Jesus must have been intending something deeper when he said that the poor will inherit the Kingdom of God. He didn’t actually mean that. He must have been meaning something else when he said it is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to get into heaven. He must have been using hyperbolic language when he said the poor will be blessed. He must have been meant something else when he told the rich guy to sell everything. He of course meant to make sure his investments were in order; RRSP’s were caught up so his retirement was taken care of, his children’s college fund was generous and he had his cars and house paid off first, got a few extra gadgets for himself, take a few homeless guys out for Big Macs and then give away certain blocks of money every month, and then write the church in his will at the end of it all.
Jesus must have meant something else when he said that he came to serve all. He must have meant something deeper than the mundane action of washing feet. He must have meant sharing with people their need for salvation. I’m sure that when Jesus meant said the least will be the greatest he was saying that about us when we get to some other world and not right now. Or maybe if we say enough false humbling things about ourselves we will have convinced everyone around us that we “aren’t perfect” and that is what God meant when he said that last shall be first. I’m sure when Jesus said to be like a child; he didn’t mean be irresponsible, irrational, impatient, curious, chaotic and undependable. He must have meant be cute, cuddly and innocent.
I’m sure when Jesus picked the outcasts of society to be his disciples he was thinking “I hope my followers do the opposite by believing and practicing that outstanding citizens, tithers, straight A students and athletes are the best disciples.” I bet when Jesus said that we didn’t clothe him when he was naked because we didn’t clothe the least of these, he was making sure we would drop our clothes off at the good will when we were done with them. When Jesus honored the women who gave everything she had he was trying to give a lesson that we need to sponsor a child and tithe 10%.
Jesus was certainly a confusing fellow. He says so many things that are so hard to understand. I’m glad there are people around that can explain all the confusing things he says. Who would have thought that when he said to be the one that serves he meant to be an usher and run the nursery?
I think it’s important to note that right after Jesus says “I tell you the truth, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God” he says “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
The point is that there’s grace for those who simply don’t measure up, including rich people.
I can’t believe this was your first post after getting married.
WRITE A BLOG already.
Ok, youre married now I get it. Honeymoon over. Your audience has pardoned you a week from writing.
So chop, chop, back at it.
This is what I have been shown:
People who have less money, people considered social outcasts, people who serve, people who society in general consider “the least of these” have less things available to them to distract them from the still small voice of God. Their very existence is one that provides less “escape”; it’s easier to see what really matters.
When you don’t have the money to get everything you want (or even everything you need), you quickly learn what has real value.
When you aren’t accepted by your peers, you learn what characters and actions matter.
When you serve, you learn the value of giving of your time and of yourself.
When society rejects you, you learn the truth about society, and the people who matter.
Jesus uses some powerful illustrations to say that it is nigh unto impossible to come to God, if you cannot learn these things. These things are the things that “heal the broken hearted, [that] set the captive free, [that]cause the lame to walk, and the blind to see.”
These things are the things that bring you to fellowship (union with) God.
Fine word, Nathan. I linked to it today at TS. Peace.