The Greatest Non-Showman: Jesus

   A friend took my brother and me to the movies last week to see The Greatest Showman. Featuring Hugh Jackman and a really talented cast of actors, the movie is sped along by catchy tunes with great lyrics, and inspired me to see the gospel good news at numerous points. Before the week was out I had seen it again, this time taking friends with me to share the joy.
   It is very loosely based on the larger than life story of P.T. Barnum, who lived in the 1800's and is best known for the circus company he started. While he never actually said the quote about suckers born every minute, he did say his personal aim was "to put money in his own coffers." He did a lot of good, in the end, but the movie title gave me pause to consider how Jesus would compare. A similar movie title about Jesus might be The Greatest Non-Showman. Now, lean in for this. Many people who only know the high-points of the Gospel stories might take exception, but I think the evidence is strong. Consider:

• Jesus' 'career' only lasted three years, by his choice
• Jesus rarely traveled outside the circuit of small country-side villages
• Jesus would change locations whenever the crowds would seek to elevate him to something he was not (rebel leader against Rome, etc)
• Jesus instructed his followers that generous acts are to be kept secret from even your other hand
• Jesus' messages were so challenging, crowds got smaller over time
• Jesus' message was about sacrifice, submission, forgiving, humility - the opposite of an attractive show
• Jesus chose to basically not speak in front of the crowds at his trial and instead submitted to the will of God

   Jesus was the opposite of a self-promoter. In John 5 he says he does not testify about himself, but lets God take care of that. Opting not for self-promotion, Jesus chose the way of humility and submission. It led to the greatest story ever told, and retold!
   Grace and peace, Scott