“Imaging The Simple Jesus!”

“Imaging The Simple Jesus!”(Lk. 22:35-38).
One day with some friends we were discussing about the different kinds of crosses that exist today; all supposedly representing the cross on which Jesus was killed. We may ask the question, “What is in a design?”
In subtle ways the different cross designs only reflect the different versions of Christ – which is the very reason for differing understandings of him today.
The day we preach on the version of the “Prosperity Christ Gospel,” we receive ovations and many likes and comments. But the day we preach about the materially poverty stricken Jesus, we attact dislikes, rejection and indifference.
Today I’m thinking of two contrasting versions of Jesus. The Jesus of prosperity and the Jesus who owned nothing and did not prescribe riches to his followers.
When the poor materialless Jesus first sent out the Twelve on mission, he told them, “Take nothing for the journey – no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic” The Twelve were to depend on the goodwill of their hosts(Lk. 9:3-4).
However, when the time for his exit from this world was close by, he asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” They answered, “Nothing.”
He now told them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one…”
This cannot be a proof text to suggest that Jesus now approved accumulation of wealth. On the contrary he was preparing them for the harsh reality of life that “he who does not work should not eat.” People of goodwill will not continue to be good always. Christians should not be idle loafers! But they should not be gatherers and hoarders too. Jesus recommends a purse and a bag; he does not recommend purses and bags.
His recommendation of a sword is not an invitation to warfare. It is a figure of speech to tell us that the risk in discipleship is real. When they said they had two swords, he told them the two was enough.
Dear friend, I don’t mind which version of Christ that you cling to, but the true version of him as in his practical life is that of, seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, for that alone is the means of our salvation.
As for the rest, the life of a tortoise is quite teaching. It moves with all its possessions; yet it travels light – no heavy load!
Work is necessary to make ends meet, but do not overburden yourself because you want to hoard!
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit show me always the true version of the Lord Jesus Christ and help me to cling to it. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.