(From the DA years)

When I was growing up in church, I was taught that Jesus was the sort of man that I was to emulate.  But emulating Him never appealed to me and I understand why now.  Many times, the portrayal of Jesus is too one-dimensional.  No wonder that I never wanted to be like Jesus when there were better options like athletes, warriors, or some other biblical character that wasn’t quite as weakly portrayed.  

But I am starting to see differently. The Jesus who I am learning about now is a more complete picture of what a man is intended to be.  Tough and compassionate at the same time.  Secure enough to cry and to hold children while courageous enough to look others in their eyes and to call them out when they were wrong.  Wise enough to know what battles were worth fighting and shrewd enough to outmaneuver those who would trap him. 

Most importantly, strong enough to die to himself and to carry the sins of the world on his shoulders.   In modern times, this Jesus would have the humility to love the unlovable and have the integrity to knock down a bully who hurt others.  

This Jesus embraced the full spectrum of emotions and qualities given to a man – not limited solely to the softer or harder sides of a man’s personality.  This Jesus hung out with tough people, said difficult things, and did not repress his feelings.  This Jesus challenged unjust authority and laws rather than meekly accepting things as the way they are.  This Jesus wrestled with His Father yet submitted to His will.  

This Jesus would also be honest with himself and embrace his sexuality rather than deny or repress it.   Sexuality as a source of creativity, passion, and a unique quality of God’s design for human beings.