The story of Jesus arriving in Jerusalem and chasing away the sacrificial animals and turning over the tables of the money changers is in all four Gospels. It is only in the fourth Gospel that this story comes nearly at the beginning. Chapter 2 of John’s Gospel provides two stories that become the inauguration of Jesus’ ministry. At the Wedding in Cana (John 2:1-12), Jesus performs a sign of abundance and grace. Then he follows this with a sign of disruption to the authority of the dominant religious authorities. In this way, Jesus presents himself as a prophet who disrupts the status quo of faith.
Siblings in Christ, the past weeks have felt like one tragic and terrible story after another. Images of violence, of cruelty, and of death have exploded upon my screens and have left me feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find words. Is this just how it is now; is this the new status quo? Yet Jesus and the words of scripture keep disrupting me, reminding me about what it means to be a follower of Christ.
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your
native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” (Leviticus 19:34)
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” (Matthew 25:35)
“‘[Who] was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” (Luke 10:36-37)
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy… Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:7, 9-10)
“In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:9-13, 21)
In the words of my friend and colleague, Rev. Christopher Henry, “For those of us who follow Jesus, the line is clear; we cannot bless cruelty. We cannot sanctify violent use of power. We cannot turn from suffering because we are not the ones who bear it. The church’s calling is to give its life in witness to a kingdom where every person is seen, known, and loved.”
Grace and Peace,
Daren Hofmann
