Christ-Like Clowning?
By Rev. Randy Christensen
We are to be “conformed to the image” of Christ (Romans 8:29). What does that mean for us in our clowning? What does scripture tell us about Jesus and how may that relate to our clowning?
#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? A server is one who gives others what they want or need.
#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. You, as a clown, may help people to have fresh perspectives, much like Christ did.
#4. Jesus displayed compassion
Jesus was a man who displayed "love in action." The common thread among all of Christ’s miracles was his desire to meet the needs of people. His compassion motivated all that he did.
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."
In John 8:23 Jesus said, “I am not of this world.”
Christians are to realize that as followers of Christ, adopted children of God the Father, that this world is no longer their home either.
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world…” 1 Peter 2:11
Clowns appear to be from another world too!
CONCLUSION:
So in conclusion consider this scripture:Romans 13:14 “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh...”
I encourage you, when you put on the make-up, decide to also put on the characteristics of Christ.
We are to be “conformed to the image” of Christ (Romans 8:29). What does that mean for us in our clowning? What does scripture tell us about Jesus and how may that relate to our clowning?
#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? A server is one who gives others what they want or need.
#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. You, as a clown, may help people to have fresh perspectives, much like Christ did.
#4. Jesus displayed compassion
Jesus was a man who displayed "love in action." The common thread among all of Christ’s miracles was his desire to meet the needs of people. His compassion motivated all that he did.
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."
In John 8:23 Jesus said, “I am not of this world.”
Christians are to realize that as followers of Christ, adopted children of God the Father, that this world is no longer their home either.
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world…” 1 Peter 2:11
Clowns appear to be from another world too!
CONCLUSION:
So in conclusion consider this scripture:Romans 13:14 “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh...”
I encourage you, when you put on the make-up, decide to also put on the characteristics of Christ.
posted by Randy | 7:22 AM
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