This morning while reading a section on humility in The Imitation of Christ, an interesting question came to mind:
If Jesus was physically here on earth today, would He be on Facebook?
If so, would a typical post look like this?
Jesus Christ
Great day sharing a lunch with 5,000 people at Bethsaida.
Would the Son of God have His phone in hand taking a selfie while walking across the water—to later post it on social media?
Somehow I have a hard time picturing Jesus doing either of these things.
Why?
Because the life of Christ supremely embodied humility. His words and actions pointed exclusively to glorifying God, not Himself.
In the aforementioned book, Thomas à Kempis says the more knowledge and experience we gain, the more severely we will be judged—unless we live a holy life. Why would we want to lift ourselves above another person, when we may find they know more than we do?
“To know and learn anything that is helpful,” à Kempis says, “be content to be unknown and not respected.”
This mirrors the message of Philippians 2:5-11:
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
So would Jesus be on Facebook?
He certainly was engaged in the culture and practices of the day to reach people, so I wouldn’t rule it out. Social media affords us a tool like never before to connect with people across the world. Perhaps He would use it to help the poor, or occasionally post a photo to share with His mother and siblings.
But I think He would post things judiciously, seeking solely to glorify God and bring awareness to His purposes.
Jesus would no doubt have millions of friends on Facebook and followers on Twitter, yet it’s hard to picture Him spending hours a day sharing, reading, commenting, and tweeting. I somehow think He’d be too busy sharing His life with people one on one in real time.
Jesus wasn’t interested in communicating with thousands, or growing a personal fan base. He also wasn’t one for small talk. Rather, His life focused on intimate personal relationships, and ministering to individuals. He allowed God to work through Him, to receive the glory in all things.
As Christians, shouldn’t we do the same?
Would Jesus be on Facebook?
What do you think?
Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton
Great wisdom Cheryl, a life transforming question and Holy Spirit inspired answers. I blessed to read and appreciate your reasonings.
Thanks Christopher! I think these things are worth considering. We each need to search our hearts and make sure we are doing things with the right motivation. God bless you, brother.
You certainly had my attention, Cheryl! I never thought of this question before….good food for thought…especially as it relates to Jesus’ followers in the 21st century.
Very interesting question. . . At first, I bristle at the thought of Jesus going on Facebook or even the internet. In fact, I find it difficult to think of Jesus doing anything “modern”, like driving a car or wearing a suit and tie. But then I got thinking – Jesus was sent here in the year 0 AD or thereabouts, and he was thoroughly “modern” at that time. As far as I know he dressed in the same general manner as the rest of Israel, and used the same modes of transportation and communication.
So, I suppose, if he were sent here today, instead of 2000 years back, he would look a lot more like we do. He most likely wouldn’t be wearing the long white garments and sandals we see in pictures. So why wouldn’t he (or at least his disciples) have smartphones and laptops?
Still, I can’t picture him taking selfies, or crowing about how great his day was going. If he were to post anything at all on FB, I think it would be something to draw attention to God or to encourage the readers to follow his instructions (like what he taught on the Sermon on the Mount, for example.)
Good thoughts, Ken. Thanks for sharing.