This is a picture of a 15-foot tall inflatable Jesus I found on the web. For a nominal fee, you can rent this oversized Savior, or if desired, you can purchase your very own. I really like the addition of the lamb in his arms, though I’m not sure if the lamb is extra or not. Either way, he’s cute, right?
The more I interact with people inside and outside of ministry, the more I discover these things people believe about Jesus and the Bible…
1. Jesus was a white dude.
2. Jesus spoke English – maybe even the King James variety.
3. Jesus’ existence is solely for personal benefit/gain.
4. Following Jesus should always be safe.
5. Following Jesus does not require much of you.
6. Jesus was an extraordinary communicator.
7. God gives us verses in the Bible like Philippians 4:13 to help win a competition or sporting event, and nothing more.
It’s as if Jesus is nothing more than a toy figurine – a magical genie in a bottle – meant to help you feel good about your life in your time of despair, or as if there is nothing to learn from failing or losing. He’s a Savior in the moment, but few seem to understand being a Christ-follower is a complete transformation of one’s life, thinking, attitudes, and direction (Rom. 12:1-2) – it is a metamorphosis of the heart, soul, and mind.
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Many want Jesus to do something for them – get a better job, win a game, help them be more fulfilled. What if none of this happens?
Many worship a little Jesus.
A brief, honest examination of Scripture would likely reveal to most that Jesus was much more than just a savior-of-the-moment, flash-in-the-pan local hero. He came as Savior of the world; He is relevant today and His teaching is powerful when applied to daily living.
So how does one move beyond seeing Jesus in this way? Here are a few ideas:
1. Stay familiar with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
I believe it is nearly impossible to read through the accounts of the Gospels and maintain a small view of Jesus. When you study the life, teachings, miracles, and everything else surrounding Jesus, the Bible quickly reveals a God-man whose power is limit-less, whose life impacts people intentionally, and whose teaching unlocks hope, joy, and pecae in this life.
2. Read the Bible as a narrative.
So this idea is pretty close to the 1st, but I’d like to broaden this encouragement to say read more than just the Gospels. In fact, I would say read the Bible is a narrative; the complete and compelling story of God’s full redemption plan for mankind, from beginning to end. If you read it with the mindset of “this is God’s story”, it becomes impossible to think of books or verses in isolated contexts, and the opportunity for misunderstanding is greatly reduced. Scripture does not contradict itself; it builds and moves, staying relevant even for our world today.
3. Study Scripture.
The emphasis here is on the word “study.” It is not only important to know what Scripture says, but why it was said. Granted, we can’t even begin to understand the mind of God, but many read Scripture and take it at face-value. For example, take a read through 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. At first read, it seems as if Paul teaches all women are to be silent in church. How does this balance with what he himself implied in 1 Corinthians 11:4-5, where Paul permits women to pray if they have the proper attire? Can women not sing, pray, or communicate at all? Are there no cultural standards which applied in their day which are no longer in place? There must be more to the story, so find the rest of the story.
I implore you, strive daily to increase your view of God. Those things of which we think lowly are often the first things we overlook or abandon, so be intentional about increasing your view of God, and our Savior Jesus. Jesus is bigger than your kid’s next soccer game and the Super Bowl. Jesus is bigger than that next unexpected bill or job loss. Jesus is bigger than your “here and now.”
What are some ways in which you’ve observed the small Jesus syndrome in your heart? In your church? In America?
