The Dust of the Rabbi: Be Careful Who You're Following

Who am I actually following when I'm not paying attention?

Jesus says a student ends up like the teacher, whether or not they meant to. Whatever holds your attention long enough leaves its mark on you, and it is not always the one you would name out loud.

He spoke a parable to them. “Can the blind guide the blind? Won’t they both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Luke 6:39–40

Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2

One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 13:20

Don’t be deceived! “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.”

1 Corinthians 15:33

Why does everyone around me seem to be heading somewhere I don't want to end up?

Jesus pictures two crowds on two roads, and the crowded one is not the safe one. The blind leading the blind ends in a pit, and it often looks like company until the ground gives way.

“Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter in by it. How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it.

Matthew 7:13–14

He spoke a parable to them. “Can the blind guide the blind? Won’t they both fall into a pit?

Luke 6:39

There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Proverbs 14:12

What do I do when I've been following Jesus and I still fail?

The sermon names the fear that failure disqualifies you and then answers it with confession and grace. David, after the worst of his sin, wrote a prayer of confession and was not cast off.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me. Against you, and you only, I have sinned, and done that which is evil in your sight, so you may be proved right when you speak, and justified when you judge. Behold, I was born in iniquity. My mother conceived me in sin. Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts. You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness, that the bones which you have broken may rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all of my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Don’t throw me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit.

Psalms 51:1–12

Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage? He doesn’t retain his anger forever, because he delights in loving kindness. He will again have compassion on us. He will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Micah 7:18–19

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Psalms 103:12

How can I disciple someone when I haven't got it figured out myself?

The sermon says you never arrive, and that is not disqualification. Timothy's faith came down through Lois and Eunice before Paul ever put a hand on his shoulder, which means the passing on happens through people still on the way.

…having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you, which lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, in you also.

2 Timothy 1:5

The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:2

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 28:19–20

Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1

What keeps me walking with Jesus when the days stack up and nothing feels different?

The sermon describes discipleship like a long chart that goes up and down but keeps rising over decades. Abiding in the vine is a daily staying put, not a single decision that carries you on its own.

I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.

John 15:11

Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.

Galatians 6:9

Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13–14