Follow The Leader
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series III, Cycle C
I admit I like it when people are articulate. I like a leader to show a wealth of knowledge on a certain subject. Many people feel the same way. We like the flamboyant skater with a glittery costume and dramatic moves. We like the politician who shakes hands, has good debates, and shows up in the right photos. We admire the celebrity who gives selflessly.
So then, why have we been attracted to Jesus as our authority? Jesus was born in a barn. His father could not hold a job and was therefore demoted to the lowest trade at that time: carpenter. His mother was a teenager.
When Jesus grew up, there were no wild costumes, no riding in the style of a king, no treatment as head of state. Jesus dressed plainly; he spoke plainly to people. He walked or caught rides in boats. He sat at the table of a tax collector. Jesus doesn't seem the type to be a leader.
When we look at the person, Jesus, we see authority that our leaders could never even dream about. Jesus spoke with a knowledge that surpassed even those of the religious leaders and scribes. Jesus understood things that would take the learned scholars years of study. Jesus' authority showed through his actions.
Jesus dared talk to women. In fact, they were the major players to give him financial and emotional support during his ministry. We hear of Martha, the Marys, Prisca, Dorcas, Phoebe, and countless other women who helped Jesus and the disciples.
Jesus dared associate with undesirables. He touched lepers, sat with the scorned, and healed a woman who was hemorrhaging. Children were brought to him for a blessing. Even the crippled, the sightless, and those who had afflictions were brought before him to be healed.
The Scriptures tell us of a man who had ordinary needs: he was hungry, tired, sad, and angry. Jesus laughed, brought joy, and was a good friend.
Jesus also was extraordinary. He spoke with conviction about things yet unexplainable. He spoke of the future. He performed miracles.
Today's leaders carefully choose when they are photographed, with whom and where. They want to present a certain image so we will be impressed.
Jesus didn't care about earthly things. He dusted off his sandals, he ate with friends and foes, he debated hotly with scholars, and he spoke to the unfortunate.
Jesus, the righteous branch of Jesse, reigns in our hearts. What an unlikely leader. What an unlikely authority figure! We who have faith believe that he will remember us when we come into his kingdom.
So then, why have we been attracted to Jesus as our authority? Jesus was born in a barn. His father could not hold a job and was therefore demoted to the lowest trade at that time: carpenter. His mother was a teenager.
When Jesus grew up, there were no wild costumes, no riding in the style of a king, no treatment as head of state. Jesus dressed plainly; he spoke plainly to people. He walked or caught rides in boats. He sat at the table of a tax collector. Jesus doesn't seem the type to be a leader.
When we look at the person, Jesus, we see authority that our leaders could never even dream about. Jesus spoke with a knowledge that surpassed even those of the religious leaders and scribes. Jesus understood things that would take the learned scholars years of study. Jesus' authority showed through his actions.
Jesus dared talk to women. In fact, they were the major players to give him financial and emotional support during his ministry. We hear of Martha, the Marys, Prisca, Dorcas, Phoebe, and countless other women who helped Jesus and the disciples.
Jesus dared associate with undesirables. He touched lepers, sat with the scorned, and healed a woman who was hemorrhaging. Children were brought to him for a blessing. Even the crippled, the sightless, and those who had afflictions were brought before him to be healed.
The Scriptures tell us of a man who had ordinary needs: he was hungry, tired, sad, and angry. Jesus laughed, brought joy, and was a good friend.
Jesus also was extraordinary. He spoke with conviction about things yet unexplainable. He spoke of the future. He performed miracles.
Today's leaders carefully choose when they are photographed, with whom and where. They want to present a certain image so we will be impressed.
Jesus didn't care about earthly things. He dusted off his sandals, he ate with friends and foes, he debated hotly with scholars, and he spoke to the unfortunate.
Jesus, the righteous branch of Jesse, reigns in our hearts. What an unlikely leader. What an unlikely authority figure! We who have faith believe that he will remember us when we come into his kingdom.
