the fill-in-the-blank wretched
Jesus was often helping the most unsavory people of his cultural times: the lepers, the demon possessed, the children and servants of the Roman oppressors. This made the Jewish leaders angry. They wanted a very different kind of prophet or messiah/savior. They wanted a political rescuer.
“Jesus could have given people exactly what they wanted—rescue from political oppression and some sort of favored exclusive salvation for the Jews. But…he had prepared himself to build a kingdom not only for the Jews but for all who would come to him…Do we consider certain categories of people outside the realm of Jesus grace? What about the fill-in-the-blank wretched people whom you cannot consider objects of salvation? What might Jesus say to you about these people? Hope A. Blanton and Christine B. Gordon
Maybe these questions will help you examine your heart toward those that you might consider the fill-in-the-blank wretched. Tell me honestly, what is your first thought when you see or hear about:
- The homeless beggar on the corner
- The person that is dying of AIDS
- The person getting a divorce
- Someone whose child is transitioning or has come out as gay
- The white woman who has just married her second black husband
- Someone who voted for Trump
In each of these situations I hear of people who have felt their friends’ disdain, concern, criticism, disappointment or confusion. I know many people who have felt the judgement of their friends, particularly their religious friends.
Now, consider what Jesus is thinking about the same list of people. Maybe this will help us see where we need to amend our hearts. Am I too proud, too sure that I’m right? Am I critical instead of merciful when presented with others’ challenges and faults? Am I too lenient with my own?
Love, Liz
“Cleanse us from our secret faults, O Lord, and forgive the harm we have caused.”
Augustine of Hippo
Photo by Court McFadzean
