Jesus Relaxed

What Did Jesus Do?

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life…
Is not the body more than clothing?
Matthew 6.25

Have you ever fretted about what to wear? Come on, you know you have. From what to wear on a first date, to what to wear for a job interview, to what to put on for church Sunday morning, most of us have stressed out sometime or another about our clothing. Jesus didn’t. And He advised us not to. From what I can tell from the Gospels, Jesus was pretty relaxed about such things as wardrobes and menus.

This is not to say that the Lord intended in the least to be disrespectful, especially towards His Father. But having such an intimate, personal relationship with the Father, Jesus approached him not only with respect, but with an ease and familiarity produced by love.

And, as far as high priests go, Jesus was definitely not into vestments or baubles of office. As a man, and a Jew, Jesus likely prayed with His head covered. But as Son He prayed to Abba, “Daddy,” and in encouraging us to approach God in like manner, the Lord wanted us to know our Creator as family. And if you can’t relax with family, who can you relax with?

Don’t get me wrong, Jesus hardly suggested that the laws and protocols God had established be altered. (Matthew 5.17-18) But God had never intended his laws to be fetters that constricted life, but rather the fabric of a free life lived in loving relationship to the Father and with our neighbors. And so, to a people who had been all but bound up by the laws imposed by their religious leaders, Jesus said, in effect, “Relaxed doesn’t mean irreverent. Look to your Father and his Kingdom, and he will supply just what you need, righteousness and salvation most of all, but clothes to wear, as well; fancy or plain, it doesn’t matter to him, so don’t let it matter to you so much.”

Here’s a radical thought, next time you are getting dressed for church, why not put on something you would wear when you go home for a visit with your folks? Your Father wants to see you, not judge the style of your outfit. But when you get to church, be sure to greet everyone as your brother and sister, and let your Father know how much you love him. And relax! That’s what Jesus did.

S.D.G.

Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4