Rethinking Religion: Rethinking Real Strength
Most religions believe in a powerful God. It is assumed that God will use that strength for the benefit of
his followers. That is a reasonable assumption, but it begs the question. What is real strength? It is easy
to assume that real strength means exerting your will over another by using any means necessary,
including force. But this week we see Jesus Christ demonstrate a different kind of strength.
We have come to Holy Week. It begins with Jesus humbly riding a donkey colt straight into the hands of
his enemies. As the week progresses, it will appear that Christ’s adversaries are the ones in a position of power and Jesus is in a position of weakness. Yet what Christ does this holy week—setting his divine
strength aside, being passive in the face of death—would change the world. To do what Christ did for us
and our salvation took real strength.