THE CREATION OF A WIMPY JESUS<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Dr. Randy White
Somehow, someway, our society has created a wimpy Jesus. Whether it's an artistic rendering with paint from a brush, or literary license with ink from a pen, the pictures of Jesus show him as subdued, effeminate, calm, pale, and ghastly.  When did Jesus become sick, emaciated, gaunt, and weak?  Is this the real Jesus?
Reading from the first chapter of Mark, we see that Jesus attracted certain kinds of people around him. John the Baptist, for example, was strong in style, drew a huge crowd, spoke in no uncertain terms, had a huge strength of political opinion, and was unflinching even in the face of the king himself. But when Jesus Came His Way, John stopped everything and said "the one coming is mightier than I" (verse 7).
Or consider Simon Peter and his brother Andrew. They certainly were no pushovers. Simon was strong in words ("everyone may flee you but I will die with you"). He was strong in actions; remember that sword in the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />garden of Gethsemane? Both of the brothers were strong in their career, living by the sweat and sinew of a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. Yet, when Jesus comes their way, they drop everything and follow him (Mark 1:16 – 17).
Continuing in Mark 1, the twelve-year-old Jesus enters into the synagogue. As he begins to teach, those who listened to him were amazed at his understanding, but what amazed them even more was that He spoke with great authority. I don't suppose I've ever seen a twelve-year-old boy impress church officials with his command of Scripture and authoritative teaching.
As Mark continues the first chapter of his gospel, he tells about a man possessed by a demon. This demon was filled with strength, "throwing him into convulsions." But when the strong demon saw Jesus, he feared, crying out, "have you come to destroy us?"  The strength of Jesus was so much greater than that of the demon that Jesus simply said, "be quiet, and come out of him!"
Before the chapter is over, "the whole city had gathered at the door."  From their homes, across the hilltops, by the seashores, and over the desert they came: publicans, sinners, the rich, the poor, Roman Centurions, businessmen, homemakers, men, women, boys, and girls.  Did all of these gather to see a weak man? Hardly, they gathered to see one who was strong in spirit, personality, zeal, physical strength, and so much more.
When they all gathered together to see this strong man, Jesus said it was time for him to move on, going to other nearby towns to preach. Nobody held sway over Jesus; nobody manipulated him or dominated him. Even though the people wanted a King, and practically begged him to be their king, he would not become their king without national repentance. While some people may melt around their friends, and others may melt around the crowd, Jesus was the picture of strength wherever he was. In the real Jesus there was no variation or shifting of shadow. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. No wonder the songwriter said, "rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee."
Today's image of the weak Jesus has created a weak church.  It is a church where tolerance has become the code. It is a church that is forced to be "sugar and spice and everything nice." This is all supposedly done in service to the one, when he disagreed, he said so. When He was angry, He showed it.  His character was one of strength, authority, and power.  Some hated Him so much that they couldn't hear his Name without hissing, sizzling, boiling. Only a strong person brings about that kind of reaction. Others loved him to the point of giving everything to him. Only a strong person brings about that kind of reaction.
The last words of the Star-Spangled Banner say this, "then conquer we must, when our cause is just, and this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.'" This is the attitude of strength that brought victory to the American way for over 235 years. This attitude of strength must now become the attitude of the church if it is to become victorious in its role of making disciples of all nations.
Will you join me in proclaiming a strong Jesus?
 
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