to be great must serve, because the Son of Man came not to be served. Listen if you want to understand why serving others is the training without which humility never takes root in us.
The Company You Keep
Like Jesus
When children are young, they learn by observing the behavior of adults. Teenagers have their own idols whom they admire and try to emulate. Even adults seek out role models who inspire them and whose views they follow. However, in this world where everyone follows someone, Jesus’ invitation remains as relevant as ever: “Follow Me and imitate Me.”
This is a call to something more than simply admiring His teaching, drawing inspiration from His views, or even recognizing Him as a moral authority. Following Jesus transforms our entire lives. It means that we choose to be with Jesus, to become like Jesus, and to do what Jesus does.
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9 sermons