Celebrate Jesus with a Standing Ovation
by Mike Killebrew
Recently, my son invited me to a Jordan Peterson event. His current tour, called “We Who Wrestle with God,” is based off a book he will be releasing November 2024. My son and his high school class/cohort attended because they regularly tackle debate and philosophy; this was a good event to enhance the class. Jordan Peterson excels in those areas. I was fascinated by the entire event. I didn’t know much about Jordan Peterson beforehand, however, the topic was intriguing for me. I’m not endorsing him or encouraging you to learn from him, but I was grateful that I had been invited by my son. I enjoyed the 70–80-minute monologue, the venue, and the crowd. We paid a handsome fee and stood outside in the freezing cold to eventually find our seats. One moment that captured my attention was at the start of the event; Jordan Peterson walked out on stage and the crowd absolutely erupted in celebration. They stood on their feet and applauded for an extended time. All eyes were on him, and he was celebrated before he even said a word. His reputation was apparently worthy of celebration for the crowd on that night.
I got caught up in the celebration even though I wasn’t very familiar with Jordan Peterson and hadn’t even heard him say anything. Yet, I stood with the crowd as they celebrated.
As I was standing there, it caused me to think of our blog theme of “All eyes on Jesus in 2024” and this month’s focus on the discipline of celebration. I asked myself the question, how do I intentionally celebrate Jesus? Does the very thought of Jesus cause me to stand to my feet and applaud Him? Do I go to great lengths to put myself in His audience to celebrate His goodness? I stood there for a few moments realizing these were good questions to ask and reflect on why He is worthy of celebration. Jesus has a reputation worthy of celebration! The irony in that moment was thick for me. The very reason this event was sold out with over 2,000 people listening to a best-selling author wrestle with his faith was made possible by Jesus. Jesus, over 2,000 years ago, stirred the crowds and he still does today. Even crowds who “wrestle” with their faith in Him.
As we approach Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, perhaps we need a simple reminder of some top reasons and Scriptures as to why we celebrate Him.
The name of Jesus. In Philippians 2:9-11 we read “Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” In Acts 4:12 we read “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
The messages of Jesus. In John 6:35 Jesus promised us that He will satisfy our spiritual souls. He is the only source of nourishment and life. “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” In John 8:12 Jesus provides hope and direction when He said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Jesus in John 10:11 stated, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
The purpose of Jesus. Jesus told his good friend Martha, “I am the resurrection and the Life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (John 11:25) Then again in John 14:6 he shares that he is the only way of salvation, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
The gift from Jesus. In addition to salvation, He gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit. In John 14:16 Jesus said, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.”
Jesus is our resurrected Lord! In Acts 2:24 we read that “God raised Him from the dead” and a few verses later in Acts 2:36 we read “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
Out of all the spiritual disciplines we could practice, the discipline of celebration seems the most natural. We have much reason to celebrate Jesus! Richard Foster, in his book, The Celebration of Discipline, points out that Jesus entered the world being celebrated.
Celebration is at the heart of the way of Christ. He entered the world on a high note of jubilation: “I bring you good news of a great joy,” cried the angel, “which shall come to all the people” (Luke 2:10). He left the world bequeathing his joy to the disciples: “These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).
As Holy week rapidly approaches, let’s be mindful to intentionally celebrate the name, message, purpose, and gift of our resurrected Lord, Jesus Christ!
