Remember as kids, being introduced to something new, possibly something risky or unknown
when faced with taking that first step…
hesitation…
resistance…
uncertainty…
sometimes followed by those two little words
YOU FIRST

Here, try this strange, new food!
You first
Take a drink of this weird-smelling concoction!
You first
Go into that dark, musty abandoned place
YOU FIRST!

It’s always a bit easier to be the second person somewhere
To see the steps of the person who has been there,
To hear their story of survival
To know they’ve been there and were able to return to tell you all about it.

Even in faith, the call to follow Jesus can seem daunting, frightening even.

Love God with all your heart.
You first.
Loe your neighbor has yourself.
You first.
Seek first the kingdom of God.
You first.
Love your enemies.
You first!
Take up your cross and follow me.
YOU FIRST!

The challenge is that even as we look at Jesus and say “You first,” to him
He never says that to us.

Hey Jesus, seek first the kingdom.
Done.
Hey, Jesus, love YOUR enemies
I already have (and still do).
Jesus, take up YOUR cross.
Been there, done that, and I’ve got the scars to prove it.

Jesus never asks us to go somewhere he’s never been.
He never asks us to do something he’s never done or is unwilling to do.
Including love.
Jesus says, “Love me.”
“You first!” we reply.
“You got it. You love because I first loved you.”

You first said to Jesus becomes I have.
Will you?