Jesus, Social Worker or Miracle Worker

(Tip: He was both...)

My Sunday thoughts, scrabbled together at work between patients.

John 6: 26-27: Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

Jesus came to care for the poor, the alien, the hungry, sick and broken, to be sure. And to teach us to do the same! But the modern view of Jesus often tends to make him a very quaint ancient social worker.

There is a grave danger in taking this too far. Those so quick to remind us of our social duty using Jesus as an example are often the ones who are also uncomfortable discussing sin, redemption, miracles and resurrection. They think all of those things are wonderful stories but ultimately untrue.

But, if you really want Jesus, personally or in society, it’s the whole package.

If you tell your political opponents that they should be like Jesus, but only in the way that comports with your politics, then you’re just using him as a prop. No matter what your politics may be.

But the same people who need their physical needs met also need their spiritual needs met. To do one without the other is cruel, inadequate and mere propaganda in the end. And it offers either an anemic, weak social program or a pie-in-the sky spirituality that doesn’t touch the suffering.