The model Jesus gives us for following him is incredibly simple… and difficult.
Love him. Love people. Prepare for rejection.
“Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” (Luke 10:16)
This is simply bad news all the way around when we unpack it, especially if our self-justifying egos are still in tact.
The young expert in the law comes to ask Jesus: “What must I DO to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus gives him an “out.” He asks for the commandments. With perfection, the young expert hits the biggest rocks in the jar: Love God. Love people.
“There you go,” Jesus answers.
Then, the deadly ego drops in: But he wanted to justify himself. (Luke 10:29))
Why is the simplicity of following Jesus so difficult and why would I say it’s “bad news?”
Because our self-serving, self-justifying egos get in the way and Jesus will be all too willing to crush them.
We don’t get our own silly, watered-down, emotion driven definitions of cultural “love” when Jesus says, “Love God. Love your neighbor.” It’s Kingdom rules that apply. So, if you’re seeking to justify your definition of love… well… watch Jesus blow it sky high.
If you think following Jesus is just “right” and everyone else can hear your message and “get in line” or “go to hell,” well… get ready for Jesus to blow that sky high as well. You don’t get to win the popularity contest. You get rejected. Just like the One you’re following. You don’t have to be obnoxious to do it, either. You just need to live Kingdom rules and watch how quickly this or any culture will turn on you. it’s not a popularity contest.
It’s the Kingdom.
It’s not your self-justification.
It’s the Kingdom.
It’s not your silly definitions of love.
It’s the Kingdom.
Follow him with simplicity. Seek to justify your own definitions… and well… enjoy the fireworks.
Understand the Kingdom values. Measure out the cost. Follow the Savior and his rules… find life.
“Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)
Apprentice 2 Jesus 