Five Things I Dig About Jesus

John Smulo created a meme today (last night? Wouldn't know - I went to bed at 9 pm and just got up - it's PAST 9 am, btw) titled "5 Things I Dig About Jesus", a spin-off of an awesome post of his titled Be Like Jesus. I loved his idea and I encourage you to visit his blog and check out the "Be Like Jesus" post, his original meme, as well as the comments section which will contain links to other's posts about this topic. I think it's the best meme yet and I love doing it on a Sunday morning! This is way more thought-provoking and encouraging than a church service. ;)

Ok, here are my five things.

1. In a day and age when women were viewed as property, Jesus elevated them to a place of equality with men. He was friends with them, healed them, forgave sins that in their culture were worthy of death, let them use expensive perfume, and let a woman be the first witness to his resurrection.
2. Jesus had no use for religious people. In fact, he told the Pharisees - the most moral rule-keepers of his day - to piss off. (Note: A previous version of this post included an uncharitable comment about a fairly legalistic denomination, which I have since realized was unnecessarily harsh and would hardly promote constructive dialogue, so I removed the comment.)
3. Jesus wasn't afraid of confrontation. He didn't beat around the bush or try to make nice when there was something serious going on. In fact, he got angry. He wasn't afraid of strong emotions.
4. Jesus loved people even when he knew that they would betray him. He didn't worry about "not getting it hurt" or "protecting his heart". He chose risky vulnerability in relationships every time.
5. Jesus knew what it was like to be afraid and to feel forsaken. He was God, yet he was a man. He can identify with me in my weakness.

Now I'm supposed to tag five people:

1. Kelly
2. Angel
3. Mike
4. Pete
5. Dana

Comments

[John Smulo]

Thanks for participating! I love your five things. This is the Jesus I want to know more.

[Philip]

Interesting to think that Jesus was happy to show strong emotions. My problem is that I seem to show strong emotions all at the wrong times and then have to go back and apologise!