Today is sermon preview and input day. The topic for this coming Sunday: What Do We Most Need to Know About . . . . . Jesus?
That’s a big one. Where does one start and end with that question?
Have you ever thought it odd that in Jesus’ last words in Matthew’s gospel, in what’s usually called the Great Commission, Jesus puts the emphasis on himself? (Matthew 28:18-20). There he is giving his last instructions to the apostles, the change-the-world instructions, and he makes them all about himself. One might expect him to say, “Go out and teach people to love God and serve their neighbor.” Or, “Go build the kingdom of God.”
Instead, he says, “Go and make disciples of me and teach them everything that I have commanded.” Sure, they’re to baptize in the name of the Father and the Holy Spirit as well, but all as a result of following him.
Jesus, the Name above all names. Paul said that his driving passion was to know Jesus, better and better. What must we most know about Jesus to have that passion?
Interesting that what we most need to know about Jesus is usually determined by our circumstances, our needs. In conflict with other believers? Then you need to know and have the mind of Christ, his humility, as described in Philippians 2. Nearly swamped with anxiety about your life? Then you need to know that you can cast your burdens on Christ, because he cares for you.
What does anybody and everybody need to know about Jesus Christ?
If you ‘follow’ Christ, what did you first know that made you follow?
What’s the most important thing you have ever learned about Jesus?
What do you wish that you knew today?