The Secret Message of Jesus

We mentioned The Secret Message of Jesus by Brian McLaren whilst in the UK but until now haven’t had the chance to actually explain much about it. Brian McLaren is a church leader who has written a number of books and is a significant voice in the EmergingChurch movement, particularly in the USA. In The Secret Message of Jesus he looks at Jesus’ message afresh – asking whether the church has misunderstood, or distorted, his message.

“what if Christians were (un)willing to consider the possibility that they have more to learn (and unlearn) about the message of Jesus?” – Brian McLaren

The book examines the historical Jesus, trying to understand his message in the culture of the time. It covers similar ground seen in N T Wright’s academic works, and also explores similar issues found in Colossians Remixed, which we’ve mentioned before. The Secret Message of Jesus probably doesn’t say much more than others have said, but it says it in a very accessible and easy to read way. McLaren takes in the political, subversive and secretive nature and language of Jesus, and explores what it means to be a member of the Kingdom of God (both at the time and here and now) that Jesus talks about. It is well worth a read.

One of the things that really stood out for me was exploring the language of Jesus and why he spoke in parables – Why did Jesus speak in parables, why was he subtle, indirect and secretive?…..

“Because his message wasn’t merely aimed at conveying information. It sought to precipitate something more important: the spiritual transformation of the hearers. The form of a parable helps to help to shape a heart that is willing to enter an ongoing interactive; persistent relationship of trust in the teacher. It beckons the hearer to explore new territory. It helps form a heart that is humble enough to admit it doesn’t already understand and is thirsty enough to ask questions. In other words, a parable renders its hearers not as experts, not as know-it-alls, not as scholars… but as children.” – Brian McLaren