students of jesus

It’s a big mistake, and all too common: when I read the gospel and Jesus is correcting someone—laying it out plain and true—I  think he’s giving to someone else. “That’s right, Jesus” I think. “You tell ‘em.” Then comes that moment when I realize he might actually be talking about me.

We are never so at risk as when we are sure Jesus is talking about the other guy. I love it when Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of others, but am I willing to hear the Lord’s correction for me? When he corrects others he is setting a straight path for their feet. If I am wise I can follow that path, too. There are only two safe responses when the Lord is correcting someone. First, I should listen, because he’s also talking about me. The second isn’t much different: I should listen, or someday it will be me.

Don’t ignore the hard words. Even his toughest words lead us to mercy and grace. No judgment is beyond his redemption, and his grace comes when we realize he wants to set things right—including us. This, too, is the good news: when the Lord says, “Woe unto you.” Any word from God is a word of grace. 

Can you hear the genius in these words, “It is not the healthy people who need a doctor, but the sick?” Matthew, Mark, and Luke each record this saying because it is the on-going path toward a new life. The Great Physician provides the cure for Hell; he also provides the cure for everyday living. Jesus offers ever-new life to everyone who welcomes the change he brings. When we no longer welcome change, we have stopped following him.

As children of grace our destination is sure, but we remain children if we are only concerned with the destination. His warnings and corrections are not judgment or rejection. They are steps toward the full light of day.