The Way of Jesus
The first community of Jesus followers were not originally called Christians. They were called the people of The Way. Eventually, when the term Christian was applied to them, the word meant “little Christs” more than it referred to doctrine. The emphasis was on emulating Jesus more than making sure one’s theology was perfect. The Greek word that gives us the root for “believe” referred to more than intellectual assent – it also included a gut level passion backed up by behavior that supported and evidenced it. The people of The Way were people who thought, felt, and acted like Jesus.
Jesus’s ministry was focused on saving the world, literally bringing healing wherever needed. Salvation in the fullest sense. These words were used by Rome, declaring that the Roman Empire provided all the salvation people could want. All it required was allegiance. Jesus challenged that notion offering an alternative: the Kingdom of God was the true source of salvation, of healing. Jesus’ vision was born from his Jewish heritage and theology.
The Hebrew word that best describes the salvation Jesus proclaimed is shalom. Shalom is often translated as “peace” but is a much deeper concept that involves holistic wellbeing, healing, flourishing, community, unity, and relational, loving mutuality among all people and with creation itself. Shalom is depicted in the Garden of Eden story at the beginning of the Bible as well as at the end of it in the book of Revelation. Shalom is what life and the world look like when all are aligned with God. True, deep, lasting peace and wellbeing for all. Shalom, love, is the dream that delivers. The Way of Jesus leads there.
In the Gospel of John we can discern five major movements that, taken together, represent The Way of Jesus: stretching one’s mind through lifelong learning, indiscriminately kneeling in service to others, standing for justice and grace with and for those needing it, communing with God, and connecting with others in genuine community. Jesus was motivated, compelled and impelled by the love of God. That love led him to live and move and believe the way he did. That Way served to sow and cultivate shalom, love wherever he went.
The following tabs in this section are meant to be a guide of sorts to help you on The Way. How it unfolds is unique to every person, but the root and fruit remain the same. Shalom in its holistic beauty. Love in its great strength and depth. The great dream residing in the heart of all who live.
Now, get on down The Way!
The first community of Jesus followers were not originally called Christians. They were called the people of The Way. Eventually, when the term Christian was applied to them, the word meant “little Christs” more than it referred to doctrine. The emphasis was on emulating Jesus more than making sure one’s theology was perfect. The Greek word that gives us the root for “believe” referred to more than intellectual assent – it also included a gut level passion backed up by behavior that supported and evidenced it. The people of The Way were people who thought, felt, and acted like Jesus.
Jesus’s ministry was focused on saving the world, literally bringing healing wherever needed. Salvation in the fullest sense. These words were used by Rome, declaring that the Roman Empire provided all the salvation people could want. All it required was allegiance. Jesus challenged that notion offering an alternative: the Kingdom of God was the true source of salvation, of healing. Jesus’ vision was born from his Jewish heritage and theology.
The Hebrew word that best describes the salvation Jesus proclaimed is shalom. Shalom is often translated as “peace” but is a much deeper concept that involves holistic wellbeing, healing, flourishing, community, unity, and relational, loving mutuality among all people and with creation itself. Shalom is depicted in the Garden of Eden story at the beginning of the Bible as well as at the end of it in the book of Revelation. Shalom is what life and the world look like when all are aligned with God. True, deep, lasting peace and wellbeing for all. Shalom, love, is the dream that delivers. The Way of Jesus leads there.
In the Gospel of John we can discern five major movements that, taken together, represent The Way of Jesus: stretching one’s mind through lifelong learning, indiscriminately kneeling in service to others, standing for justice and grace with and for those needing it, communing with God, and connecting with others in genuine community. Jesus was motivated, compelled and impelled by the love of God. That love led him to live and move and believe the way he did. That Way served to sow and cultivate shalom, love wherever he went.
The following tabs in this section are meant to be a guide of sorts to help you on The Way. How it unfolds is unique to every person, but the root and fruit remain the same. Shalom in its holistic beauty. Love in its great strength and depth. The great dream residing in the heart of all who live.
Now, get on down The Way!