More Like Jesus! Matthew 10:24-25
““24) A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. 25) It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household!” Matthew 10:24-25 NASB
Jesus now touches on the goal of discipleship; “25) It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master…” Years ago I wrote a note in the margin of my Bible next to this verse, it simply says, “My goal is to become more like Jesus!” I have not reached that goal, but the Holy Spirit has helped me make measurable progress. I am no longer the man I used to be! Every Christian should have that testimony.
By God’s grace, we become more like Jesus both in character and conduct. If you claim to be a Christian and there is no change in your life, your claim is empty. It is false. Something is tragically wrong!
How can I say that? 2 Corinthians 5:17 says; “Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” If that is not your testimony, there has been no conversion in your life!
We also become like Jesus in terms of the way the world treats us. This is a two way street. The transformed believer no longer accepts the morals and values of the world either. This often bring scorn, ridicule and rejection.
This often paves the way for an amazing mystery. None Christians might openly scorn believers while inwardly craving the light, fruit of the Spirit and hope within them. Over the years many of my harsh critics have embraced the gospel.
At some point the ways of the world leave people empty and broken. Sin is a harsh taskmaster. Eventually, many come to the point of not being able to live with the person they have become!
Suddenly, they begin to search for forgiveness, agape love, inner joy and peace. Only Jesus Christ and the gospel can forgive the sin, heal the inner brokenness and restore them to newness of life.
At the point of salvation when the Holy Spirit comes in, things begin to change. Soon they hunger and thirst to be more like Jesus. It will be a journey, but this quest will not be disappointing.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global