If we use Daniel Pink’s definition of creativity is “giving the world something it didn’t know it was missing” (discussed in last week’s post) then Jesus was perfectly creative.
Creative is not a word I typically think of when I think of Jesus, but maybe it should be.
The reason I don’t pair Jesus and creativity is two fold.
1. The first has to do with the fact that he is remembered for these big events like the walking on water and his death on a cross.
2.The second has to do with how I see creativity. I think of creativity as light and jovial. But Jesus, in my mind, was calm and maybe a little stern. He had a weighty mission so that makes sense to me. However, as I study creativity, Jesus keeps coming to mind. Jesus and how he unveiled creativity to us from the beginning to the end of his life on earth.
Jesus entered the world creatively
I realize creative maybe isn’t the best word here. Its not totally encompassing of his being born of a virgin. Impossible may be a better word. Because by human standards this is impossible.
Additionally, he was born poor. Being born is his entrance to the world. He literally could’ve done anything, so you would think he would’ve come in a gold plated space ship or walk in via rainbow. Just think of how much money is spent on a typical rock star entering a concert. All those special effects, the lights, sounds and smoke. But here is Mary having Jesus in a barn. Its probably smelly and nothing looks glamourous. There isn’t an AC or heater, there are no pillows, no bed and, worst of all, in my opinion as someone who thought they may not have an epidural when having a child, no pain drugs.
Its easy to think maybe God forgot to design a grand entrance for Jesus. That maybe he was so busy this great detail escaped him. But I think this humble entrance was his way of connecting with us. His simple, creative way of embracing humanity.
His Miracles were Creative
If we hit fast forward and look to Jesus’ first miracle, again we see creativity.
He was at a wedding feast when they ran out of wine. And Jesus, in an effort to save the party, created wine from water. Wine so amazing that the people were impressed, because this was the third day of the wedding feasts. Typically by that time the good wine was gone.
Here’s the thing about this miracle, the majority of the wedding guests didn’t even know this had happened. This was not a miracle show off what he could do. This wasn’t a functional miracle to feed people, heal anyone or give anyone sight. This was a quiet miracle about creating good wine. A miracle that simply showed love to the newly wedded couple and to his mother who alerted him about the feast running out of wine.
Jesus Created Compassion
Even in his crucifixion, Jesus was creative in that he created compassion for everyone. He created compassion for those crucifying him and also those on the crosses next to him. He died for our sins thus creating redemption for an entire world.
We often think of creativity only in a physical sense of art. But what about creating emotion? Creating love for people who really don’t deserve it? That was Jesus’ message right? I think this is what he wants us to give to the world. Even to those who don’t know that his love is what they are missing.
This is our real creativity challenge y’all. And if you think its hard, just know I am right there with you. Whispering curse words under my breath. Praying God will give me more wisdom and grace. Until next week, Cheers!