Have a friend in Jesus? Be His friend!

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Until we invest more in peace, our bottom line will continue in the red.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

When you issue an invitation to a banquet, I’ll come hungry.
When you throw a party, I’ll be there.
When you fill my life with goodness, I’ll offer my thanks.
When you inspire me with awe, I’ll sing praises to you.
When you offer unconditional love, I’ll accept it with humility.
When you ask me to do something for you, … I’ll think about it.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I decided to enter the synagogue talent show as a ventriloquist, since so many people claim to have heard my voice saying outrageous things.”

[I wish I’d heard His act, don't you?]


D. Blog: Friends with Jesus

The image of Jesus presented in the gospels has him without any real friends. No one knew him such that they truly understood him. No one joked and laughed with him. There was no person to whom he could go for advice or a reliable opinion.

I’d like to think this image is the fault of the gospel writers, not a true picture of a basically lonely human being. I’d like to think, even, that we can be Jesus’ friends. That is not the same as claiming him as our friend. Being his friend, the gospel writer says, rightly, means doing what he asks, not having him do what we ask.