The Way of The Lamb

When I worked at Compassion we often had fun talking about all the different Church names. It’s interesting what people want to gravitate towards. I think these names indicate what we think The Church should be, or what a Christ-Following life should look like. The majority of names lean towards strength, power and victory and are accompanied by logos with Eagles, Lions and Fire! Everyone loves a strong name and brand! And as Christians we often think being a follower of Jesus is a life of Victory, Power and Overcoming. And it is…

But there is also a problem with this… 

When God became flesh and blood and dwelt among us, He didn’t choose to come like a Lion or Hurricane. He came as a baby.

When He demonstrated His power, it wasn’t in violence, death and destruction. His power was restorative – healing, liberating and raising from the dead.

When He chose the 12 disciples, He didn’t choose the strongest toughest guys in the crowd. He chose the seemingly ordinary and least likely outcasts.

When Jesus taught, it wasn’t in rich theological language that only the learned could understand. He chose simple parables that all people would understand.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, He came not on a Horse as a Warrior King, but on a donkey.

When Jesus had His final meal, He didn’t make others serve Him. He got down on the ground and washed His disciples feet.

When Jesus was crowned, it was with a crown of twisted thorns as He was tortured upon a cross.

When Jesus saved the world from their sin, it wasn’t by defeating a Roman Army. It was by suffering on the cross. It was by dying as a sacrificial lamb.

You see, Jesus taught that an upside-down lifestyle will turn the world right-side up. His teaching is countercultural. His way is serving, suffering and loving no matter the cost. Although He could play the victim card, He never did. Instead He chose to transform the lowly into the Heavenly. 

This is the way of the lamb.

And as followers of Jesus we are called to live likewise.