RISEN - Be Careful Who You Hang Out With (a blogpost for a sermon to be preached at Kenwood Church in Livonia, MI, on March 6, 2016)

I remember telling my son that he needed to be careful about who he hung out with.  As parents, we were concerned that he might spend too much time with the wrong crowd.  We weren't helicopters parents, but we were close.  We only had one kid, and we only wanted the best for him.  

My son has a beautiful heart.  He loves people sincerely.  He cares for people at a very deep level.  He sees the best when others only see the worst.  He has always loved "the least of these."  His friends have often been different than we would have chosen, but they are his friends, not ours.

I wonder how many family members thought the disciples were following the wrong crowd.  Jesus hung out with undesirable prostitutes, the sick, tax collectors, sinners, etc.  What did the parents of the day think about these folk who were following this Messiah?  When Jesus was arrested, tried, and executed, what do you think the families of his followers thought when they still proclaimed the message of Jesus?  After the day of Pentecost, I am sure that many loving moms and dads were shaking their heads and praying for their children.

I might have concerns for my son's friends, but none of them would knowingly lead him to his death.  Jesus led his followers down a path that led to the eventual death of many of them.  And He knew it.  Are you sure you want to hang out with this Jesus?

What would your mom think?