Jesus to Me
Sometimes, I hear preachers, theologians and others begin to wonder how Jesus would do ministry differently in today's technological and over-connected world. As we're walking with Jesus through "The Way" at our church this Lent, it's gotten me to thinking about how different THAT world (the first century) is from OUR world.
So, if Jesus had chosen to come in 2013, do you think he would use Facebook? Twitter? Get his own television show? Launch a website? Text? Skype? Webcast? Churches are busy (and sometimes frantically) trying to use (or catch up to) the latest technology as we reach out with the good news about Jesus...but I wonder if Jesus would do that.
When you look at the ministry of Jesus, it's very much a "ministry of presence." Jesus is there. He shows up. He touches people, holds their hand, and is even aware when someone touches the hem of his garment. He's aware of his surroundings. He talks to people. And he's never in a hurry. Even though he only has about three years to accomplish all that he came to do, you never get the sense reading the Gospels that Jesus is blowing people off so he can get to his next appointment or preaching and teaching location. Jesus wasn't driven by the stress of his life (and many days it must have been very stressful—everyone wanted him to do something for them!). Instead, Jesus focused on those who were around him...partly, I'm sure, because he knew in three short years he'd be gone and it would be up to them to carry on his mission.
I'm fairly sure Jesus would use all the technological tools at his disposal today. He certainly used the imagery and the politics and the events of his own day to share the message of the kingdom. He "enculturated" the message. But I'm also certain he wouldn't abandon, as we sometimes do, real conversations, gentle touch, and the comfort and grace that comes from have a real, honest-to-goodness encounter with another person. He still does that, anyway—through you and me. The folks who have most often been "Jesus to me" have been those who have walked with me through difficult times, the ones who have taken the time to listen, the ones who have loved me when I was most unlovable, and the ones who weren't in a hurry. I bet the same sorts of folks have been Jesus to you, too.
Who will you be Jesus to today?
So, if Jesus had chosen to come in 2013, do you think he would use Facebook? Twitter? Get his own television show? Launch a website? Text? Skype? Webcast? Churches are busy (and sometimes frantically) trying to use (or catch up to) the latest technology as we reach out with the good news about Jesus...but I wonder if Jesus would do that.
When you look at the ministry of Jesus, it's very much a "ministry of presence." Jesus is there. He shows up. He touches people, holds their hand, and is even aware when someone touches the hem of his garment. He's aware of his surroundings. He talks to people. And he's never in a hurry. Even though he only has about three years to accomplish all that he came to do, you never get the sense reading the Gospels that Jesus is blowing people off so he can get to his next appointment or preaching and teaching location. Jesus wasn't driven by the stress of his life (and many days it must have been very stressful—everyone wanted him to do something for them!). Instead, Jesus focused on those who were around him...partly, I'm sure, because he knew in three short years he'd be gone and it would be up to them to carry on his mission.
I'm fairly sure Jesus would use all the technological tools at his disposal today. He certainly used the imagery and the politics and the events of his own day to share the message of the kingdom. He "enculturated" the message. But I'm also certain he wouldn't abandon, as we sometimes do, real conversations, gentle touch, and the comfort and grace that comes from have a real, honest-to-goodness encounter with another person. He still does that, anyway—through you and me. The folks who have most often been "Jesus to me" have been those who have walked with me through difficult times, the ones who have taken the time to listen, the ones who have loved me when I was most unlovable, and the ones who weren't in a hurry. I bet the same sorts of folks have been Jesus to you, too.
Who will you be Jesus to today?
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