The Jesus Way

… live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2).

Many of us are familiar with this Scripture: “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life …’” (John 14:6).

Before Jesus is the truth and the life, he is the way.

Jesus calls us to follow him.  Follow his lead. Follow his example.  Follow his commands, his priorities. Follow the manner, the way, in which he goes about his Father’s mission and work.

Jesus’ way is the way of the cross.  The way of the cross is the way of life, freedom and lasting fruitfulness.

But it is the way of the cross.

It is not the way of masochism, or sadism.  We are not to seek pain and suffering, nor are we to seek martyrdom of any kind—not for ourselves and also not for others.  The cross is not about eliminating our humanity, but it is about putting to death all in me that is not aligned with the King and his Kingdom.

Consider our “self” terms: self-serving, self-protecting, self-seeking, self-promoting, self-referential … selfish.  That’s what the cross is after in me.

And there’s yet more to this way.  On the cross, Jesus gave himself up for us as an offering and a sacrificeOffering focuses on the voluntary aspect of Christ’s cross: a forced offering is no offering at all. Because Jesus loved us, he offered himself for us.  He chose this way, it was not forced upon him.

Sacrifice: something of great value is given to rectify a relationship. Something of great value is given to express worship, gratitude, praise. Something of great value is given, so that something even more valuable can be received.

And another word: fragrant.  Fragrance can be sweet or sharp, subtle or intense.  If you’ve ever been in an incensed-filled place, you know what I mean.  It can make your eyes water (which may be part of the point). The Jesus way perfumes the world with a scent both unfamiliar and strangely attractive.  What’s the aroma coming off of us: anxious, grumbling, fearful, hoarding? Or the scent of patience, empathy, kindness, compassion, truth-telling, Good News-sharing?

There are some positive “self” terms: self-giving, for example.  To love is to give ourselves, to give ourselves away, offering the most precious thing we are, sacrificing the most precious things we have, in order to love freely (and fragrantly!) God and neighbor.  This perfumed way of love does not come naturally, and it does not come cheap: it is the way of the cross.

The Jesus way: “Be imitators of God … as dearly loved children, live a life of love, just as Christ loved us…”  A fragrant way to live, especially in these sickness-anxious days!

“Self-serving, self-protecting, self-seeking, self-promoting, self-referential …” Did I miss some?  These current “corona days” and the fears they can engender may be activating a lot of these self-ish responses!  To which are you prone?  

Consider the opposites: serving others, protecting others, seeking the good of others … How could you begin to practice one of these this week?

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