Do You Want To Do "Christ-Like" Clowning?

If we are followers of Jesus—if we are to show people what Jesus is like—we need to be more like him. What does scripture tell us about him?

#1. Jesus is a humble servant.

Philippians 2:5-8 tells us that he humbled himself and "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant..."

Jesus said, "I am among you as one who serves." Luke 22:27

As a clown, do you demand your own way, or are you there to build others up? Do you dictate everything that happens, or do you go with what your audience wants?

#2. Jesus is a hope-giver

Colossians 1:27 "Christ in you, the hope of glory..."

Clowns often fail, and fail, and fail, and fail and then FINALLY succeed! People relate to the clown. Folks know what it feels like to be a failure. But when that clown--the most unlikely character in the world to succeed--succeeds, it gives hope to those who don't feel capable of succeeding.

As a clown in performance, do you simply fumble and bumble and never have success? People WANT you to succeed so they can cheer you on. And so they may cheer THEMSELVES on along with you!

#3. Jesus gave fresh perspectives

Jesus often challenged the "status quo" of his day. The public was entertained and inspired at the same time. Pharisees were dumbfounded, and at times angered. Jesus helped people see more than the Law. He helped them sense the Spirit of that Law. People began to understand God as they never had before.

Bring the clown perspective to every day events. Look at the world through the eyes of the child. Then, bring that perspective to your audiences so they may once again see spiritual truths from a different vantage point.

#4. Jesus displayed compassion

Jesus was a man that displayed "love in action."

2 Corinthians 5:14 says, "For Christ's love compels us..."

To do "Christ-like clowning" we must be people of compassion in action.

#5. Jesus was “not of this world”

John 6:51 "I am the living bread that came down from heaven."

Clowns appear to be from another world too! Their look, their movement, and their reasoning all lead the audience to consider that clowns aren't simply from our ordinary world. They are from a world that appears to be more like a cartoon.

So in conclusion consider this scripture:

Romans 13:14 “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh...”

When you put on the make-up decide to also put on the characteristics of Christ.

-originally printed in the Cross & the Clown magazine