Title: The truth
What kind of leader was the Lord Jesus to the disciples and to the multitude that followed him? He was the leader who always told the truth. He didn’t give false hope. He didn’t tailor his messages to the tune the people wanted to hear. He told them what they needed to hear.
This is essential because we know we can rely on his promises today, knowing the future can never influence or change the truth.
Title: He must increase
The full stature of the Lord Jesus demands to be revealed.
A lesser approach will serve no purpose in our lives.
This is who we are, a dying ember.
Jesus, the unapproachable light.
That is our message.
That is our blessing.
Title: In the beginning
God did not form Adam first because he could not witness the creation of the heavens and the earth, and live to tell the story of that fearful display of creative energy. This awesome spectacle was reserved for the eyes of the Creator, who alone could take in the power and splendor and the love that was spoken at the beginning of all beginnings.
The power of God can kill any mortal, but it can also raise it to eternal life in Jesus, the Messiah of Israel.
Title: Strong in spirit
Physical growth doesn’t necessarily mean spiritual maturity. They don’t automatically go hand in hand. They had to be dealt with separately, and concurrently at that.
While our bodies are subject to the second law of thermodynamics, our progress in life is measured by a spiritual yardstick. And who are we, but our spirits.
Title: To them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs
The preaching of the Scriptures doesn’t end with a refrain; it is a contract that demands abiding to or rejection. Unlike a beautiful melody, the word of God is not merely repeated in a chorus, but is chanted as an oracle of action which culminates in a devotion that is devoid of greed and unlawful gain.
Title: our God is near us
So near that the people of God are assured of the intimacy of a friend, the proximity of a companion, the aptness of a response.
Title: All the disciples
For three eventful years, the disciples had been prepared for the role of leadership in turbulent times. It is true that they had fled for their lives, and had left their Teacher at the hands of his enemies, but the Lord knew they’d be back.
The Lord Jesus was such an excellent leader, one who could inculcate strength and courage where only weakness was evident, that he was willing to leave despite the seeming disunity among his followers. The transfer of responsibility was not apparent at that time, but soon enough, boldness worthy of what they had been taught would, like cream, rise to the surface.