Cross of Christ Lutheran Church

For Christmas I received as a gift the book called, Jesus In Blue Jeans.  Now I want you to think about that image for a moment.  How about it?  Can you picture Jesus wearing blue jeans?  I have a feeling that some people can’t.  But I can.  And so can the book’s author. 

In the preface, Laurie Beth Jones writes, “Many years ago I dreamed that I was standing in a meadow.  Suddenly I saw a man approaching me.  As He got nearer I gasped to realize that it was Jesus in Blue Jeans.  When He saw the expression on my face He said, ‘Why are you surprised?  I came to them wearing robes because they wore robes.  I come to you in blue jeans because you wear blue jeans.’”

I think this is what Paul meant when he wrote about Jesus being made in human likeness.  In Philippians 2:6-8, Paul says that Christ Jesus, “being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!”

Did you catch that?  Jesus became like us.  He looked like us.  He talked like us.  He even dressed like us.  He came to them wearing robes because they wore robes.  He comes to us wearing blue jeans because we wear blue jeans.

What does this mean?  Well, I think Jones says it best when she writes, “He (Jesus) did not come to earth hurling thunderbolts (though His disciples urged Him to do so).  He did not point out the numerous flaws, sins, and inadequacies of those around Him (though they were obvious to many).  He sought common ground with people so that He could reach them, and teach them, and love them, where they were” (pg. 16).

That’s what I believe it means to be the church.  It means meeting people where they are – to reach them, teach them, and love them.  That’s what Cross of Christ is all about.  We want to inspire people of all ages to intentionally intersect their lives with the love of Jesus.  Why?  Because we believe that when people experience the simple and purposeful love of Jesus they are changed.  They become inspired to share God’s love in their families, friendships, workplaces, and communities.  They begin looking for opportunities to meet people where they’re at.

How about it?  Can you picture Jesus wearing blue jeans?  I can.