There is an interesting passage in the book of John that, in my opinion, is a pretty good insight into a challenging application for those who claim a desire to be committed followers of Jesus. Towards the end of chapter 6 we get to witness a watershed moment in his earthly ministry. We often focus so much on the abandonment of the twelve at his arrest that we overlook this greater abandonment occurring much earlier on, separating them from the "convenience" crowd. The passage begins with Jesus and the miraculous outdoor fish dinner for 5000. Not surprising is the reaction of the crowd who, upon thinking that they've found a source of a perpetual labor-less catering service, is more than willing to follow him ... as long as the needs are met. In a moment of spiritually "diving deep", which by the way is what most who claim the name of Christian will tell you is a priority in their faith journey, Jesus offers teaching and a level of commitment which quickly divides the proverbial sheep from the goats. He is quick to point out, in his annoying Jesus way, that what they think that they desire is fleeting and time bound. What he is offering is not only eternal, but attainable. However, it is going to take something far too costly than most will be willing to invest. It is uncomfortable, to the point of being offensive. If you read closely you can see that the deep allegorical teaching is hard to grasp for those seeking a comfortable and consumer oriented faith. What they want is getting in the way of what they need. The twelve, on the other hand, reveal their allegiance and commitment to the rest of the journey by the simple recognition that within this difficult, elusive and somewhat offensive teaching are contained the "words of life". The crowd decides that the "risk" needs to be managed and is ultimately deemed too high to pursue.
It is not so much different for us today. The number of those who would desire to be considered followers of Jesus exists in the same tension as those so long ago. All claim to want to "dive deep" yet are still divided along the lines of the crowd and the committed. It is hard now, as it was then, to identify by appearance alone. It becomes readily apparent though when comfort is eliminated and the element of risk is introduced.
Planting a church can indeed be an exercise in risk taking for the one called to plant it. However, I would like to recognize those of you who take a much greater risk than anyone who has planted a church, myself included. I would like to recognize those of you who join a church being planted in its earliest form. There is little comfort. There is little convenience. There is little certainty. There is plenty of risk. There is certainly Jesus. Thank you for weighing it and finding it all worth it. You and the kingdom will be forever changed.
