Jesus He is telling them that there is a cost to being a Christian. It is not easy. A commitment must be made to put Christ first. That decision requires that we make good choices everyday to help us reach that goal. We may have to give up things we would like to do or have at the moment to have something better in the future. That is the cost. But, if we do that, Christ promises to be with us to help us -- always.
In our Bible story today, Jesus went to a house where he was to eat a meal with the people there. Jesus took time to tell a little story about customs at wedding feasts. He said that many people to attend a feast want to sit in a place of honor. But, Jesus said the person who tries for a place of honor may end up sitting in a humble place. It seems to me that whether we are eating with chop sticks, fancy silver wear or a plastic fork, we might want to be nice to others and let them go first in line. That was Jesus’ way. It sounds to me like good table manners.
When we take time to think about others we are able to offer them what they need. When we serve others we are doing God's work. We don't serve because we want recognition or praise - we serve others because we want to share God's love with them. Even in small ways, like making sure your guests feel welcome at your tea party, you are serving God.
Jesus taught that in the kingdom of heaven the order is reversed. Those people who have reverence for God and are humble will have a place of honor. He said, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (14:11). Being first is not always best. The lesson Jesus taught reminds us to think of others and remember that, above all, God should have first place in our lives.
In today's reading John has started to tell his followers that this person, Jesus, has arrived. And now Jesus is helping them to find their calling. He tells them "follow me" and helps them to understand that their calling - their special job in life - is to help him spread his teachings. And whether you choose to be a minister or a movie star or a doctor - you can share in this special calling too - by leading a good Christian life, by helping others and following Jesus' teachings. It's a calling to us all.
How did the church get to be two billion people big? Well, remember our Scripture this morning? John the Baptizer told two of his disciples that Jesus was God’s Son, so they followed Jesus and started learning from him. One of those two disciples was Andrew. He told his brother, Simon Peter. Jesus invited Philip and Philip invited Nathanael. And it’s been going on like that for over 2000 years. One person invites another and on and on it goes.
That's the way most people heard about Jesus in ancient times: someone else told them about Jesus and brought them to see Jesus. In today's story, John the Baptizer––Jesus' cousin––sees Jesus walking toward him. John calls out to the people that Jesus is coming. Today it is still important for Christians to invite people to come and find out about Jesus.
Jesus was brave––he stood up to death and beat it when God made Jesus live again. That's why Christians celebrate. That's why we have Easter. God's love is stronger than death. God brings us life! That's the truth about Jesus; it's going to be the truth about us; it is the truth about the whole world. Life wins. God is strong!
Jesus was healing people and wanted to continue his work so he did not leave. In fact he had such love for people that he said, "How often I wanted to gather your children together, like a hen gathers her own brood under her wings…" (13:34). Think about what a comforting picture this is – that Jesus cares for you and offers the warmth of his love. As you stay close to Jesus and his teachings you also receive protection that comes from making good choices.
God sent Jesus to teach us about His love and it was important that Jesus do everything in the way God intended. He wanted to finish his work and he did. Now, because Jesus finished his work while he was here on earth, each one of us can choose to receive God's love and carry on his work by sharing His love with others.