March 25

Becoming Like Our Teacher

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 44:1-3 | Deuteronomy 4:1-49 | Luke 6:39-7:10 | Proverbs 11:28

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Luke 6:39-7:10

“A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40 NIV).

The goal of a disciple is to become just like his or her teacher. For the disciple of Jesus, it means that when we are fully trained we will be like Him. Jesus gives us a few of the lessons we will learn, as we become more like Him.

We will grow in truth (41-42). Instead of playing games that reveal our hypocrisy, we will “get real” and allow Jesus to get the planks out of our eye. Our self-righteous attempts to judge and show ourselves superior, are revealed as we attempt to take a speck out of others eyes while we have a plank coming out of our own.

We will bear good fruit (43-45). “Each tree is recognized by it’s own fruit.” Our words and actions reveal what is truly inside of us.  As we grow more and more like our master teacher, our words and actions will reveal, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control,” the fruit of the Spirit.

We will put Jesus words into practice and demonstrate that he is Lord (46-49). “Why do you call me, Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” We will build our lives on the firm foundation of God’s word and the storms of life will not be able to topple us. “I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.”

I’m learning, but I’ve got more to learn. Teach me Jesus. I want to be like you.

Jesus, I am learning to follow you. Give me the grace I need to abide in you and live a life characterized by obedience. Give me a vision of the abundant life lived in union with Christ. Fill me with intention to follow. Strengthen me by your Spirit as I utilize the spiritual disciplines as a means toward transformation of character. I know I can’t do this alone, but Jesus, I take up your yoke and look forward to each step on this narrow road. I want to be like you. To the glory of God and in your name I pray, Amen.