I am a Jesus pusher!!! I am a reasonably intelligent individual; I can master data. I can comprehend and figure out information. This kind of knowledge is all within my control. I can view Jesus of Nazareth, a Man (Acts 2:22) through the eyes of my knowledge. I can debate His actions and messages. I can set aside any claims He might impose on my life as unrealistic and unreasonable. I can study the law, the oral traditions of the elders; I can calculate His violations. I can justify my participation in the crucifixion. It may not be the best; but it was expedient that one man should die for the people (John 18:14). There are significant ramifications if Rome is aware of this radical. We must contain the situation or Rome may judge us all by Him. Isn’t this reasonable?
Data on this level may indirectly affect my life, but it is not at the center of my life. Peter opens his message on Pentecost with this beginning level, but he closes with a call to an entirely different level (Acts 2:36). God, the Father, was sourcing Jesus. Through this sourcing, He established the possibility we could be sourced in the same way. Jesus was given a position of both Lord and Christ in this new realm of sourcing (Acts 2:36). Intimacy with Jesus in this new sourcing will affect my entire life. Relationship with my wife is changed; how I raise my children is different. This truth is so big it pulls me into its heart. It goes to the depth of my soul; it burns in my bones. This source becomes the controlling force of my very existence. It is Jesus! It is not Jesus as information, concept, or creed. It is Jesus as personal, oneness, and intimate. All of life is changed in Jesus. I am a Jesus pusher!!!