Sunday morning Patrick and Adam co-preached on the centrality of the resurrection for those who claim to be Christ-followers. Though we often associate the cross as the primary symbol of our faith, this is in fact wrong. The primary symbol of Christianity is an empty tomb - the symbol that tells the world the power of death has been defeated once and for all & Satan has been humiliated and relegated to fighting a battle he knows he will one day lose. For us as Christians, we claim this man Jesus as our Lord and the bearer of good news for the entire world.
And yet Stanley Hauerwas is correct in saying that many Christians are content to be admirers of Jesus rather than followers - and there is a huge difference. After all, what's not to admire? Jesus is a man of compassion, strength in difficult situations, love, joy, generosity, and humility. He performs amazing miracles of healing and restoration to people regardless of socioeconomic status. He stood up to and challenged the religious and political leaders of the day. How can you not like this man? However, what does it mean to follow this man? When Jesus stands up against the oppression of the poor and calls his followers to treat the poor as they would Jesus, I can no longer simply applaud Jesus for his compassion but must in turn show compassion. It is one thing to admire Jesus for taking his cross and dying for the people who hate him. It is another thing to take up one's own cross and follow his example, even if it means dying for those who hate you.
Admirers sit on the sidelines and clap. Followers get in the game.
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