Jesus was a radical and hung out with the underclasses and subcultures. He would be dressed like her, hanging out at punk bars and going to concerts in the seedier parts of town. He would take one look at this woman and say “You need no redemption. You are perfect as you are. God doesn’t make mistakes.”

Then he would befriend a hooker, down a few beers with whiskey chasers and go dancing.

The next day, he would meet up with his friends at an environmental magazine. Offer guidance on articles being writtem that show a vision for a viable future.

The afternoon would be spent quietly talking to the homeless, hungry, drug addled and disenfranchised. He would listen to each person like he was their best friend. He would reach into his messenger bag, and after fumbling around for a bit like it was the last thing found in a nearly empty bag except for some papers that had a political manifesto he was working on, he would pull out a sandwich, some water, a naloxone kit or medicine. Whatever was needed for the person he was talking to would somehow always be in his bag. That one little bag would cover thousdands of people in multiple homeless camps throughout the afternoon. Old man, young mother, child. All knew him by name and were greatful for his visits. Not just for the food, water or medicine which was much appreciated, but for the genuine friendship he offered - Connection. He knew their plight. He understood their suffering. He listened without jugement. When he spoke, he spoke of a better world where these trials wouldn’t be necessary. Not just in the afterlife, but in the here and now. He knew there was a better way.

We can both say we love Jesus. We are not the same.