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.
