Where Would Jesus Go?

I’m sure that you have no idea that there was a huge Erotica pornography trade show in Los Angeles. Me either… until I read this story. It seems that one of the hottest items given away at the convention was a bright yellow New Testament entitled Jesus Loves Porn Stars. Some 3,300 of these Bibles were given away by the web-based anti-porn ministry xxxchurch (or x3church) during the first day of the three-day trade show. Convention-goers did a double-take when they saw the booth and the Bibles with the unusual covers. Workers at the booth were able to tell people in the porn business that Jesus loves them, and they offered an escape and a fresh start to those who wanted help getting out of the industry.

The special Jesus Loves Porn Star Bible is really The Message translation of the New Testament with special articles and helps. This non-traditional approach to ministry has caused some controversy. The American Bible Society refused to print the Bible; it was subsequently printed by NavPress. There have been Christians who have been critical of other things done by X3, but they defend their ministry decision as an important way to reach out to our broken world in a way no one else is doing.

"We think this goes with the central message of the gospel and Jesus loves you regardless of your profession… This is not about shock tactics, this is about trying to get the word of God to places most say would be impossible but we have found a way to do it."

So... where would Jesus be in all of this? Would He be at the trade show talking about the truth of God with people who desperately need it and encouraging them to get out of a sinful lifestyle? Or would He stand on the sidelines criticizing the effort and complaining about the cover style of the Bible that was produced? Oh, and where would the Pharisees be? It is interesting how the church has come to so value the mantle of its respectability that it rejects as unseemly the very kinds of things that Jesus did. There is food for thought in here somewhere.