Now, I’m not a big fan of taking Bible verses (or chapters or books for that matter) out of context, but every once in a while I come across a snippet of scripture that just makes me gasp. Today’s breath-stealer was from Hebrews 13:13, in the New Century Version:

“So let us go to Jesus outside the camp…”

It was the phrasing that got me. My church had a meeting today to discuss the phenomenon of more and more committed, passionate people who love God leaving the institutional church, looking for tangible, relevant ways to be Jesus’ hands and feet in this world, so my pump was already primed for the discussion ahead. “Let us go to Jesus outside the camp.” What did it mean?

Without delving into concepts from that graduate-level course in theology I’m still waiting to take, (someday?) the book of Hebrews contrasts the traditions of the Jewish religion its readers were accustomed to with the faith-based following of Jesus, the benefits of adhering to religious traditions with simply listening to God. Hebrews 13:10-16 in particular contrast the sin offerings made by the temple priests with Jesus offering himself for us, dying outside the camp. Cast out by the religious establishment, Jesus died among the literal and figurative refuse of the city, among the unclean banished from the city limits and, especially, the temple of God.

God is everywhere, of course, and anyone who’s looking hard enough should be able to find him in a church. But if you really want to get to know Jesus, to see his heart for this world, search for him on the outskirts of society. In the dumps around Mexico City, where street kids scavenge garbage to try to satisfy their hunger. In the red-light districts of Bankok, where men desperate for love buy girls desperate for survival. In the stalls of a high school bathroom, where girls cry and wonder if anyone will ever love them, how anyone could. In the dark, unswept corners of your own neglected soul, which Jesus wants so badly to restore to its intended glory. Jesus was born, lived, and died among the unclean, among the broken, among the outcasts and rejects like him. And that’s good news for broken people like me.

Let us go to Jesus outside the camp?

Okay. Let’s go.

It’s not that far away, anyways.