In 1973, Larry Norman recorded arguably the greatest, most influential Contemporary Christian album ever recorded.  “Only Visiting This Planet” changed Gospel music forever, and, 39 years later is still very listenable and even still a bit edgy.  His “Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus?” is one of the best cuts on this landmark album, and is the music I use with my club juggling routine.  (Hear the song here:  )

I was thinking about that question today.  It was an excellent question in 1973, when many in the baby boom generation were exploring zen, TM, Satanism (authentic and the lunatic fringe), and a wealth of other philosophies and religions.  It is an equally good question today when so many have little to no religious training; isn’t it worth at least looking into the claims of Jesus to see what they are and if they have any significance today. 

Then one very good reason someone might hesitate to ‘look into Jesus’ came to mind.  I’ve heard this said innumerable different ways, but basically it can be stated like this: “I tried Jesus, and it (He) didn’t work.”  To this I reply, “What Jesus did you try?” 

If one looks into the Jesus of con men like Benny Hinn, it’s no wonder they end up bitter.  If one looks into the Jesus of Sarah Palin – a Jesus of nationalistic superiority – it is no wonder they end up lukewarm in heart.  If one looks into the Jesus of Joel Osteen and the health & wealth Gospel, it’s no wonder they end up disappointed.  If one looks into the wishy-washy Jesus of Rob Bell, it’s no wonder they decide Jesus just isn’t important.

But what about the real Jesus; Jesus according to Jesus?  What about the Jesus who never  promised health or wealth, but rather offered a life of trials and simplicity.  What about the Jesus who confronted con men, both religious (the Pharisees) and secular (Zaccheus) ?  What about the Jesus who went out of his way to confront nationalism at every opportunity; after all, what Rabbi would ever tell a story in which the hero was a Samaritan?  What about the Jesus who promised us nothing except grace for our failures and direction in life’s trials, but went on to say those would be sufficient for us? 

So, like Larry Norman asked 39 years ago, “Why don’t you look into Jesus?”