In Our Own Image

Gospel: Luke 9: 43-45

Time and again in the Gospels Jesus tells his disciples that he will be handed over to people who will put him to death, but that he will rise again.  Time and again the disciples either ignore or refuse to accept this message.  They do not even want to ask Jesus a question about it because they really do not want to know about it or even think about it.  They prefer the image of Jesus they have created in their own image and likeness.  

We, like the disciples, prefer to think of Jesus as the warrior king, even though Jesus has firmly rejected both the title and image.  But that's a kingdom we prefer because there we can imagine ourselves on royal thrones with power over others.  This is much better than the Suffering Servant Messiah Jesus embraces, one where we have to humbly work and serve others - serve all people as Jesus did, one where we have to accept the possibility of persecution and death as well.  

But Jesus is who he is, and we are what we are.  The task of the disciple is to conform oneself to what the Master is, not to reshape the Master into our own image and likeness and preferences.  The kingdom of God is a bench at a table with others, not a throne.  It is a washing basin, not a scepter. It is a walking stick and sandals, not a royal carriage.