Why should I pay attention to what Jesus said?

Hopefully there won't be any confusion about this year's Sunday morning sermon theme, "Listen to Him." That's a capital "H," not a small one. This preacher is not asserting himself and commanding your attention to some kind of special wisdom for these last seven months of his presence in the pulpit.

The "Him," of course is Jesus. And the book of Matthew has been described as focusing on "what Jesus said." So we have chosen this gospel, and the particular passages that will be the texts for these messages. I couldn't think of anything else that would be as important as listening to Jesus.

He doesn't always say what we would prefer to hear. And I'm sure that some of these weeks we will sound some notes that don't seem to resonate well with the culture, and even the community, in which we live. Which makes it all the more important that we listen — unless we are pretty sure that we know more than did the Son of God!

"He spoke as one having authority!" It was easy to hear. And it is easy of us to understand. Maybe not easy for us always to embrace, but seldom unclear!

An old song describes what I want to do; and I hope that you will want the same thing. "Walking with Jesus — walking every day — walking all the way!"

I think back to something my mother said now and then. "Are you listening?" Which meant, "Are you going to do what you have been told to do?" Good question!