Jesus Was Subversive: In this Jesus Was podcast episode, Sarah Klingler—a contributor to Jesus Was—explores Jesus's subversive nature and his care for the oppressed. As a pastor's kid and missionary kid who works with MK Safety Net, Sarah emphasizes how Jesus challenged power structures by seeking out marginalized people—tax collectors, the unclean, widows, orphans, and foreigners. She encourages Christians to follow Jesus's example by engaging with vulnerable populations in their communities through both church and secular organizations.
Key Takeaways:
• If you feel disconnected from your faith or wonder if Jesus relates to your struggles: Jesus intentionally sought out people others had written off, including those dealing with financial problems, social rejection, and moral failures, showing he meets you where you are
• Are you unsure how to make a real difference or feel your life lacks purpose? You don't need seminary training or a ministry position to follow Jesus's example; small acts of kindness at work, in your neighborhood, or local organizations can bring healing to hurting people
• If your place of worship feels stagnant or you're looking for meaningful ways to serve: Look for opportunities to engage with vulnerable populations (homeless, disabled, struggling families) both through your church and community nonprofits, as these are the very people Jesus prioritized.
Find out more about Sarah here.
Have you ever wondered what Jesus was like? This is what we’ll be talking about on the new Jesus Was podcast as we invite fresh new voices to join the conversation. You’re always welcome to use the comments to post a comment or ask a question. We’d love to hear from you!
Meet the Hosts of the Jesus Was PODCAST
Susy Flory is a New York Times best-selling author or coauthor of twenty books, directs West Coast Christian Writers, and is the founder of Everything Memoir. She has a background in journalism and education, earned a master's degree in New Testament at Northern Seminary and is continuing her doctoral studies on the theology of writing, along with women's authorship and writing collaboration in the ancient world. She lives in Northern California. Find out more at susyflory.com
Scott Johanningsmeier is a bivocational pastor at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Southern Indiana. He has a bachelor's degree in music technology from Indiana University and a master's degree in New Testament from Northern Seminary. Outside of ministry, he works in the technology installation industry. He and his wife have two daughters. Scott writes here.
"This is a book that brings Jesus out of the headlines and back into our hearts."
—Pastor Josh Burtram and Will Wright, hosts of the Faithful Politics podcast
JESUS WAS: Not What We Expected but Better Than We Imagined is coming in September! Click here to pre-order your copy of Jesus Was today.
