Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Jesus

Jesus is at the center of God's revelation to humankind. This is especially clear in the gospel of John (see chapter 1). And consider the New Testament book of Hebrews. Then read the entire New Testament, and you'll find this to be true.

Jesus pointed to the Scriptures (our Old Testament) as bearing witness to him. The New Testament brings with it the story of God coming to its fitting end in Jesus. God becoming flesh/human is a key to God's revelation to humankind. God thus becomes what we are, so that we might become like him.

Jesus said that when he would be lifted up on the cross, he would draw all people to him (John 12). He was sent into the world to save sinners. To save us in our brokeness and incompleteness. To help us back to the purpose of God for us. To be completely human.

The Church is Jesus' body in the world. Unlike its head- Jesus- the Church is far from having it all together. But a key to finding Jesus is to find him in his body, the Church. One may have to look pretty hard, even in the confines of a local church or churches. But you'll find him, among his people (and at times- in spite of us), in spirit and truth.

Jesus came and shared the good news of God's kingdom, to set the world right. It's a good news for each one of us, and for no less than all of the world- which begins now. And someday it will completely take over. Now it begins to invade through Jesus' people, the Jesus community, spread throughout the world.

If you have trouble believing this, all I can say is, "Come and see." Amen.

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