Jesus is the best mentor

18 Feb Jesus is the best mentor

Read: Hebrews 4:14-16
Thought for the Day: Who do I turn to for help?

The idea of going back to school has been both exciting and terrifying for me. Although I have always done fine in school, I have never been what anyone would call a ‘great student’. Years ago, I had some classes that came easy to me while others (like Greek and Hebrew) caused more than a few sleepless nights. So, when I recently started back to school (now in my 60’s), the thing I most wanted was to avoid embarrassment. What if my writing isn’t good enough? What if my research is flawed? What if I can’t read all the books that are assigned? The list of my “What ifs” goes on and on and on. It is no wonder that I recently preached a sermon series called, “Stop Overthinking It”!

To my amazement, as soon as I enrolled at Asbury Seminary in their Doctor of Ministry program, I was assigned a mentor. My mentor’s name is Todd. What’s great about Todd is that he recently completed the same program at the same school where I am enrolled. Not only can Todd give me feedback and insight into what I need to do, he was once right where I am doing the same thing.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is our ultimate mentor. Jesus knows how to help us because He went through everything we are going through. In Hebrews 4:15 we read, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin”. I hope we all understand what this means for us. Far too often we compare ourselves to others, feel bad about mistakes we have made, and live with regrets over things that we haven’t done. Jesus helps us stop all that nonsense. After all, Jesus reminds us that He faced everything we are facing, understands what we are going through, and is waiting for us to let Him be the best mentor we could ever imagine!

In Christ,
Pastor Stan (and David)