Jesus was a master psychologist. He knew that all of us crave recognition. He knew that the desire for status is an innate part of the human condition. Most of us don’t want to simply keep up with the Jones we want to be slightly ahead of the Jones, the Smiths and everyone else on the block.

There is a popular joke about a fellow named Pat who always wanted a telephone in his car. Finally he got one. He couldn’t wait to tell his best friend Mike. Mike was green with envy. That very day he ordered a telephone for his car. He immediately called Pat. "Pat," he said, "I’m calling you from the telephone in my car." Imagine his feelings when Pat said, "Excuse me for a moment, Mike, my other telephone is ringing."

It is very human to want to be one up on our best friends. That is true today. It…