The Rugged Man's Perspective of the Other Side of Jesus :

What comes to mind when you think of Jesus?

What words come to mind when you think of Jesus? What picture comes to mind? I would argue that the standard terms used to describe Jesus and the images that generally come to mind are “safe.” They fit a nice guy image that many masculine men have a hard time relating to. Often the descriptions of Jesus are designed to meet the narrative of our day. They are careful not to make him sound too masculine, which I think is unfortunate. This incomplete picture reduces the appeal and forms an image that is not the type of man most men would follow as their leader.

Contents hide

1 What comes to mind when you think of Jesus?

1.1 My Kind of Men

1.2 Many Men Cannot Relate to the Jesus often portrayed today

2 The Other Side of Jesus

2.1 Jesus Worked Hard, Got Dirty, and Sweated

2.2 Jesus Was An Outdoorsman

2.3 Jesus Was Not a Safe Man

2.4 Jesus Was Comfortable Around Those That Were Rough Around the Edges

2.5 Jesus was a Fearless Man

2.6 Jesus was a Courageous Man

3 Jesus: a Rugged Man’s Man

I think the narrative of the day concerning Jesus leaves many men wondering whether Christianity is right for them. They ask themselves, How does a rugged man’s man fit in Christianity? Other men end up calling themselves a Christian but do not fully embrace the faith and feel like they can never really be themselves. Some embrace the faith and work really hard to fit into a mold that is far less masculine than the man they truly are.

I am writing to share what I have discovered about Jesus that just might change your thinking when it comes to who he is. These are just a few things that have helped me relate to Jesus as a masculine man (there are many more than what I have written in this article). Some of them do not always fit the description we hear today but they are clearly written in the bible. Maybe reading them will renew interest or challenge you to take another look at Jesus and consider following him.

My Kind of Men

I have worked in the steel industry for almost 32 years. Leading in this industry is my calling. I have held several leadership positions and have had the privilege of working alongside many men over the years. Some of these men have been strong, tough, in your face, hard-charging and rugged. Many of these men tend to have a little edge to them. They aren’t safe men that always stay between the culture’s predetermined, acceptable lines. They push the limits and they enjoy doing so. These men are the type of men I like. They are tough-minded, a little on the wild side, and they are not wimps. They are men that sweat for a living. They don’t mind getting dirty. They work hard and they play hard. I relate to them. I am one of them. I have led them. They are my breed. I respect them.

Many Men Cannot Relate to the Jesus often portrayed today

So, when these men have a hard time relating to the Jesus I follow because they may not really know him completely, I take an interest. This inspires me to share the rugged, man’s man side of Jesus that we do not hear about often enough. You see, I know there are aspects of Jesus that many men CAN relate to. If we carefully read the bible for ourselves, we will see sides of Jesus that generally do not come to mind when most think of him. The typical list reads something like this: Jesus is loving, forgiving, humble, compassionate, gentle, self-controlled, patient, obedient, and honest. All of this is true. But this is only one side of who Jesus was. There was more. This same Jesus was also confrontational, bold, fearless, authentic, offensive, challenging, aggressive, passionate, and violent (meaning: using or involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something). There are things about Jesus that make him more relatable to men like me. He was a lot more gritty and aggressive than what is usually portrayed. I like knowing Jesus had that side to his personality.

The Other Side of Jesus

So, on the one hand, Jesus could show compassion for people that are down and out and in need. But on the other hand, he could demonstrate violent, passionate, zeal against those that should know better but instead chose to lead people down the wrong path. Jesus was more complex than we generally recognize. In many ways, he was a rugged man’s man. Here a few observations I have made.

Jesus Worked Hard, Got Dirty, and Sweated

First, Jesus was a man that knew how to work with his hands. He grew up as a tradesman. He was a carpenter, having worked side by side with his father, Joseph. Carpenters did various work, including roofing, making doors, lintels, shelves, tables, and cabinets. They also produced ladders, wheels, yokes for animals, and farm implements. Though some wood may have been available from suppliers, most carpenters went to the forests themselves to choose and cut down the trees that best suited the work they were doing. It was a job that was physical and required a high level of skill. So Jesus knows what it means to put in a hard day’s work. He has had dirt under his fingernails. He knows what it’s like to sweat. I like that about Jesus.

Jesus Was An Outdoorsman

Second, Jesus was an outdoorsman. He was mentally and physically tough, which is what it takes to survive in the wild. Jesus spent 40 days in the Judean wilderness. While there, it is noted that he was among the “wild animals.” The word used to describe wild animals meant they were animals that are typically dangerous to people. A quick study of the animals of the day in that part of the world includes the following; bears, leopards, wolves, cobras and desert vipers, scorpions, hyenas, jackals, desert foxes, and wild boars. Now think about it. Amid these animals, Jesus survived 40 days. I have spent a lot of time in the wild. If you have ever spent time out in the wild, you know it is not easy to do. Only tough-minded men can live in the wild, even with the equipment of today. A man that spends 40 days alone in the wild with this list of animals would be considered a rugged, man’s man in my book. This alone would be a right of passage into becoming a man of men.

It is interesting that even after this time of 40 days in the wilderness and throughout his three and a half years of public ministry, Jesus did not have a home. He told others who wanted to follow him that “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” Several times, he spent entire nights on the mountain tops praying. This was a common thing for Jesus. I don’t care what anyone says, Jesus was a strong masculine man. I would have loved to have been there and toughed it out with him. I think about how spending time battling the elements with his team helped build an incredible bond between these men.

Jesus Was Not a Safe Man

Third, Jesus was not a safe man that stayed between society’s acceptable lines. He made people nervous and, at times, put people on edge. Those closest to him thought Jesus was pushing the limits just a little too much. They wanted him to tone it down, yet he was bold and got up in the face of some influential people. He confronted leaders that were misleading and abusing people with their power. He stood toe to toe with the most powerful men of his day. He told them they were wrong in what they were doing and how they were misleading the people. He did it in front of others and in ways that offended them. But Jesus didn’t back down or back off. He pushed on and did not pull punches. I love his boldness. He was the man who took a stand when others took a back seat. I admire that in a man.

Jesus Was Comfortable Around Those That Were Rough Around the Edges

Fourth, Jesus was a man of the people, a protector, and a provider to those less fortunate and in need. He was born and raised in humble circumstances and remained in touch with people from all walks of life. While the leaders of his day avoided the outcasts of society and made it clear that they thought he should avoid them also, Jesus ate and drank with them. They were comfortable with him, and they came to him. They did not feel out of place around Jesus. There was something about him that made him approachable. Jesus knew that hanging out with the “tax collectors” and “sinners” would offend and cause issues with the leaders, but he did it anyway. He did it in plain sight of them. Jesus did not mind stirring things up that needed to be stirred up. It was important to him that those that were a little rough around the edges understood that he had time for them. He wanted the “outsiders,” those a little “rough around the edges” to know that in Jesus, there was a way to God.

Jesus was a Fearless Man

Fifth, Jesus was a fearless man. He was bold about going and doing the mission God the Father gave him to do. While his inner circle of men (disciples) wanted him to stay away from places where people threatened to kill him, Jesus said that’s precisely where we are going to go. He did not back down. He did not shut up. He kept pushing and driving his message. Even if Jesus was standing alone in the temple, flipping tables and driving money changers out with a whip, he stayed the course. Jesus was not a wimp. He challenged other men. Jesus called people out and confronted those that misled others. He was a protector and provider. Jesus was a sheepdog that fought the wolves. He was bold, fearless, and aggressive. Again, I admire these things about Jesus. As most men recognize, there are times in life when men need to stand up and state the truth no matter what the consequences. Jesus did this often. In fact, he kept doing it until finally, the leaders devised a plan and put him to death.

Jesus was a Courageous Man

Finally, Jesus was a courageous man. In his final days, while alone praying, Jesus saw the path ahead. He was to go to the cross and die the most painful and horrible death a man could die in those days. At the same time, Jesus was going to be separated and rejected by His Father to save many. The horror and pain he saw at that moment were so tremendous he was stressed to the point of pushing sweat like blood out of his forehead. He would take on the horror of the worst that sin could produce. I do not fully understand all that Jesus took on in his time on the cross. But he understood it completely. He even asked God the Father if there was another way to complete the task ahead. There was no other way. And so, in the face of it all, Jesus submitted. In great courage, he moved forward as men do when faced with unavoidable horrible situations. Men make the sacrifices needed for the safety and benefit of others. Sacrifice is what the rugged man’s man does. Sacrifice is what Jesus did. He provided so that men like us that are a little rough around the edges might have a way to find God and know His salvation. Jesus was a courageous man. In his words, “Greater love has no man than this, to lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus considers rugged men part of his group of friends. You are part of that group.

Jesus: a Rugged Man’s Man

In summary, Jesus was not a wimp. Wimps and passive men do not start revolutions, and they do not get murdered for their beliefs. Jesus was a rugged man’s man. Hopefully, these few examples are enough for you to reconsider the man Jesus and his claims and promises. I can tell you I have followed him for many years and never regretted a single day. He has given me strength for today and hope for eternity. I never have to be concerned about my future because it is in his hands. Jesus has secured my place by his finished work and proved his power over sin by his resurrection. He has given and continues to provide far more than I will ever deserve.

I know where my strength comes from.

If you have comments, questions or feedback put them in the comments section below or send me an email. I am always interested in hearing from you.

In your corner,