What If Jesus Gave the Commencement Address?

by katagaci from www.sxc.hu

by katagaci from www.sxc.hu

I have never spoken at a commencement address, but I have often thought they are one of the most difficult times to speak.  People aren’t there to listen to the speaker.  They are interested in seeing their loved one walk across the stage.  The speaker is usually chosen for some success in life or contribution to the educational institution.  The speakers typically talk about success and good principles for living.

But what if Jesus was on earth and was asked to give a commencement address?  What would he say? (Obviously I don’t know for sure, but based on his message in Scripture, here are some things I think he would say to graduates.)

  1. Be a servant (Matthew 20:25-28).  Jesus taught that you can be great by being a servant.  The world calls greatness what is really great-at-ness.  A sports star like Lebron James or Tiger Woods are really not great, but great-at their sport.  They are not great in kingdom terms.  Jesus would tell graduates if you want to be loved and have friends, if you want to make a difference and be successful be a servant to the greatest and least.
  2. Appraise things by their spiritual value (Luke 12:15).  Some people make their living as appraisers.  All of us are constantly appraising the value of items to see if it is worth the price to us.  Typically the world appraises things wrongly.  Jesus would teach us to not appraise the success and purpose of our life by what we possess (Luke 12:15).  Jesus would teach us that this world is not the end of our existence so this life is not all that matters (Luke 16:19-31).  The most valuable possession each person has is their soul (Mat. 16:24-27).  Jesus would tell the technological graduates who have had the best of the modern world that it is not the size of your house, the type of car, possessing the latest phone that will make you happy.  True value is found in God, people, and nourishing your soul. 
  3. Obey the two greatest commands (Mat. 22:37-40).  Jesus was clear that our aim should be simple:  Love God and Love others.  Jesus would encourage the graduates to live a life of faith.   A life where you put His Church and Word first in your life.  The second great command follows naturally and involves loving your fellow man properly.  Practice the golden rule, be kind, forgiving, compassionate, and a peacemaker.

I guess Jesus may say more, but I think these would be some of his primary messages to graduates. Jesus’ speech would be different from most of the addresses being given this May, but I don’t think you could find any more life-changing and powerful advice.

What do you think Jesus would say if He gave a commencement address?

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