From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way.” vs. 16
2 Corinthians 5:16-17
Followers of Jesus love to explore his humanity–they read books about the historical Jesus and have debates about what he was really like. Some go on tours to the Holy Land to follow in his footsteps and see the places where the events of his life took place. For many it’s a profound spiritual experience–and there is value in knowing him from a human point of view. But Paul says that’s not what the life of faith is about. What had happened in Jesus was a movement, a sweeping up of people into ministry. It began along the shores of the Galilee and continued into Jerusalem and persisted through his death and resurrection until it spread through the world. Jesus of Nazareth died, but the Christ in him lives on through the Spirit and is alive in his Body today. In Christ we are a new creation and the movement begun in Jesus lives on. But sometimes it’s wearying to be a part of a movement–it’s a lot easier to build monuments to Jesus and settle down. We did it in the Holy Land and our massive cathedrals are still there–and we do it with our church buildings and campuses. They are wonderful to look at, but they are not the Body of Christ! We only see that when we look in the mirror!
Thought for the Day: Why do people go to the Holy Land?
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