I sometimes stop and wonder what Jesus would say to me if we had the chance to have dinner. I like to think that it would be all affirmations and good news. I also like to think calories eaten after midnight don't count. I think both are probably incorrect.
Jesus was confrontational. He wasn't afraid to confront the Pharisees, and he wasn't afraid to go after the money-changers in the temple, either. He called Peter 'Satan' when he was upset with him. We have these images of Jesus as a meek and mild lamb, but he is also passionate and ferocious at appropriate times. I believe he can still be affirming and loving, but he's not afraid to name the places in life where we need to change and grow. I think I'd get called out for any number of faults -- not to belittle, but to help open my eyes to areas where I let sin and selfishness reign, and ways that I don't love God more than other things.
It's probably a helpful thought exercise -- imagine having lunch with Jesus. Where would he comfort you? How would you bask in his love? And where would he challenge you?
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