There are certain scenes in movies that never fail to get a laugh, or at least a smile from me, when I see them. One of these is the "Grace Scene" in the movie Talledega Nights. (Please note this is in no way a recommendation of the movie, nor do I approve of much of the subject matter. )
In this scene the family gathers for a meal and the race car driver, Ricky Bobby, leads his family grace by praying to the "Baby Jesus". When his father in law protests that Jesus was a man, Ricky simply replies "It's my prayer, and I like the Baby Jesus best" This quickly disintegrates into a discussion of how everyone has their own favorite way to picture Jesus, and what Jesus they like the best.
Certainly it's played for humor, but it's not so far off the mark is it? Many of us have a preferred Jesus. Sometimes it is the cuddly non threatening Baby Jesus. After all a Baby Jesus makes us all warm and fuzzy, but doesn't demand much sacrifice from us. We prefer the Jesus that welcomes children rather than the one who tells us to take up our cross and follow Him. We prefer the Jesus who says "He who is without sin, cast the first stone" (John 8:7) over the Jesus that over turns the tables in the temple driving out people with a whip in His hand.
The truth is the real Jesus we see portrayed in the Gospels is much more unsettling than we might think. He is both loving and demanding. He is both gentle and able to stand up to the religious leaders of His day. He can both cast out demons and calm storms with one word, and remain silent as He goes to the Cross.
That's the Jesus we all need. Because that's a Jesus who is willing to calm us in our weakest moments, and call us to Holiness. That's what it's really all about after all isn't it? It's not about making Jesus into our image, but allowing Him to transform us into His.
In Christ,
Dr. Brian Jones
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