iJesus - The Personalization of Jesus

"We have shrunk Jesus to the size where He can save our soul but now don't believe He can change the world." - Anonymous

So here it goes...confession time. In the world that is absolutely obsessed with technology, including myself, I have to admit that I am just not that cool. I DON'T OWN AN IPOD. I know, I know...where have I been? The ironic thing in all of this is that almost all of the music that I own is found upon ITunes on my PC...which is another issue for me. I am a PC but must admit that I would like a Mac. At this point some of you are wondering why you even began reading or should be at all interested in this...I promise I have a point.

I desire to own an IPod and a Mac. I desire to have the newest IPhone but must also admit that I'm not willing to change cell phone providers. I confess all of this to reveal a problem in my own life - personal convenience.

As I was reading the Gospel of John again today I came upon the end of chapter one and read through chapter 2 and found myself with a couple of thoughts and some questions.

At the end of chapter 1 we meet Nathanael, a Jewish man who would become a disciple of Jesus. Nathanael was skeptical of Jesus at first when he learned that Jesus was from the town of Nazareth, even to the point of asking the famous question or more so a bold statement: "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" (v. 46) It is after Jesus tells Nathanael of his, Nathanael's, previous whereabouts, that Nathanael believes. Jesus says to Nathanael after this moment: "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that." (v.50)

In chapter 2, we are introduced to Jesus first public miracle according to John - the turning of water into wine. When I read this account it made me laugh. The whole story begins with, in my opinion, a pretty humorous exchange between Jesus and his mother. They are at a wedding reception when they run out of wine. I can only guess that one of two things were in play. Either there were many people at the party and the Wedding Planner should be fired or they had plenty of wine and plenty of people drinking it. In either case, the wine was gone and the party was not over. In steps Mary. She tells Jesus of the issue at hand and Jesus responds with the statement: "Woman, with all due respect, why do you involve me?" Mary's response turning to the servants: "Do whatever he tells you." In other words, Jesus, you're still my son and this is not a conversation and you WILL do what I ask you to. Jesus does. Look at Jesus being such an obedient child.

After the miracle takes place and everyone is astounded that the best wine is being served at the end of the party, there is a statement that is deeply related to my main point here. John 2:11 says this: "What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples put their faith in him."

Just as Nathanael who believed after Jesus' statement of his previous whereabouts and this miracle at the wedding of the year, those who see the miracles of Jesus choose to believe.

Although I do believe that early century Jews had a more communal faith it is fairly obvious that there is still something in the hearts of human individuals that has not changed throughout history - we still want life to be about fulfilling our personal desires.

John MacArthur says: "The true gospel is a call to self denial. It is not a call to self-fulfillment." As I was reading this Gospel and spending time reflecting upon how this impacts or should impact my life as a disciple of Jesus, I came to ask the following question that pertains to the initial quote above by Anonymous. Have we so personalized the Gospel of Jesus Christ, more specifically the person of Jesus, for my own benefit to the detriment of the true nature of the Gospel and it's mission to bring the Kingdom of God to earth, here and now?

In a society convinced of its need for greater modern and convenient technological conveniences, we have produced IPods, laptops, microwaves, hot pockets and drive thru windows. Is it possible that we have allowed this mentality of instant personal gratification to tarnish the true nature of the Gospel by making Jesus so personal at the expense of the call to impact and change the world around us? Do I believe in Jesus because it benefits me or because I see that Jesus calls me to a different way of life that can change the world by using someone as finite and fallible as myself? Is Jesus like my IPod, comfort and entertainment at the push of a button?

I believe that although Jesus desires and knows us personally, Jesus does not exist for my own personal fullfillment. It was not His mission to fulfill my life in such a way that can be reduced to material wealth, educational prowess, positional authority, and/or technological advancement for the sake of efficiency.

What I find to be amazing about the Gospel is that although I may find fulfillment through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, fulfillment comes not through the miracle of water into wine, healing of disease or lack of discomfort; rather, fulfillment comes through the indwelling and gift of God Himself in the person of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, what amazes me is, in my fulfillment in the indwelling of God Himself, it moves me to look out into the faces and eyes of others. It is one of the paradoxes of the kingdom. As I am fulfilled personally it moves me to love others through communal thought and activity.

Perhaps it is time to enter into the mission of Jesus to redeem and restore all of creation back to its Creator and to return the IJesus model back to the manufacturer.

"This whole gospel is truly good news for the poor, and it is the foundation for a social revolution that has the power to change the world. And if this was Jesus' mission, it is also the mission of all who claim to follow Him. It is my mission, it is your mission, and it is the mission of the Church." (Richard Stearns, The Hole In Our Gospel)