I wonder what you think Jesus is like? What image of him do you have in your head? There is a really great set of pictures of Jesus from all around the world called ‘The Christ we Share’. The pictures come from different cultures, different theological backgrounds and different parts of Jesus’ life and they offer a great diversity of images. When people look at the pictures, there are some images that people like, and some that people struggle with. One image that is particularly striking is called ‘Jesus Christ, Liberator’ and it pictures Jesus in a head, eyes closed, mouth open laugh.
‘Jesus Christ, Liberator’ or Laughing Jesus picture
It makes you wonder what was said to see Jesus laugh so hard. I wonder if you find the image of a laughing Christ familiar or strange? There are certainly enough stories in the Bible at which you can imagine Jesus laughing with his friends. Accusations made of him that he was seen at too many parties and in the wrong company. Should a respected Rabbi be found laughing?
I wonder if we find the image of Jesus laughing liberating? When the world is hard and full of sadness, do we want to see Jesus laugh or weep? When we are trying to find a saviour, do we want one who looks solemn or one who looks like he might be fun. I sometimes joke that the greatest achievement of the western church is to make Jesus seem boring, uninspiring and out-of-touch when it seems to me that he was any of the above.
All of us need to do some work on how we see Jesus. If picture him as solemn, we need to imagine him laughing. If we picture him as smiling, we need to imagine him weeping. If we picture him as stern, we need to imagine him with arms open with love. Whatever our picture of Jesus is, we need to stretch it, because we need Jesus to offer us all of these things in order that our image of Jesus can walk alongside the range of emotions we have in lives. So, how do you need to see Jesus today?
On Sunday, we will gather together at 9.30am to pray for the needs of the world. If you can’t join us, do pray with us using the prayer points at the end of this email.
At 10.30am, we have our All-In Service as we explore the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding at Cana. It’s certainly a story where we can imagine Jesus laughing with his friends, but what else does it tell us about him? If you can’t be with us in church, do join us on zoom by following this link or using these meeting details.
Meeting ID: 795 391 015
Password: Luke
On Monday, we will hold our monthly prayer meeting for Vicar’s Cross, seeking God’s blessing and guidance and we seek to see the Kingdom Grow in this part of Chester. This group meets at Chris Barrowcliff’s home, 80 Green Lane, Vicar’s Cross.
On Wednesday we have our monthly midweek communion service starting at 1.30pm. It’s a great chance to gather, worship and pray together held within the eloquence of a simple said service.
Next Sunday, 8 February, we will hold our Prayer and Praise Service starting at 6pm. This is an opportunity for extended times of worship and prayer, seeking to encounter and be led by the Holy Spirit.
The next meeting of the Women’s Book Group is on 5 March at 7.30pm. They will meet at Ann Litler’s home, 9 Orchard Close, Upton. They will be exploring ‘Framed’ by Frank Cottrell Boyce. For more information, please do talk to Jenny Gilbertson.
Following his death last week, Albert Roderick’s funeral will be held on Friday 27th February at 1pm at St Luke’s Church. Do please pray for his family and friends as they mourn his death.
If you want to listen to previous sermons, they are uploaded to our ‘A Church Near You’ page. You can listen to them here.
Prayer Points
In the News: Pray for the leaders of the nations and wisdom as they lead
In the News: Pray for places where warfare rages including Ukraine and Sudan
Faith & Discipleship: Pray for our personal pictures of Jesus, that they may grow and expand
St Luke’s Mission: Pray for our Start course – for people to want to find out about Jesus
Our Parish: Huntington village and homes around the Caldy Valley
Society: The Worldwide Church, The King, our Prime Minister and Global Leaders
Children & Youth: Our ministry leading assemblies in schools
Mission we support: Chester Schools Christian Work (CSCW) who lead assemblies, clubs and lessons in primary and secondary schools across the city.
St Luke’s Mission: Pastoral Care Team supporting the sick and bereaved
St Luke’s Fellowship: Andy and the Ministry Team as they plan and lead services
Sunday Focus: Worship Band as they lead our musical worship
Sick & Bereaved: Those we know who are sick and bereaved at this time
Faith & Discipleship: A deeper faith in Jesus
Faithful Father, hear our prayers
as we hold before you the needs of the world,
may your compassion and mercy be shown to all your people
and your goodness be known as your Kingdom grows.
We ask this by the power of the Spirit, in Jesus’ name.