Not Us or Them

Why do we get the impression some of the Pharisees and Scribes were angry at Jesus?  They are the symbolic leaders of the Jewish community in Palestine during the time of Christ.  Why would they want to reject one so holy, so connected to God?  There are several reasons.  But perhaps the most visceral one is Jesus’ openness to others.  He would praise a single act of faithfulness on the part of a sinner and demand repentance of them.  He celebrated the giving of a small amount by a poor woman rather than praise the wealth they gave to the offering.  Jesus even told them the first shall be last and the last first, which meant they would be bringing up the rear.  Such behavior angered those who assumed their superiority of holiness.

Jesus demonstrated what the Kingdom of God is about.  Acts of integrity, compassion and humility are honored more that long time attendance.  Newcomers are not only welcomed with open arms, but included and nurtured.  Jesus did not turn his back on anyone seeking to be faithful  He did not care more about the newcomers and less about those who had been part of the faith community.  He simply put such distinctions aside.  Jesus removed a caste system of who was important and replaced it with a singular designation.  Those who confessed him as Lord and sought to serve God were counted all the same. 

Radical hospitality demands all are loved and treated equally.  All who confess Christ are counted the same as loved children and disciples.  Those who have not yet accepted Christ are loved unconditionally with the hope and trust grace will be sufficient to win them over.  The only ones who become objects of judgment are those who stand on seniority and assume superiority over others.  Of course, such behavior does not offer hospitality because it reflects closed hearts.

The church is called to love each other with the transformational power of Christ’s love.  That same acceptance and love is then offered to others without filter or distinction.  Thanks be to God we can offer such a gift to each other and all we encounter.