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No seriously, would Jesus play The Beatles: Rock Band?
Tell me this question gets you thinking, or at least pondering this concept. As you know, this video game has taken the world by storm, outsold Guitar Hero 5, and thousands, if not millions, of teenagers are being introduced to the Beatles magic that stormed the world the first time nearly 50 years ago!
To recap, four mop-topped lads from Liverpool, England, put a little garage band together and within a few years, were the first group in history to play in sold-out stadiums around the world. John, Paul, George and Ringo became household names, and to this day we can see the continued ripple effects from the incredible splash The Beatles made when your parents were infants.
Yes, I think Jesus would play The Beatles: Rock Band and here’s why:
There was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee
Jesus’ mother was there and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”The same Jesus who turned water to wine can quench your spiritual thirst and bring joy and freedom that no rock band has ever known.
When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in Him (John 2:1-11, NLT).
This was the first miracle Jesus performed and it revolved around keeping the party going. How? Well, wine in that day was symbolic of joy and celebration and if the groom’s after-wedding party ran dry, it was a serious offense—in fact, the people could have had him arrested! Notice that Jesus not only attended the party, but he made sure the joy and celebration continued—which tells us several critical things about God’s one and only Son.
First, it’s obvious that Jesus loves to connect with people. When he wasn’t preaching or teaching, he was hanging out at social events that seriously offended the stuffy stuck up religious folks. They weren’t mad because he went to parties; they were ticked because he had such a great time at them! Can’t you see Jesus and the disciples laughing it up over a video game if they had a 1st Century PS3? I sure can…only the lyrics then would have been “God loves you, yeah yeah yeah.”
You know what else? This account shows us that the reason Jesus went to parties and hung out with “sinners” was not to judge or condemn them—it was just the opposite. Jesus got involved in people’s lives so he could let them know there is a way to find true and lasting joy and celebration that isn’t found in a bed or a bottle. This kind is guilt- and consequence-free, and the freedom it brings turns the bitter waters of life into a spiritual wine that never runs out.
And guess what? Jesus offers the same miracle to us!
He can he turn depression into joy…
He can turn fear into hope…
He can turn emptiness into contentment…
He can turn sin into grace…
Most importantly, he can turn death into life.
The Beatles brought a feeling of happiness and enjoyment to a world in need of an escape from the turbulent 1960s, but I’ve got a feeling you would also like to say hello goodbye to yesterday and get back to feeling fine. The same Jesus who turned water to wine can quench your spiritual thirst and bring joy and freedom that no rock band has ever known. Trust him for salvation and don’t keep the good news to yourself. You have friends that need more than just a little help—they need the true message of salvation.
Here comes the Son!
Flashpoint: Ignite Into Action
Ask your friends if they think Jesus would play The Beatles: Rock Band, then talk about Jesus’ habit of attending social gatherings and connecting with people so He could share his message of salvation and freedom. Share Jesus’ message with your friends.
Accelerant: Feed the Fire
The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:17-19).
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:12-13).
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).
_____________________________________________________________
Lane Palmer serves as a writer for Dare 2 Share Ministries International (D2S) in Arvada, Colorado, a ministry committed to mobilizing teens to relationally and relentlessly reach their generation for Christ. For more information about D2S, please visit www.dare2share.org.
Hmm. I don't know, this was a pretty shallow article if you ask me. Jesus may have gone to parties, although, outside of the wedding at Cana, I can't think of anything else He did that I would consider a party, unless, of course, I were putting my own spin on the events Scripture describes, as is done in the article. More importantly than whether or not Jesus would play, would Jesus try to adapt to every single social whim in order to remain "hip" enough to attract people. This whole idea of, "Heck yes! Jesus was a rocker and He would be all over Beatles Rock Band", seems like nothing but a gimic to me. People were drawn to Jesus because of who he was, not because of how "culturally relevant" He was. I'm not looking for a Jesus that will kick it with me and play video games, I'm looking for a Jesus that is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and challenges me to be better than I am at living for His Father, not trying to achieve 100% on expert.
James 10:11:44pm on 11/16/2009
OffensiveI have pondered this as a mom who was planning to get her kids Rock Band for Christmas. I decided against it because my kids are very impressed by music and lyrics...although, I would probably give it a whirl if I was at a party. Jesus may have as well, although, I'm not sure he would bring it home and play it daily!!
Bridget 2:11:02pm on 11/13/2009
OffensiveThe Beatles made the comment, "We are more famous than Jesus. Christianity will fade away." The Beatles were heavily involved with eastern religions as well as satanism. They also were heavily involved in drugs, alcohol, and premartial sex. No, I don't think Jesus would play The Beatles. In fact, based on what scripture reveals about Jesus, I know he would not play the Beatles. I don't know what makes someone think Jesus is a rocker? That's unbiblical and the Bible is the final authority.
Heather 3:11:58pm on 11/10/2009
OffensiveWhat a load of rubbish! unbelievable. The beatles were (and still are) the epitome of anti-christ attitude.
Darren Mead 12:11:13pm on 11/10/2009
OffensiveI think Jesus would not only play The Beatles Rock Band he would totally pwn everyone!!! He is the ultimate rocker and a rocker needs to ROCK!!!
Dan 11:11:07am on 11/10/2009
OffensiveI've never played this game and didn't know how popular it was, but was intrigued by the question the title of the article posed. Would Jesus play it? I couldn't see him singing worldly lyrics. I don't suppose "Imagine" is on the song list (arguably the most anti-Kingdom song ever made) as it was a Lennon solo. Their fascination with false religions must have influenced their music as well. I'd have to say "no, he wouldn't" (and I don't consider myself a stuffy Christian that doesn't know fun! ;)
Elder Todd 11:11:35am on 11/10/2009
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