John Lennon said of The Beatles: “We’re more popular than Jesus.” Noel Gallagher said of Oasis: “We’re going to be bigger than the Beatles.”
Noel Gallagher in effect is saying that Oasis will be bigger than Jesus!
Lots of people in pop culture have an opinion on who Jesus is… more often than not many quotes about Jesus may seem positive or simply be neutral. Different religions are happy to say that Jesus was a great teacher. But often when Jesus is mentioned in popular culture it is done in a mocking tone. Jesus is ridiculed.
Why do people ridicule Jesus? Why do people reject Jesus?
In Luke 23:32-43 of the many responses to Jesus, they can be summarised into 2 categories.
Those that reject Jesus.
Those that accept Jesus.
The people. Reject Jesus.
The rulers. Reject Jesus.
The soldiers. Reject Jesus.
The sign writer. Rejects Jesus.
The criminal #1. Rejects Jesus.
The criminal #2. Accepts Jesus.
Of all the responses that Luke records for us (in this passage) there is only one where Jesus is not rejected.
Criminal #2 has a good set of glasses on. He can see clearly.
1) He sees himself clearly
“We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.” This guy isn’t deluded. He’s probably spent the last day or two reflecting on his life that is about to end. He’s done the crime. Now he’s about to pay. He is being honest – he knows he is lost. He’s under no illusion.
2) He sees Jesus clearly
“But this man has done nothing wrong… Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” While others throw insults at Jesus this guy is bowing his knee to the Lord of the Universe. He recognises that Jesus is without sin – and he recognises that Jesus is the King of an eternal kingdom.
Criminal #2 knows that he is lost. Criminal #2 knows that Jesus can find him.
What about everyone else? Not just those at the scene but for the last 2000 years of history? Everyone who rejects Jesus has failed to 1) see themselves clearly and 2) see Jesus clearly.
Have you recognised that you are lost?
Have you recognised that it’s only in Jesus death that you can be found?
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Part 9 of Lost and Found. I’m writing a series of talks and studies on Lost and Found. These aren’t talks or studies… just some thinking. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
any reason why those children are displayed under the title “the criminals”?!?
except for maybe #2 – i don’t think any of the photos have any real relevance to the contents.
a bit postmodern i guess??