Why would Jesus cross any road with anyone?

I was part of a panel that asked this question four years ago.

My reflection over time is – for a meeting — with me — with anyone who would meet with Him. I wasn't sure I would pass this on because it was a controversial topic (interfaith communication) and you all know how seldom I get controversial.

"Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?"

It was an honor to come to the table with my good friends, Natalie Chamberlain​, Jymme Foote​, and Jim Grant​ to discuss a provocative book by one of Christianity's most controversial lightening rods, Brian D. McLaren​.

I am not sure who I was to represent at the table or what perspective, but I felt that McLaren opened some very good questions.

We don't do this sort of communication very well – partly because we think we know the other person without asking the other person to tell us who he or she is or what he or she believes. We think we can tell people what they believe by knowing what someone told us that their spiritual ancestors believed. That makes honest communication difficult.

What I know is what I believe and I am pretty grounded in those core beliefs – so grounded, in fact, that there is no threat to me and my belief system to hear someone else's story. If I can learn to listen deeply and intently and ask honest questions, then I might be better able to tell my story.

I mentioned in the panel that we have to read whatever we read with big questions, discernment, and skepticism as much as we do with open minds and hearts. We need to dialogue with the books we read. McLaren says some things that are really important to hear. Some other things provoke a bit of further discussion.

Whether with the people of our own tribes or other tribes, we all need to cross the road sometimes, just to have a meeting. Paul did it very well, but Jesus did it better than anyone. He was comfortable in any setting with any person giving His unwavering, but gentle witness.

One day, He crossed the road to meet me and my life has never been the same since.