Make Jesus Famous?

My daughter is watching Hercules and there’s a scene where Hercules says something about being a hero and someone replies, “There’s a big difference between being a hero and being famous.” The point? You’re famous, but that’s not necessarily a good thing.

So one of the things you’ll hear today from lots of churches and pastors and worship leaders is that we want to “Make Jesus Famous” and I’ve just never understood that. I get the desire to have everyone know about Jesus. I desire that too. But famous? It makes for a nice motto, but is it what we really want?

I did some research on the most famous people in the world. One list I found included Eminem, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Megan Fox and Lil Wayne. Other lists included Lionel Messi, Kim Kardashian, Tiger Woods, Queen Elizabeth, Shahrukh Khan, Madonna and Oprah Winfrey.

So that’s our goal? To get Jesus on those lists?! Really?

Look at the gospels, do we get the idea that Jesus’ goal was to be famous? I don’t think so. Jesus wanted to be followed. And I realize “Make Jesus Followed” isn’t as catchy but regardless, it’s better.