ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 12, 2025
A few years ago, I encountered a young person who asked me if Jesus had bad breath. Before I could respond, one of the adults in the room intervened with a bit of indignation, asserting, “The Son of God does not have bad breath.” What transpired next almost felt like a comedy sketch from a late-night TV show.
First, there is no Biblical or historical basis for us to engage in a debate on this matter. Moreover, let’s be honest—what constituted bad breath in the ancient world is likely vastly different from our current definition. And what does it mean for Jesus to be the incarnation of God in human form? Does human form include bad breath, stinky feet, and the occasional hemorrhoid as cleanliness after one’s bowel movements left much to be desired in the days of Jesus?
Now that I have you completely weirded out, I would like to use this as an invitation to ask the question, “What is really important about following Jesus?” Oh, sure, it’s ok to occasionally ponder the odd idea, but too often followers of Jesus find themselves completely off the path and down in the weeds of irrelevance. Instead, why don’t we ponder the idea of loving our enemies, and exploring not only the command itself but the necessary and messy work required for us to take even one more faithful step in that direction.
In my occasional daydreaming, I do consider a few things about Jesus and the early Christians that probably have very little influence on what might be a core conviction as a follower of Jesus. I think most folks would be understanding, yet how much energy is lost on the irrelevant at the expense of hurting, frightened, broken, and lost individuals?
Gentle Caregiver, O Holy One of Creation, guide me out of the weeds of irrelevance and onto the path where faithful living can make the greatest impact. Amen.
