Thayer Thursday – Who do we reject?
Chris Thayer is the Director of Discipleship at Good Shepherd Church in Charlotte, NC where he oversees adult life groups and Biblical education. On Thursdays I share his weekly “Thayer’s Thoughts” for small group leaders, which are based on the previous Sunday’s sermon. Click HERE to watch or listen to the accompanying sermon.
Over the course of our current sermon series, we’ve explored the depths of the story of the prodigal son. We’ve seen its deep roots in the theme of redemption from exile. We also discovered the warning it contains to the Pharisees and teachers of the law – acting as an on-ramp to some of Jesus’ most poignant rebukes against the Pharisees.
Today, I’d like us to take a closer look at how this story also carries a strong warning to Christians 2,000 years after it was told by Jesus.
Human beings have an unfortunate capacity to be tremendously self-centered. The parable of the Prodigal Son, and the section on the older brother (verses 25-32) in particular, highlights the Pharisees anger at the redemption being brought to those who were ‘sinners’ – ones who they believed were undeserving of that redemption. On the surface, their dismissal of the people Jesus chose to spend time with seemed to be righteous. Contrary to popular presentations of them – the Pharisees were trying to be faithful to the covenant they had with God and pursue what they believed was His desire for purity among the people of Israel.
However, in doing so they completely missed the boat by failing to recognize the depths of God’s desire to redeem humanity.
It’s much easier to take a combative stance against people we believe are causing the downfall of society rather than thoughtfully and prayerfully engaging and loving the people of our culture (while at the same time being a voice for justice and challenge where appropriate).
As I look at the picture of the Father in the story of the parable – and ultimately back to Jesus’ interactions with the ‘sinners’ and outcasts of society – I can’t help but be challenged by His willingness to reach out to those whom nobody else would.
Do we exemplify this same love and grace? Or are we content to dismiss people that Jesus found worthy of His death on a cross?
Who are the people you would prefer to ignore or reject in our society rather than longing for and celebrating their redemption in Jesus?
Is it the prison inmate? Drug addict? Sex offender? Maybe a family member?
Who do your actions and thoughts dismiss from the powerful redemptive message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Chris Thayer
Sermon link: http://gsumc.org/watch
Categories: Blog, Ministry, New Testament, Thayer Thursday
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