Scripture reading: Matthew 16:13–23

Jesus à la Mode

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and still you do not know me, Philip?” (John 14:9)

The problem today is not so much that people are rejecting Jesus; rather, they don’t know who he is! A post-modern, relativistic, multicultural society like ours is quick to affirm multiple Jesuses and urges people like you and me to simply choose the one we like best. Ironically, nearly all of the Jesus options on the market today are popular except the Jesus that is described in the New Testament! How many Jesuses are there?

Many today believe in Jesus-Lite. The most profound thing that can be said about this Jesus is that he is, well . . . nice. Always smiling, this is a deity whose supreme purpose is to ensure that your day goes well. Jesus-Lite tastes great, but he’s not very filling.

 

Genie-Jesus is another fashionable option. Do you have a need? Just rub the magic lamp, say the proper words and—poof—out comes Genie-Jesus to grant your wish. One of the great benefits of this Jesus is that he comes and goes on command. That way he never interferes with your personal goals and projects. Once he does what you ask, you can just send him away until you need him again.

 

An older version of Jesus that is popular once again is Jesus-Plus. What makes this Jesus so appealing is the way he is happy to sit on your god-shelf next to your other favorite deities. You can worship Jesus-Plus and the money-god, the sex-god, the pleasure-god, the security-god, etc., all at the same time.

 

You’ll hear people talk about Jesus-Chic on Oprah, at the Academy Awards and in professional sports. You’ll find bumper stickers evoking this Jesus on late model Mercedes and on gold WWJD bracelets. This Jesus is cool, trendy, and loves to bless worldly success and popularity.

 

One of the latest variations to emerge in recent years is Designer-Jesus. Many pre- fer this Jesus because he adapts so easily to his environment. Like Play-Doh, you can fashion him into any shape you desire: a long-haired rabbi, a psychotherapist, a CEO, a fishing buddy, a health specialist, a teenage revolutionary, or a social activist.

The problem we face today with these multiple versions of Jesus is not new. Paul faced the same situation in the first century.

 

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed

. . . you put up with it readily enough (II Corinthians 11:3–4).

 

The second commandment tells us not to make a carved image of God (Exodus 20:4–6). The warning is against any effort to worship God as we think he should be. Worshipping any Jesus other than the one revealed in the Gospels is to wor- ship a Jesus who cannot save.

 

What about you? Which Jesus are you worshipping?

 

 

 

He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.—the Apostle Paul, in I Timothy 3:16

 

 

point to ponder • Is your Jesus the one presented in the New Testament, or a Jesus of your own imagination?

 

prayer focus • Your pastor and the Jesus he preaches.