Lent 33. Jesus: God's scandal

Lent gives us time to examine the qualities of Jesus that make him our model as well as our Savior and Lord.
--- JESUS IS SCANDALOUS ---

Jesus couldn't be wrapped up in a neat bundle of expectations. He defies our stereotypes of who God is and how he behaves. Instead of rich, he is poor. Instead of rule-keeping, he tells us God wants a relationship - that of Father - with us.

And we consider him shocking and sometimes outrageous, this unimaginable treasure of heaven. Listen to this song, which describes our beautiful, mysterious ... and scandalous ... God.

Jesus models the qualities of God that we may find difficult, even when they're simple and plain. No lies. No pretending. No self-absorption. He is the bridge we walk across as we learn to love and know God.

SELF-ASSESSMENT: If Jesus came to live with you for a week, what parts of his lifestyle or words would you resist - or refuse? What parts would you embrace? Why?

 What would you have to change if Jesus moved in? And what are you not changing, even though he lives inside you?

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