The Jesus I Could Do Without Pt. 1

The "Friendship" Jesus

This stereotypical Jesus has appeared in modern and postmodern literature and music within the Church since the "Jesus Movement" of the late 60's and early 70's (though there are earlier references to be sure...such as the hymn "Jesus is All the World to Me...He's my friend.").  In the movie Dogma this Jesus is referred to as the "Buddy Jesus" (see picture below). This Jesus is a TRUE friend who will never let you down and is always there when you have some narcissistic felt need that must be met.  He is completely compassionate and understands like no other will, in fact He will tell you EXACTLY what you want to hear to make you feel better.  He is AWESOME to "hang with" and is just fine being your "bro!"   And last but not least...He makes life "happy"...and who doesn't want that?

To be sure the bible does speak about friendship, Jesus will NEVER leave us orphaned or abandoned, He is compassion incarnate, and He IS the giver of peace...BUT...

K.H. Rengstorf in an article in Kittle's theological dictionary on the Greek term for "friend" (hetairos) states it like this:

The term is used for--companion, fellow soldier, member of the same party or religious society, a pupil, a friend or a colleague...the ONLY NT use is in Matthew (20:3; 22:12; 26:50)...the meaning is "friend" but in each case with the implication of a distinct relationship in which there is generosity on the one part and abuse of it on the other...

THE ABSENCE OF THE WORD ELSEWHERE IN THE NT SHOWS THAT IT IS NOT THOUGHT TO BE APPROPRIATE TO CHRISTIANS, FOR IN RELATION TO CHRIST "DOULOS" (SLAVE) IS THE PROPER TERM FOR BELIEVERS, AND IN RELATION TO ONE ANOTHER "ADELPHOI" (BROTHER). (p. 265)

In other words, Jesus has no interest in being our "bud!" Jesus' primary interest in us is theological (soteriological) and pedagogical...in our earthly lives friendship is not usually costly (though it probably should be, in reality it is not)...DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND...relationship with Christ IS THE KEY...but our relationship to Christ is bilaterally costly...it cost God His Son, Jesus his life, and they demand our life in return. I HATE taking up my cross daily...having Jesus be my best friend is easier and therapeutic...but to borrow a term from Bonhoeffer "cheap grace" is no grace at all. I think I can live without Jesus being my friend...but I cannot live without Him being my Savior.  I believe...help me in my unbelief.