Learning Jesus

Following Jesus means alot of things, but the baseline has to start with learning about Him.

We all learn in a variety of ways. I enjoy reading, because I can analyze detail, going back to reread things that prompt me to think. I also like listening to the stories of Jesus' life, work, miracles, etc. My grandfather used to tell stories, and somehow, to me, the stories of Jesus are just golden. But maybe the most invigorating learning process for me is experiential. When I am engaged in purposely "living the life of Christ," I am constantly in conversation with God. I want to do my best to think like Christ, act like Christ and just BE, like Christ.

I think the benchmark for learning of Christ is to examine the historical, biographical record of His life, which is found primarily in the 4 "gospel" books of the Bible--Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. When read like a novel, the story is gripping. When read by a devotee, a lot of detail jumps out. When scrutinized, the normal inconsistencies and unique idiosyncrasies of a very special life become the "stuff" of criticism as well as inspiration. The criticisms can become faith challenging, or they can become the very confirmation of our faith that Jesus was somehow, supernaturally, both God and man. The record appears imperfect. Yet, somehow, I am inspired to believe the imperfections are perceptual. I may never understand the perceived conflicts, this side of heaven. But I realize that any life held up to scrutiny will often hold surprises, paradoxes and conundrums for the studious observer.

Having read the stories of Christ over and over, listening to more sermon and stories than I can recount, and engaging in flights of fancy identifying with the principal character, I find myself, at 50 years of age, still fully consumed with the idea that I can--I should--be like Him.

The experience of sharing life with someone changes us. I share my life with Christ. I am changed. I understand, because I try to understand, His thoughts. I see how He lives, and I am inspired to live like Him. I see how He died, how He gave himself away for others, a sacrifice, and I am moved to think new thoughts about the value of my life, and how it should be spent, not just consumed.

When I was a child, I read the biography of Francis Marion (a.k.a. "Swampfox"). I wanted to be like him. He was smart, a skilled rider, well liked, and a man of principle and conviction. I liked those things, and thought him worthy of my emulation. When I read the story of Jesus, I knew nothing else, no one else, ever even came close. This was the life to model. This was the man who changed lives, my life, forever. The Spirit made it possible for me to experience Christ, personally, in a way I never imagined possible. He still does.

And I'm still learning.