Jesus is a DUDE!

So - it was interesting. I woke up this morning, and immediately felt the NEED to get before God and spend some time with him. So, I grabbed my journal, Bible and highlighters (which God had me place next to my bed last night - not where they normally rest) and dove in. I began journaling and God brought to my mind some things I needed to confess and repent for - which I did. I then began to intercede for everyone that would come to mind, and I had a great time of just praying for friends and family.

I began to quiet myself and listen for the voice of God - and after a few minutes of being still, I felt like I was suppose to read Mark 7. I opened up my Bible and read the chapter and something interesting jumped out at me. Normally, when I see Jesus life and ministry - I see a lot of love, and healing and miracles and caring and generosity and patience. And I believe that Jesus is the perfect example of all of those attributes...however as I read Mark 7 this morning, that wasn't what I saw in the life of Jesus.

This chapter begins with Jesus and his disciples being harassed about washing their hands before they eat. First off, how unbelievably annoying are the Pharisees? They are bugging Jesus to the point of asking him if he washes his hands - shows how far we can be willing to go to make our beliefs true! Jesus explains that it is not what we eat that makes us unclean but that which comes out of hearts - that determines our cleanliness.

Then the Syrophoencian approaches Jesus and asks him to heal her daughter - and this was the part that jumped out at me. He tells her that he needs to let the children eat first, before feeding the dogs! (Nate paraphrase) I don't know about you - but I was stunned at Jesus words to this woman. As I read this interaction - I see her coming to Jesus for help. And his response is to tell her the children need to eat first (Jews need to be taught by Jesus) before the dogs can have any food (Gentiles can receive any teachings or miracles from Jesus). Like I said - as I read this, I thought "who is this guy? What does he think he's doing talking to her like that?"

Then I read her response to Jesus' seemingly rude statement. She responds that even the dogs get scraps from under the kids table! And Jesus is pleased with this response and heals her daughter.

He then goes on to give a deaf and mute guy a wet willy, and poke him in the eye - as a means to heal him!

While there is much here to unpack, the main thing that jumped out at me, was Jesus' lack of concern for social graces, or political correctness. He was not worrying about being offensive, keeping everyone happy, or stepping on toes. He knew that he had a limited amount of time, a mission to complete, and he pursued it with his whole heart.

And people flocked to him!

The more I think about it - the more I see Jesus as a manly man, rough and rugged, who doesn't wash his hands before a meal, makes fun of tradition and religion, calls entire people groups "dogs" and gives people wet willy's and pokes them in the eye! All in love, and all with purpose to draw people to the heart of the Father, and point out there need for a Savior!

Why isn't this my inspiration for what a man is to be? And how did we end up with blonde flowing hair, white robed, hippie, fruitcake Jesus?