Was Jesus Crazy?

Next Sunday I'll be exploring the Sermon on the Mount, especially the Beatitudes, in my message.

Here's what I've got so far ...

Many people live safe, predictable lives because they’re afraid to act on their deepest convictions.
Jesus wasn’t.

He showed us a completely new way to live—radically devoted to God, selflessly available to others, completely free from fear and doubt. Love your enemies, he told people. Bless those who curse you, and thank God when you are persecuted for being righteous.

People thought he was crazy. Were they right?

I'd like to challenge people to examine their lives to see if they really are living the way Jesus taught us to live ... and to ask the question, "If not, why not?"

Here are some questions I'm wrestling with--

What does it mean to be an "authentic" follower of Jesus?

Do you know people whom you would consider to be truly Christlike? What are they like?

Am I right in thinking that a lot of us play it safe when following Jesus? Is it realisitc to expect people to enact the lifestyle Jesus teaches in Matt. 5-7?

What's the most challenging thing about living the way Jesus lived?

What images, metaphors, or illustrations might get at this point?

Let me know what you're thinking . . .

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