Inspiration Behind Thank God I’m Jesus:
On Easter Sunday, I’m taking a break from April’s theme to provide a unique perspective of this sacred religious holiday. Crossway’s Thank God I’m Not Jesus gives a realistic outlook if one of the band members was Jesus. The lyrics remind me of portions of the Bruce Almighty and Evan Almighty movie series. When placed into a position of power, it’s not as easy as it appears. Rather, playing God is complicated, with anyone from human history failing to come close to this first century carpenter.
Biblical Application:
Some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted,” Luke 18:9-14.
Exegesis of Thank God I’m Not Jesus:
Thank God I’m Not Jesus Cause if I were You ‘be walking around guilty Still under the curse
The members of Crossway have given into human nature, unable to resist temptation or save mankind like Jesus.
And if I were Him, I’d never let anyone put me down I’d broadcast my healings all over town make sure my name was getting around but Thank God I’m not Jesus
Crossway would use social media to seek praise from human beings. Seeking self-promotion rather than humility.
Cause I would claim my rights protest the stable and manager with a scream and a whine
Instead of pursuing right and wrong from the Bible, they would protest and seek higher courts for justification.
And if I were Him, I’d point out my mother’s smallest mistakes and sit as I watch her heart break knowing that there is nothing that she can say thank God I’m not Jesus Oh thank God
Crossway would remind their own family of God’s supreme power instead of expressing forgiveness and grace.
Thank God I’m not Jesus cause I’d choose the twelve turn away all of those fishermen for those with power and wealth
Crossway would select political leaders instead of spiritual ones.
And if I were Him I’d probably make friends with the Pharisees turn a blind eye to the least of these cast the first stone on the guilty thank God I’m not Jesus.
Crossway would make friends with people in high places, avoid the poor and act quickly to punish the guilty.
Cause if they said that I’d sinned I plead my case in the courtroom and make sure I’d win and if on that cross I’d call down a legion of angels do anything just to save myself let the whole world go to hell
Crossway would fail miserably as the Messiah, resulting in a world in desperate need of redemption.
Thank God I’m not Jesus
The members of Crossway realize that they’d never be able to walk in or fill Jesus’ shoes.
Final Thoughts:
The words in the Bible highlighting the events of Good Friday, that day that Jesus died are excruciating, Luke 23:1-49. Yet as the apostle Paul states in Colossians 2:13-15, Jesus died for all of our sins, nailing them to the cross. This is the miracle of Resurrection Sunday, 1 Corinthians 15:56-57.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 