"The longer you look at Jesus, the more you will want to serve him in his world. That is, of course, if it's the real Jesus you're looking at. Plenty of people in the church and outside it have made up a 'Jesus' for themselves, and have found that this invented character makes few real demands on them. He makes them feel happy from time to time but doesn't challenge them, doesn't suggest they get up and do something about the plight of the world. Which is, of course, what the real Jesus had an uncomfortable habit of doing."
Colossians: Through his life, death, and resurrection Jesus has defeated evil spiritual powers. The call to follow Jesus is a call to thanksgiving, or thanksliving.
Matthew: Jesus is the king who will save his people from their sins. Following Jesus means surrendering to him and obeying his great commission.
John: Jesus is God and man, Jesus is Word in flesh, Jesus reveals the glory of God. Following Jesus means believing in Jesus and allowing his love to flow through us to others.
Mark: Jesus is the humble servant. The call to follow Jesus is a call to courageous, humble servanthood.
But my favorite chapter is on Hebrews. Watch this!
Jesus is the Son of God, superior even to the angels (Hebrews 1)This is the Jesus we trust, this is the Jesus we love, this is the Jesus we adore, this is the Jesus we follow, this is the Jesus of the Bible.
Jesus is totally and truly human (Hebrews 2)
Jesus is the true Joshua, leading his people into the promised land (Hebrews 3-4)
Jesus is the true high priest (Hebrews 5-7)
Jesus is the true sacrifice for sins who inaugurates the new covenant (Hebrews 8-10)
Jesus is the true hero of faith (Hebrews 11-12)
Jesus is the great shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13)
And that's why we're going to Tanzania. We want the people of Tanzania to be able to enjoy Jesus from the Bible like we do.
N.T. Wright, Following Jesus (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994).
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