Jesus in Jeans

We often don't think of Jesus in blue jeans but a church in England commissioned a sculpture of Jesus dressed in our common garb of choice: blue jeans. 50 years ago such a depiction of Jesus would be scandalous. Bottom line, jeans worn in church were scandalous, never mind the thought of Jesus wearing them. The emphasis was on Jesus as the Son of God. The over emphasis of his divinity came at the neglect of the impact of His humanity.

But in our western culture, such a depiction of Jesus shows the willingness to see Jesus in our day, wearing jeans like the rest of us. This is a Jesus who accepts what we are; that means jeans and all. I feel its a tribute to the incarnation and the taking on of humanity by the Son of God.

I do hope the image does help onlookers know that Jesus accepts us as we are - no shirt and tie required, no special dress for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We find Jesus present in our everyday lives identifying with us, influencing us, and by His Spirit, indwelling us. Such a connection is clear in the gospel of John as John writes of how Jesus spoke of the Father and He "abiding" with us - being "in" us. Naturally this image of Jesus falls in line with this. May it push you to consider the depth of Jesus acceptance of who we are and the power of His ability to give us a new humanity because He is in our lives.

Validation

This is evidence of an incarnational video that shows people behaving in the spirit of Jesus as we encounter him in the gospels. Validation is certainly the one thing all people look for - someone to validate their existence, to encourage and build up.

Some things to ponder after viewing the short film:

1. Give your impressions on how this mirrors Jesus.
2. Give your impressions on how the film portrays our culture
3. Describe how the video made you feel?
4. In light of what you saw in the film, what are you motivated to do?

Messianic Expectation and Jesus' Coming

What are the messianic imageries that John alludes to in this preamble to his gospel/memoirs?

Who do you think you are?

Who did Jesus think he was?

In this song in the popular musical , Jesus Christ Superstar, Judas expresses the disappointment that Jesus did not come in modern times.  He laments over what could have happened if Jesus came during the 1970s - and how many would have followed him and understood what he was all about. In the song, he questions Jesus' timing.

What do you think of Jesus' timing? Could he have come at a more opportune time so that it would have had a greater effect. [i.e., come today when more modern technologies could have spread his teachings]

What do you think would have been the kinds of things he would have done today to convey who he was and why he was here?

What is it about the timing of Jesus appearance and what he says that has stood the test of time?

Sweet Baby Jesus Prayer

What are the cultural assumptions being made about Jesus in this humorous prayer in Taladega Nights?