In today’s passage Jesus is very confrontational with the political and religious leaders. As Jesus moved closer to Jerusalem the controversy over his announcement of God’s coming Kingdom increased. Jesus could see that all the years of national frustration were reaching a boiling point of rebellion against their oppressors. Their frustration was not limited to political matters. The people were also reaching a point of rebellion against their national identity as God’s Covenant people. Jesus was calling the people to repentance and to the ways of peace, lest in their frustration they would lose everything. The people did not heed Jesus’ call to a new way of living and the Roman Empire destroyed Jerusalem approximately thirty years later.
If Jesus were walking through our times, to whom would he have this conversation? I can think of a long list of persons and groups that would feel the sting of his indictment. I believe the Democrats and Republicans would be included. So also the Tea Party, AARP, NRA, and assorted other special interest groups. All of these groups are so addicted to power they do all in their might to stifle dialog.
The Pharisees and Religious Teachers (as well as the groups above) had an agenda and Jesus confronted them with the truth that their pursuit of their agenda was having a severe negative impact on the people.
What about our little church, would Jesus have anything to say to us? From our interpretation of the scriptures and our mission as a church we too have an agenda for living out what we believe. The community around us knows nothing of our scriptures or mission. All they know about us comes from what they see; how we interact with each other and the world around us.
Do they see people who love their God of mercy and grace with all of their hearts, mind, soul and strength? Do they see people who love their neighbors (remember the parable of the Good Samaritan) as they love themselves?
What word or phrase in these verses
attracts your attention?
Reflect on that word or phrase.
What insights come to you?
How does this passage touch your life today?
19-Jan-12 Luke 12:1-21
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