You’ve Seen the Billboards.
Now Read More About It Here.
The Oxford Dictionary defines woke as being “alert to and concerned about social injustice and discrimination. ”By that definition, Jesus was definitely woke! The New Testament puts it this way: “In Christ Jesus . . . there is no longer Jew or Greek [race], there is no longer slave or free [socioeconomic status], there is no longer male and female [gender]; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28.
To put it in modern terms, Jesus celebrated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as he actively sought to “break down the dividing walls . . . of hostility” that have long divided humanity and “create in himself one new humanity.” Ephesians 2:14. Here are just a few examples:
At a time when religious teachers routinely refused to take women as disciples, excluding them from spiritual authority and equal participation, Jesus proactively called women as disciples and included them in the inner circle who traveled with him. Luke 8:1-3.
At a time when poor people were widely blamed for their poverty, Jesus flipped the tables, exalting the poor, feeding them, and condemning the rich for ignoring them. Luke 6:20-26.
At a time when religious people looked down their noses at those they considered “unclean sinners,” Jesus fellowshipped with them and became known as “the friend of sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13 and 11:19.
At a time when Samaritans were a hated racial and ethnic group, Jesus made a Samaritan the spiritual hero of his most famous parable. Luke 10:25-37.
At a time when people often thought differently-abled people were being punished by God, Jesus specifically rebutted that prejudice and focused on helping and healing them. John 9:1-12.
At a time when people in his culture viewed Romans as foreign enemies, Jesus commanded his followers to love even the Roman soldiers who forced them to carry their heavy gear. Matthew 5:38-42.
Oh, and by the way, remember: Jesus and his parents were themselves once undocumented immigrants. Matthew 2:1-15. Maybe that’s why Jesus said that whatever we do to the most despised and vulnerable among us, “you have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:31-46.
We could keep going, but you get the idea. Jesus pursued a profound Ministry of Reconciliation and entrusted us – we who follow him – with carrying that forward. That’s what churches are supposed to be about. That’s what churches should be known for. And that’s what LifeJourney Church – however imperfectly – is striving to do.
As the song says, “They will know that we are Christians by our love” – not by our judgment, not by our arrogance, not by our intolerance, but BY OUR LOVE! If you share this passion, join us in the ongoing work of Jesus in this world.
To hear a bit more about Jesus’ Ministry of Reconciliation, give a listen to this: Ministry of Reconciliation – LifeJourney Church