Who Jesus Is

Dear Salem,

I have been studying abroad at the Wesley House in Cambridge as part of my sabbatical time this year. I’ve had access to handwritten letters from John Wesley about his doctrine of Christian Perfection and held a book of Charles Wesley’s handwritten poems in my hand. I’ve been able to talk with scholars from around the world about Methodist history and theology and doctrine. I’ve talked across the table with a very smart woman tracking down an early female preacher in our tradition through old undated letters she has to unravel. I have been in library nerd heaven. Thank you for the time away to think.

On this particular morning, I’ve been asked to write for thirty minutes about who Jesus is. But for me, that is not a library question. For me, it is a deeply personal question. The official answers are easy, of course. Jesus is savior, Lord, God incarnate among us. A baby in a manger and a rebel on a cross. Jesus is many things to us as Christians, but who is he for each of us in any given moment?

This week for me, despite all the fancy books, I am hearing Jesus most clearly when my cohort says the Lord’s Prayer in worship and the room is filled with languages I don’t understand but emotions I know so well. When we say “our father” in any language we make ourselves siblings with one another and with Jesus. Family. Companions. Breakers of bread. Jesus is one of us. Working with us and in us and through us all around the world. Good news for the poor and the oppressed and for each of us exactly where we are today.

I know you are keeping up the good work at home while I am gone. I know it’s cold, and you are getting the hot meals and the warm coats to those that need them. Know that you do not do it alone. Take a moment today, take thirty minutes if you can, and ask yourself, “who is Jesus to me in this moment?”

Wishing you grace and peace from Wesley’s homeland,

Pastor Deb LeMoine