Revolutionary Jesus

I'm pretty much convinced that Jesus isn't who we have made him out to be. I think if we were all to reread the Gospels with brand new eyes we would see a wild revolutionary who talked about the kingdom of God to some pretty undeserving people.

But I don't want you to just take my word for it. Maybe I'm totally off the mark here. . . So I've pasted some verses that I think challenge our current standards as Americans and Christians. Let me know what you think. . .

On being liked. . .

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12

Do I even need to comment here? Seriously, how much time do we spend rejoicing over being rejected for our faith? I think our greater tendency is to see how closely we can walk the line so that no one really notices that we're Christian (or if they do they at least think we're one of the 10 really pretty cool ones).

On relationships with difficult people. . .

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:12-13

If we are to correctly understand what Jesus meant when he said, "Love your enemies," we have to understand what he means when he says love. Love to Jesus was not a feeling, or a forced smile and hello. Love was bending over backwards to express true compassion and concern for others. Love is action, not words - service, not feelings.

And often, those who we are called to love are difficult. They are mean, or dirty, or totally unrefined. They are sinners. We have done a lovely job of convincing ourselves that it is totally legitimate and even Godly to remove ourselves from the midst of such individuals and surround ourselves with other righteous and religious people like us. Except once again, we are totally disregarding the example of our Savior.

He didn't run from these people. He pursued them. If we are going to truly follow after Jesus' example we are going to love some pretty unlovable people in some seriously tangible, physical ways.

On our money and stuff. . .

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But
store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Matthew 19:21

Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." Matthew 8:20

Loving Jesus and following after him means developing a "whatever" perspective about our stuff and our comfort in this life. Jesus didn't acquire stuff, and he wasn't concerned with his own personal comfort. We are so rich, and we are so comfortable. I think those two facts alone do most of the work in separating us from God and tearing our hearts away from His path and purpose for our lives.

On sacrifice and humility. . .

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:26-28

Does this remind you of the perspective of most Christians today? Not what they say, necessarily, but how they live? I'm guessing not. It is one thing to admit that God calls us to a life of humility, sacrifice and service - but it is an entirely new thing to actually do it.

I'm not saying any of this is easy. And by no means is this list comprehensive. This is just a short little look at the perspective of Christ, and I'm hoping that you can see for yourself some of the ways that we have watered down his message and given ourself false security in our partial view.

If you have some time this morning, open up to one of the Gospels and do your own little research. Read until you hear Jesus say something that challenges your own perspective. Then put your bible down and pray for the humility, courage, and wisdom to start living it out the way it is actually written.