One of the “concerns” people often have after they hear me share goes something like this: “It seems that your focus on befriending Muslims and others clearly outside the faith, waters down the gospel. The real gospel. The hard gospel. I mean, Jesus wasn’t just “Mr. Nice Guy” like you seem to suggest.” It’s a great question actually. Here are a couple things I’ve noticed about Jesus in recent years – both his life on earth 2000 years ago, and his life now through the Spirit.
- If you think Jesus is into small things – like “one on one mentoring” – then if you let him, he’ll show you how he’s into big things – like the crowds. (And vice versa).
- If you think Jesus was “nice” to people, he’ll then show you how he’s hard to follow and downright “hard” on people. (And vice versa).
- If you think Jesus was God – he’ll show you his humanity. (And vice versa).
Whatever your “take” on Jesus is, he’ll surprise you. If he’s not surprising you, and he fits nicely in the box you have for him (whatever that box is), then you might be following the Jesus in your head, but not the real one.
Now…back to the question. And…here’s my answer: Jesus was in fact hard on certain people. Actually very hard. But almost exclusively they were the insiders. The religious leaders. Sometimes the disciples. The closer they were to the available truth without getting it, the harder he was on them. But to the outsiders, he was gentle and compassionate. And the further “out” they were, the “nicer” Jesus seemed to be. Lepers, Samaritans, women, prostitutes – all treated well by Jesus. Therefore, it’s my conclusion that today Jesus would be “hard” on me and you. He would be hard on those that bear his name without acting like him (like me). And he’d be gracious and merciful to the ones we think are furthest from the Kingdom. Like Muslims. So encouraging “dialog” and “understanding” with Muslims in order to bring them closer to the Kingdom is a good thing. If the ultimate goal is to assist them in meeting the real Jesus in a real way, then these efforts are good. If it’s simply to build a bridge and then stand on the bridge in admiration of our work, then it’s flawed.
May we all get to the other side – where Jesus is standing and waiting with open arms inviting us to dinner.
just been watching your DVD series “A story for the heart” with others of Gods family, here where I live in London. WOW!!! Jesus has so opened my eyes as a result. Thank You. Other I excitedly gosip to about the series want to see it too. Is it the same as the ‘Engage’ series?
Agape & Shalom
Such a great article, Carl! Love it…
the three points you make in the middle really speak to me. Great observations. Thanks for sharing them!
I ENJOYED THE WHOLE THING MYSELF
“If the ultimate goal is to assist them in meeting the real Jesus in a real way, then these efforts are good. If it’s simply to build a bridge and then stand on the bridge in admiration of our work, then it’s flawed.”
I love this statement!!
I sooo want my heart to be in line with the first part of that statement, but am convicted that far too often I think I stand on the bridge. Thanks for this post! It convicts me and makes me turn to the real Jesus for some real change!
Love it Carl – that’s how I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. I have some people at my church who have “gone after me” because I think aloud how Jesus would handle homosexuals, Muslims, “illegal aliens”, atheists, abortion minded women.
My basic thought is that many of those people see us as the enemy. And maybe we are. But if we are going to be the enemy – may it be because we love them – greet them -respect them – and engage with them!
Isn’t that what it means to be a Christian? To be a person who radically loves those who are last, least, and lost.
johnb
Carl — apologies for posting a comment on another topic. I’m wondering if you’re the C. Medearis who reviewed my book, “The Family,” on Amazon. I believe I met your wife some years ago.
If I have the right person, would you be willing to contact me at the email I’ve used for this post? Nothing bad — I’d just like to communicate with you.
Hi,
Nice article! I have gone through your post. I don’t want to criticize it as I don’t think I am great critic. But I found your article a little bit complex to understand.