I saw this question somewhere several months ago, and I rediscovered this morning, as I was looking through some old notes. I don’t believe I shared it before, but if I did, it’s probably worth a second thought.
If people thought Jesus was like you, what would they like about Jesus?
What do you think? We are to reflect the spirit of our leader. Do we?
Remember these words from the writer Paul today:
11 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 New International Version (NIV)
As you go about the day today, are you following the good shepherd, or are you being lead be something else?
Stay close to the shepherd who has come to give himself for you.
A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and my sheep know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I give my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this flock, and I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd. The Father loves me because I give my life so that I can take it back again. No one takes it away from me; I give my own life freely. I have the right to give my life, and I have the right to take it back. This is what my Father commanded me to do.” (John 10:10, 11, 14-18 NCV)
On the way to the office I sometimes see an older man plodding down the sidewalk. Behind him about 5-8 paces is a younger man, who I assume is the older man’s son. The younger man is plodding in the same way as his father. During the winter they usually have on matching coats, and in the summer the usually both adorn a white ‘wife beater’ undershirt.
One leading.
One following.
In some ways, it’s a sad and depressing site. But in others is a reminder for all of us that follow.
As we walk through life we have so have a father leading us. However, it’s pretty much up to us if we are going to imitate him, or go our own way.
I feel pretty certain the younger man I see on the road might be a bit uncertain if he went out on his own. I think there’s a lesson there, waiting to be culled out.
What do you think?
11 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 King James Version (KJV)
Well, today is the end of Christmas – the 12th day, as it were. It’s also know as Three Kings Day, commemorating the arrival of the star following magi at the side of the baby Jesus. Makes you sort of wonder why it’s not called Four Kings day doesn’t it?
Anyone, for most of us Christmas is a thing of long ago. Most of the lights are down, the bows and ribbon disposed of and the tree lays out on the curb for the city recycling program ( or stored neatly in the closet for next year!). But take a quick moment to remember how following that star affected those dudes, and remember that when we stick with that Christ guy we also become kings – fellow heirs to his throne. That’s royally cool stuff.
16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.Romans 8:16-17New American Standard Bible (NASB)
WOW. After a day of inactivity the action really picked up on Thursday at the Passover got into full swing and the activity that leads the the cross begins moving in quite a rapid succession of events. There are so many great points to identify and to focus on in these events that it is a bit of a struggle to only pick one.
But there is an event that seems to define the evening activities of this Passover Thursday, as the Christ, the Lamb, gathers his men for one last meal, one last time to teach, one last time to give them the instruction they need before the show really starts. It’s a little like that last practice before the big game, as coaches struggle to find that one piece of information that his players should hold above all else they have learned. And look what Jesus tells them, after he washes their feet in an educational “hands-on” interactive instructional session:
10-12Jesus said, “If you’ve had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you’re clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you’re clean. But not every one of you.” (He knew who was betraying him. That’s why he said, “Not every one of you.”) After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table.
12-17Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life. (John 13:12-17, The Message)
He tells them, and through them he tells us – Be a servant, follow my example. Do what I have done, act like I have acted – give your life for the others. So, speaking of following, here is a little short video clip about following him.
Hm, follow him, imitate him, act like him. I wonder what would happen if we do?