There are some things that are consistent with God’s character and some things that are not.  There are virtues that reflect God’s heart, and there are those that do not.  Where there may be doubts, Jesus gives us clarity!

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus revises the interpretive lens.  Jesus repeatedly declares, ‘You’ve heard it said, but I say to you…’ But beyond declaration, Jesus’ Incarnation is the ultimate example – the ultimate demonstration- of how our faith should be lived out.

So, when I hear us talking about Jesus while demonstrating cruelty to strangers, callousness toward the poor, carelessness toward those suffering – I wonder – Who are we talking about??

Jesus welcomed strangers, touched the untouchable, embraced publicans and sinners, privileged the poor, blessed the last, lost, least, and left behind.  Jesus embodied compassion toward those who would otherwise be avoided, overlooked, or ignored.  This same Jesus was critical of the self-righteous religious, leery of the rich, and He made the powerful very uncomfortable. 

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

Colossians 1:15

Jesus expresses and embodies the character and compassion of a loving God. Jesus is the Mediator of our relationship with God the Father and with one another.  Jesus is our Exemplar.  He teaches us how to love one another well.  Jesus points the Way, He shows us the Way, and He makes the Way for us!

Get it? Now, let’s go and do it!

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs, 

just adam