Seven-Day Practical Faith Blog: Jesus Went First

When I served in youth ministry, one of my principles was that I would never ask a youth to do something I wouldn't do. That's why I would sit on the floor with them instead of sitting in a chair like other adults. When we played a summer camp game involving throwing a squid around (yes, really), I was the referee who held the squid first (and prayed over it with the youth to thank God for its life). When it was time to clean up the youth space, I would grab a broom, sweep a while, then hand it to a youth and say, "Your turn. Take over." I felt it was vital for a leader to lead by engaging in the same experience.

Jesus went first too. And it's right there in John 1:14 (NIV):

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

New Testament scholar Grant Osborne called it "the single greatest sentence ever written in the history of the human language, the deepest theological statement ever written." Theologian William Barclay said it was "the most startling and incredible thing the Apostle John could have written." St. Augustine said, in his pre-Christian days, he had read many philosophers and many works, but he had never read anything like this.

Unfortunately, this great verse has lost its significance two thousand years later because we know the full story of Jesus. But it is core to Christianity, core to Christmas, and core to living a seven-day practical faith life. So, let's explore this verse with fresh eyes as we prepare for Christmas.

Veering into language for a moment, the Greek word John uses for "flesh is "sarx," the same word Paul uses to describe "flesh" as human nature in all its physical and spiritual weakness. John uses the Greek word "theasthai," which meant to physically see something, not spiritual insight. So, John is telling people, "God became a human, and we saw him standing right there!"

Jesus stood where we're standing. I was reflecting this morning on struggles I'm facing. I'm inspired that Jesus encountered the same sort of struggles.

This is a key reason why Jesus is my leader. He didn't sit on a throne and philosophize about life. Jesus came down to earth and lived life, walked the walk, was birthed, then suffered and died. I'm going to die someday; Jesus has gone before me and experienced the dying process. One day he'll say to me, "Your turn."

Our seven-day practical faith walk should be driven by Jesus's fleshly example. He has gone before us. He has modeled love and compassion, virtue and mercy, grace and truth. He has told us as a church and as individuals, "Your turn. Take over." Then he gave us the Holy Spirit to ride with us.

When we live by faith, it's not only for our benefit. It's not only to respect God. It's to take our turn and live like Jesus did.

In this Christmas season, let us marvel anew at the Word becoming flesh and going first. Let us resolve afresh to live every day, all seven days each week, like the God who came to earth. It's our turn.

If you're looking for a last-minute gift, head to Amazon and search for "books by Cecil Taylor." You'll have to skip over some other books not written by me, but you'll see my name as author on the book covers. Choose "The Next Thing" for someone facing crisis. Give "Live Like You're Loved" to someone feeling down or struggling with living their faith. Select "From Comfort Zone to Trust Zone" for a person wanting to go next-level with their faith. And hand "Unison Parenting" to every single family, whether they think they need parenting advice or not, because they actually do.