Jesus’ Upside Down Priorities

There’s hardly a country or language today that does not know Jesus’ name. He’s been on nearly everyone’s “most influential” list for generations. History tells us that in Jesus’ name, armies have deployed, missions have launched, battles have been waged. But so have cups of cool water been extended to enemies and wounds bound up with forgiveness—all in his name. For centuries, Jesus’ name has been on the lips of the dying as they leave this world.

You would expect this kind of influencer, this kind of cultural titan, to execute his global agenda with extreme control and energy. But the reality is upside down.

The truth is . . . Jesus never held an office. Not mayor. Not president. Not even HOA secretary or baseball commissioner.

He never wrote a book or streamed on any media. We wouldn’t recognize his voice or his handwriting.

Jesus didn’t go to college. He never earned a degree. He held no credentials.

He never owned property. He ran no campaigns.

Jesus didn’t do any of the things we normally equate with significance.

And yet, how he spent his scant 30 years on earth changed us and changed history.

But how?

• Jesus taught another way. His words, unusual and riveting, captivated a generation. People walked miles just to listen to him. They skipped meals to stick around him. They couldn’t believe what he was asking. And while some walked away, saying it was “too much,” others did what he said and it changed the world for them.
• He served. Jesus was an equal opportunity servant—it didn’t matter to him who you were—what race, age, social status, or gender. If it was mercy and kindness you needed, he was there.
• He forgave. Even when the crowd’s opinion turned on him, and his closest friends ran, he looked past the offense and extended an unusual grace. Even when he was dying at the hand of another, he was talking about forgiveness.
• He loved. In quiet and personal ways, he put other people’s needs before his own. But also in bold and inclusive invitations, he excluded no one. It’s been said that no one loves better than when you give up your life for your friends. And that’s what he did, in the most excruciating way.

And that’s why people are still talking about him.

Consider this: How do you want to be remembered for your time on earth? Are your priorities in the right order?