The Outlaw

At Sunday School I was taught about Jesus – his birth, his miracles, his disciples, his teaching his death and his resurrection. I was taught about who he was in familiar pictures – the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life, the Living Water. I learnt that he was a prophet, a priest, a sacrifice, a Saviour…

Then in 1971, Larry Norman visited the UK from America, suggesting new ideas…

Some say he was an outlaw that he roamed across the land
With a band of unschooled ruffians and few old fishermen
No one knew just where he came from or exactly what he’d done
But they said it must be something bad that kept him on the run

Some say he was a poet that he’d stand upon the hill
That his voice could calm an angry crowd and make the waves stand still
That he spoke in many parables that few could understand
But the people sat for hours just to listen to this man

Larry Norman suggested that Jesus was an outlaw, breaking traditions, opposing the establishment, on the run from the authorities who wanted to arrest him. It was the picture of Robin Hood or Bonnie and Clyde… the friend of the common people, seen to be bad, but a local hero standing for good.

Or the poet, the man of words who spoke to people’s hearts through stories. Crowds came to listen to his insightful, powerful words. He wasn’t always completely understood, but people recognised that in his words was wisdom, truth that changed lives and brought peace and joy.

Some say he was a sorcerer, a man of mystery
He could walk upon the water, he could make a blind man see
That he conjured wine at weddings and did tricks with fish and bread
That he talked of being born again and raised people from the dead

Some say a politician, who spoke of being free
He was followed by the masses on the shores of Galilee
He spoke out against corruption and he bowed to no decree
And they feared his strength and power so they nailed him to a tree

Jesus the sorcerer involves the supernatural, his miraculous powers demonstrated in many different situations. Healing congenital conditions, transforming the mentally ill, confronting spiritual issues, raising the dead, but then talking about mysterious issues – like having a second birth…

And Jesus the politician, who could debate with the local council, a minority of one against established political parties. He championed social issues, stood up for the poor and powerless, opposed conservative dogma, becoming so influential that he was assassinated.

Some say he was the Son of God, a man above all men
That he came to be a servant and to set us free from sin
And that’s who I believe he is ’cause that’s what I believe
And I think we should get ready ’cause it’s time for us to leave

Larry Norman made it personal. Having challenging ideas deeply affects the intellect, but that’s not enough. I must respond and say what I believe. Jesus the Son of God, Jesus the servant, Jesus the Saviour challenges the way I live my life. He calls me to be ready, wherever I am, for whatever comes, whenever I go…