What if Jesus had a thirteenth disciple named "Brad" who was a typical American? Some of the scenes in the Gospels where Jesus interacted with his followers might have played out a little different. Brad might help us see how much faith the original twelve disciples had compared to the typical American Christian today.
When Jesus called His disciples, He asked them to come follow Him without giving much of an idea about where He was going and what they would discover along the journey. This approach would not go over real well with the typical parishioner today.
I can just imagine Brad asking Jesus the following:
- Where are we going and how long will it take to get there?
- Will we be able to contact the office and tend to business issues if we need to?
- Why don't you ever stay in one place very long?
- Why this morbid obsession with death and the cross? Couldn't you help more people by being alive than dead?
- Where can we get the DVD of this teaching?
- Next time that you do a miracle, why don't you encourage the person to tell others about it? You know that word of mouth is the best type of advertising....right?
- You don't really expect us to drive out demons do you?
- Where is the long range, strategic plan for your ministry?
- Shouldn't you be riding on a stallion and not a donkey?
- Do we have any health or disability insurance for this trip?
- Why do you keep on talking in parables and confusing everybody?
- How do you do those disappear in a crowd and walk through walls tricks?
- Can you ask Your Father what happened to Elvis?
- If bad company corrupts good character, why do you always seem to hang out with the wrong kind of crowd?
- Why won't you cut the Pharisees some slack? Calling them whitewashed tombs is no way to make friends and influence people you know.
- Who will get the best seats of power in your kingdom? Pick me first.
- Why are you always willing to be disturbed by little kids, yet you will walk away from large crowds when they need you?
- Some of the people are starting to call you crazy. Aren't you worried they will lock you up?
- We're out of beer. Can you do that make alcohol out of water trick again?
- Why does Peter always get to do everything first?
- Does your discipleship program include retirement benefits?
- Where do I get the Jesus bobble head dolls?
- These other disciples are not part of the union. Should we call down fire from heaven to consume them?
- Can't you be a little more predictable?
- Should I order Domino's Pizza to feed these large crowds?
- Is walking on water harder than water skiing on one ski?
- When do we get a chance to bust up on some devils?
- What guarantees do I get if I leave everything and follow you?
- Should I bring a gun for protection?
- Will there be a Starbucks where we are going?
- Do we have time for that?
- Why do you always insist on spending time alone? Don't you like our company?
- Why did you feed everyone a good meal and then you scared them away by talking about the necessity to eat your flesh and drink your blood?
It would be interesting to see how Jesus would have responded to Brad's questions. I am sure that He would be patient yet direct when necessary. Compared to Brad, the twelve disciples don't seem quite so bad. This American disciple struggles to follow Christ because he wants to know too much. He lacks faith and typifies the problems with modern America.
