Everyone is Welcome - May 18th, 2008

This past week's topic was filled with discussion and thought provoking points raised by many in class. For those of you who were away, we continued our discussion on breaking down those relational barriers that inhibit all of us from cultivating our relationship with God and our relationships with others.

We began a three part series of looking at the life and ministry of Jesus, and keying in on his process for removing barriers, simplifying God's message, and empowering those around us to live as God intended.

Part one was entitled "Everyone is Welcome," and we discussed three events in the ministry of Jesus where he lived out this message. You will find on the right side of this page links to three clips. The Gospel of John Part 3 (minute 5:34 to end) is where we began with the reenactment of Jesus's encounter with the woman at the well. This encounter was extremely significant because the woman (a Samaritan) and Jesus (a Jew) should have been enemies (according to the culture then). (Refer to http://www.cogwriter.com/samaritan.htm
for more info.)

As you will see in the clip, Jesus treated the woman the same as everyone else, despite their differences and her sins. It was Jesus's respect for her, and his love for her despite her past, that removed the barriers between them and caused the woman to believe.

Everyone is Welcome... even our enemies.

The second clip, which can be found in the Gospel of John 7 (minute 8:18-end) and John (minute 0-1:22) is the story of the woman brought before Jesus by the Pharisees after she has been caught committing adultery. The Pharisees' goal was to trick Jesus by asking him whether the woman should be stoned to death for her sin. Not only did Jesus turn the tables on them but his words, tone, and demeanor towards the woman empowered her to move past her sin and into the light Jesus gave her. Jesus was sure to call sin a sin, but he was more interested in saving rather than exploiting, forgiving rather than condeming, and the first stone was not cast because no one in the crowd was worthy to make the toss.

Everyone is Welcome. Even those whose sins may at times overwhelm us or whose lifestyles we do not understand.

The final example comes from Luke 18: 15-17 where the disciples are shooing away the children who have come to see Jesus. Jesus demanded that they let the children in, stating that "children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."

In Jesus's day, children were seen as the lowest of the low. Abuse and neglect of children were common place. In many circles, there was a complete and utter disregard for children. They were often seen as things not people, until they were old enough to stand up for themselves.

But Jesus offered a new perspective. A perspective that said the faith of these small children is God's pride and joy.

Everyone is Welcome. Especially the least of these.

For us this may be a perspective we are aware of, but seldom stop to think about before we act, before we assume, or before we judge. What would our relationships feel like if we took this step? What if we looked first to forgive and encourage, and removed ourselves from the temptation to condemn and exploit? Thoughts? Feel free to post a response to this post or any other post. This is our site so feel free to use it!

This weeks discussion is entitled "Nobody's Perfect". We will be looking at the life of Jesus again and specifically at who these men were that Jesus chose to form his inner circle. Hope to see you soon!