QUEST Fall Semester 2011 Entry #22: "If Jesus Were in College"

Author Bruce Main wrote a book in 2002 entitled "If Jesus Were a Sophomore: Discipleship for College Students". In the book, Main speaks of the life of Jesus and how specific behaviors of devotion, study, and interaction with others were shaped in His early adult years. In his introduction, Main states the following:

" If Jesus were a sophomore, freshman, junior or senior, I believe he would use these years to cultivate lifestyle patterns that are consistent with the values of God's Kingdom. These lifestyle patterns would develop a firm foundation for a life of commitment and service to God." [p.6]

After reading this book in its entirety, I thought Bruce Main developed some constructive and introspective questions to ask regarding our own life patterns that we may be developing. Before Jesus' public ministry of preaching the good news and performing miracles (among other profound ministry), there was a private devotional life pattern. Here we find Jesus, the Son of God, committing Himself to draw closer to His Father through tangible acts of love. He did not wait for someone to keep Him accountable or challenge Him; He desired to seek His Father, even in the midst of the odds stacked up against Him.

In light of scripture and the insight from author Bruce Main, I wondered to myself, "If Jesus were a freshman, how would he act? What would He say? What would He devote His time and effort to? What would He say to college ministries, campus ministries, leaders and His professors? These questions follow the format of WWJD - What Would Jesus Do? But, in reality, the answers to these questions should mirror how we act and function on campus and in life.

In Acts 4:13, it says:

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."

What a profound portion of Scripture! The people were not astonished by Peter and John's intellect or academic credentials; by most accounts, there were none to write home about. The people were not surprised by an extraordinary atrribute; they were considered ordinary. The people were astonished by the courage of these men and concluded that it was there because these two ordinary men had been with Jesus.

You may have started the Fall Semester and it may not be all roses. You may be having difficulty in an area or struggling. You may be excelling and surprised by all of your accomplishments thus far. No matter where you are, please note that it will not be your achievements and resume that will astonish people. But, when they see courage being exhibited in your life to live a life as Jesus would, there is no doubt you have been and are with Him. If Jesus were in college, He would draw ever closer to His Father, the God of all creation. As a college, international or graduate student, are you?

Blog Entry By:
Ryan Faison (QUEST/YAM Director)

NOTE: Join us this Friday, September 23, 2011 at 8 PM for Young Adults Live featuring Rockin' The Nations! Location: Christ Church East Campus, 68 Church Street, Montclair, New Jersey! Free Admission!