Jesus is always the radical. We just do not see it that way, because we are too far removed. There is a “sharp edge” to the gospels “so sharp” – that you could actually cut yourself on it…
In our Gospel text for today, Jesus is breaking down the social barriers between his “peasant followers” and the Most High God…this is huge! It’s insane!
This – as we well know, was nothing new for Jesus. He was continually lifting people up…giving to them a higher status.
The poor population Jesus said – had a special place in the heart of God.
Single-handedly Jesus lifted up the plight of women and children – he reinforced the need to take care of the widows, orphans and the foreigners in your midst. He even suggested in the “strongest words possible” that people start praying for their enemies.
“All” of their enemies. Because everyone matters to God… Everyone!
All those lumped together as being “ritually unclean” or as “sinners,” he sought to save.
“No one” was beyond his grace, concern and redemption. Did you hear that…no one, not you, not me…
The grace and love and mercy of God was meant for “all” – and not a “selective few.”
So when it came to peasants, even “they” were on God’s “playlist.”
Peasants were never taken seriously.
Peasants were nothing. They were nobodies. They were unimportant. For all intents and purposes they did not matter. They were actually kind of invisible.
If there was such a thing as a social ladder, “the peasant class” was jumping and trying to reach the “first rung.”
The “first rung” however was always elusive for them. They never could quite master it – and pull themselves up!
At the time of Jesus – a peasant would never – ever have access to an official. Much less to a “high official.” No one would waste their time with them.
Why would they? They were nobodies and could not help YOU go anywhere. They had no clout. They carried no weight. They had no power or prestige.
Jesus was telling them “all” – that within their lifetimes, they will be repaid for their trust in and their loyalty in him.
Peasant lives mattered.
They count for something…they need to be acknowledged. God acknowledges them…and God loves them.
When Jesus says, “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his father, and then he will repay EVERYONE for what has been done.”
He is speaking to them.
That everyone is all inclusive. There are no exceptions. Everyone means exactly that…everyone!
But he did not stop there…
Looking out at the crowds…looking out at the poor, the downtrodden and the down-caste…all those negatively labeled so often by others…
The peasants…
The women…
The children…
The ritually unclean…
The sinners…
The unrighteous…
The lame…
The blind…
The prostitutes…
The widows…
The orphans…
The foreigners…
The outcasts…
The Gentile nations…
The enemy…
Do you see “how big” this group was? And it was daily – getting bigger…our dislike of the “other” is ever-growing.
All of them were disenfranchised…and Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
They will be my witnesses.
They will see with their own eyes.
They will speak of what they have seen and what they have heard.
They will be the ones to carry out my message…to the ends of the earth.
And “they” will be acknowledged by God. “They” will stand before him. They will have direct access to the Most High God.
And Jesus called on all of his followers of all times and places…to humble themselves…and to not think – too highly of themselves…
Paul said it so eloquently…hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good…extend hospitality to strangers…bless and do not curse them…live peaceably with all.
God’s grace is extended to all.
Pray that “we” continue to be, the recipients of that grace.
One day we finally have to learn the lesson – judgment belongs to our God and not to us!
Judge not! Lest ye be judged! Amen.