Jesus In Your Place

My wife sent me an article about a statue of a homeless Jesus that was causing a stir in an affluent community.

The statue (in the picture on the right) is of Jesus, as a homeless person, sleeping on a park bench. You can tell it is Jesus by the holes in his feet.

Apparently it has caused a bit of an uproar. One lady, thinking an actual homeless person was in her neck of the woods, called 911 to send a cruiser out to deal with the vagrant. Other people simply think it's creepy. At any rate, regardless of whether it is liked or disliked, it sends a strong message. But I'm not exactly sure what the message is. It could simply be a reminder that Jesus has a heart for the marginalized, and so should we. The message could also be a warning against materialism. Who knows?

But what if the message is actually found in our response to the statue? In this neighborhood many were outraged and confused over the possibility of a homeless person (or even the appearance of one) in their neighborhood. Some where shocked, others thought it was tasteless, and "demeaned the neighborhood."

Shameful rich people, right? How pathetic are you to be so reactive to something like this and reveal how wicked you are on the inside. That was my initial reaction. But then I wondered what would happen if this statue was placed in a less affluent neighborhood. What about a neighborhood with actual homeless people, or downtown where it is common to see a homeless person sleeping outside?

I'm sure people wouldn't be outraged in those places; nah, their reaction would be little to no action at all. Why? Because they are where they "belong." We are used to seeing them there. Indeed, many wouldn't even notice there was a statue of Jesus. Someone would say, "Did you see the cool Jesus statue?" The response would be, "What statue?"

Different location.

Different reaction.

Same challenge.

I think this statue challenges us to see Christ in the place we are. Not just by happening to glance, but hide and seek looking, a search, a "where is Jesus today" type of looking. Because we often forget that in Christ we can learn to see all as image bearers. And we can respond to them as we would the risen Lord.

Everyone has a reaction to Jesus when they see him. 2000 years ago they tortured and crucified him; in our modern day we just wish he'd go elsewhere, or we ignore him. Then there are those who see him with a "real seeing," and they bow down and worship him.

I don't think the message of this statue is meant to shame people. It's placement in an affluent neighborhood might induce feelings of shame, but those who are ashamed or angered need to ask themselves why those emotions arose. The predominant message, I think, is a reminder that we need to learn to see Jesus in our place. Whether that place is palatial or hood, we have to look to see where the risen Lord is; and after seeing him, act.