Would Jesus Play The Beatles: Rock Band?
No seriously, would Jesus play The Beatles: Rock Band?
Tell me this question gets you thinking, or at least pondering this concept. As you know, this video game has taken the world by storm, outsold Guitar Hero 5, and thousands, if not millions, of teens are being introduced to the Beatles magic that stormed the world the first time nearly 50 years ago!
To recap, 4 mop-topped lads from Liverpool, England, put a little garage band together and within a few years, were the first group in history to play in sold-out stadiums around the world. John, Paul, George and Ringo became household names and to this day, we can see the continued ripple effects from the incredible splash The Beatles made when your parents were infants.
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Yes, I think Jesus would play The Beatles: Rock Band and here's why:
There was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus' mother told him, "They have no more wine."
"Dear woman, that's not our problem," Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come."
But his mother told the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold 20-30 gallons. Jesus told the servants, "Fill the jars with water." When the jars had been filled, he said, "Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies." So the servants followed his instructions.
When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. "A host always serves the best wine first," he said. "Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!"
This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in Him (John 2:1-11, NLT).
This was the first miracle Jesus performed and it revolved around keeping the party going. How? Well, wine in that day was symbolic of joy and celebration and if the groom's after-wedding party ran dry, it was a serious offense - in fact the people could have had him arrested! Notice that Jesus not only attended the party, but He made sure the joy and celebration continued - which tells us several critical things about God's one and only Son.
First, it is obvious that Jesus loves to connect with people. When He wasn't preaching or teaching, He was hanging out at social events that seriously offended the stuffy stuck up religious folks. They weren't mad because He went to parties; they were ticked because He had such a great time at them! Can't you see Jesus and the disciples laughing it up over a video game if they had a 1st Century PS3? I sure can…only the lyrics then would have been "God loves you, yeah yeah yeah."
You know what else? This account shows us that the reason Jesus went to parties and hung out with "sinners" was not to judge or condemn them - in fact, it was just the opposite. Jesus got involved in people's lives so He could let them know there is a way to find true and lasting joy and celebration that isn't found in a bed or a bottle. This kind is guilt- and consequence-free, and the freedom it brings turns the bitter waters of life into a spiritual wine that never runs out.
And guess what? Jesus offers the same miracle to us!
He can he turn depression into joy…
He can turn fear into hope…
He can turn emptiness into contentment…
He can turn sin into grace…
Most importantly, He can turn death into life.
The Beatles brought a feeling of happiness and enjoyment to a world in need of an escape from the turbulent 1960s, but I've got a feeling you would also like to say hello goodbye to yesterday and get back to feeling fine. The same Jesus who turned water to wine can quench your spiritual thirst and bring joy and freedom that no rock band has ever known. Trust Him for salvation and don't keep the good news to yourself. You have friends that need more than just a little help - they need the true message of salvation.
Here comes the Son!
Flashpoint: Ignite Into Action
Ask your friends if they think Jesus would play The Beatles: Rock Band, then talk about Jesus' habit of attending social gatherings and connecting with people so He could share His message of salvation and freedom. Share Jesus' message with your friends.
Accelerant: Feed the Fire
The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:17-19).
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:12-13).
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).
