Some people are comfortable with Jesus doing good things to people. As long as that’s all he’s doing, to a large degree he doesn’t pose a threat.
Why he does pose a threat, even for those who benefit from the good things he does, is because all of those good things are indicators to a King and a Kingdom. He is giving an insight into the Kingdom with lives healed and people restored into right relationship with God and others through forgiveness. He also insists, however, that to enter into this Kingdom there are requirements.
When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. (Luke 12:48)
Those who have the privilege of following Him are also entrusted with something from Him. He intimates quite clearly that following Him includes serving as He serves. Acknowledging Him for who He reveals Himself to be then comes with the challenge of listening and doing what He says. Failure to do this is not something that Jesus takes lightly, just as He is very strong in His criticism of those who are already responsible for sharing the word of God faithfully.
At the same time, however, there is something to get excited about considering the prospect of what it is to live a life devoted to the Master. There is something eager to look forward to in celebrating with the Master on His return. Not just being prepared for His return but seeing how He honours those who are prepared for that return.
Jesus does little to lower the stakes – which is why in as much as He wants people to experience the good things He offers as insights to Kingdom life – they are there for people to embrace Him as their King. Then get to following Him in anticipation of His return.
(Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 