Jesus Goes to FiveStar

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever [emphasis added] believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16, ESV).

I work directly across the street from a FiveStar gas station. It was probably built four to five years ago, and the place has been booming with business ever since! My co-workers and I frequently visit their convenience store on days when we forget to pack lunch, need a snack, or are simply looking for a jolt of caffeine.

One afternoon, I decided an ice cold fountain Coca-Cola sounded good, so I jaunted across the street to grab it before my lunch break ended. As I was walking across the parking lot, I saw an older gentleman with a long beard wearing overalls and muck boots jump into his farm truck after filling up with gas. Inside the store, a young girl who looked around eight months pregnant pulled a few dollars from her pocket to purchase a fountain drink. I rounded the corner to get my drink and nearly ran into a middle-aged man wearing dress slacks and a nice button-down who was grabbing a sandwich for the road.

I filled my cup, paid at the counter, and headed back across the street to return to work. As I was walking, I felt the Holy Spirit whisper, “Jesus goes to FiveStar.” I smiled to myself as I realized how true this statement was. I turned back over my shoulder and imagined Jesus hanging out and greeting people as they entered and exited the store.

Everyone shops at FiveStar. It doesn’t matter what your job title is, what type of car you drive, or what kind of clothes you wear. As long as you have the money to make whatever purchase you’re showing up for, there is no discrimination and no judgment. And that’s precisely why I feel like it would be Jesus’ favorite kind of place to hang out.

I’m willing to bet most people feel more comfortable walking through the doors at FiveStar than they do when they walk into most churches. Quite interesting to think about that, isn’t it? Biblically, the church is Christ’s bride, yet, I know and have talked with so many people who don’t feel fully welcome in the church. If you’re a regular churchgoer, ask yourself this question: Would everyone feel welcome in my church?

Quite a heavy question to ponder, but one I think is worth spending some time on today. One of the most popular verses in all of the Bible is John 3:16, which says: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever [emphasis added] believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Jesus loves everyone. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an older gentleman who’s made a living as a farmer, a young girl who’s preparing to bring a child into the world, or a white-collar worker who spends most days in a suit. As we’re reminded in John 3:16, the promises of Jesus are for everyone who believes in Him.

I’m confident that if Jesus were still walking this Earth, He would go to FiveStar. But would he hangout at your house or mine? Would he go to your church or mine? Spend some time weighing these questions in your hearts this week. I promise to do the same.

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