Welcome to another day the Lord has made that we should rejoice and be glad in. (Psalms 118:24)

Earlier this month, school began for many Pre-K through highschool students. And this week universities, colleges, and trade schools will join the fun as classes begin for their students too. The Holy Spirit wants to take us to school as well.

Our first day will be meet the Teacher.

Today’s scripture, Luke 18:18‭-‬27 (NLT) says…
Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.’” The man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Consider…
In Pre-K through elementary schools there’s usually a meet the teacher event, which focuses on setting school and classroom expectations. It also establishes connections that facilitate collaboration between parents, teachers and school administration & support staff for the academic development of their children.

Also, incoming freshmen and transfer students in colleges and universities usually start a week or two early to get orientation to the campus and expectations. It too facilitates connections of support staff, fellow students and key personnel that will be integral in a student’s academic success.

In today’s scripture, we read about an ambitious and eager student who meets Jesus, whom he calls “Good Teacher”. And similar to the two orientations described above, we see Jesus set the expectations.

This is a good place to pause and point out God has expectations! Although it is true that we are saved by grace, it’s also true that God has strict expectations for His followers. For example, Ephesians 4:20‭-‬24 (NLT) stipulates…
But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

God expects us to think and be Holy and live right like Christ once we’re saved.

Returning to today’s scripture, we see three expectations set forth by Jesus.

First, Jesus set the expectation that only God is good. This is subtle, but key as He fleshes it out later. You see we will learn this man thinks he is good, but Jesus is establishing the baseline that God is the only standard of good.

No matter how good we think we are, we still fall short of God’s standard. Romans 3:23 (NLT) explains…
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

Notice Paul said we all have sinned AND we all fall short.

This means the standard for good is set by God alone.

The second expectation set forth by Jesus is, do what you know to do. When Jesus listed some of the ten commandments, He was saying follow the written rules. This rich young ruler grew up in the church, so he knew and obeyed them.

James 4:17 (ERV) emphasizes…
If you fail to do what you know is right, you are sinning.

God holds us accountable for what we know and obediently do.

The third and final expectation from today’s scripture is prioritize God above everything. Look at Jesus’ words…
“There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

In Luke 14:26 (ERV) Jesus reiterated this expectation when He said…
“If you come to me but will not leave your family, you cannot be my follower. You must love me more than your father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters—even more than your own life!

And the Apostle Paul exhorts…
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. – Galatians 5:24‭-‬25 NLT

In all three of these scriptures we see, God has an ‘all or nothing’, ‘in or out’ expectation for relationship.

So recapping today’s expectations from our meet the teacher session with Jesus, we know…

• God is the standard of good
• Obey God’s commands (He says the main two will do)
• Prioritize living Holy and righteous like Christ, for God, above everything else

Today’s Song is…
Teach Me Thy Way

Blessings 4HG (1 Corinthians 10:31)