In Matthew’s biography of Jesus, he repeats one phrase three times: “When Jesus had finished saying these things…”

This phrase signals a transition in the story. Jesus spoke to the people and afterwards the people respond:

• One time they were amazed.
• One time they followed him.
• One time they did nothing.

Today people react to Jesus in the same three ways:

• They may respect him as a teacher, but nothing more.
• They may follow him.
• They may ignore him.

Respecting Jesus is a great place to start, but following him is what he desires.

[Matthew 7:28, 19:1, and 26:1]