Little Actually Changes

May 27, 2019

 Scripture

 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.  (Luke 23:23-25 NIV))

 Little Actually Changes

 Last week I mentioned that Jesus got into a heated exchange that is very similar to our current toxic public discourse. There was no Twitter to poison the well but the behaviour of power and mobs was the same as our angry, crazy social media reactions to so many issues.

 There was something timeless going on after Jesus’ arrest. False accusations, trumped up charges, the mob shaped by the lies, political leaders playing with power but not with justice or morality.

 In the face of all the “power” people Jesus didn’t raise his voice but answered questions with questions. He intentionally placed himself at the whims of the crowd – mocked, beaten, paraded around in costumes – the ultimate perp walk.

 But he did this so that one day this would never happen again to anyone and at the end of time there would be reconciliation between perpetrators and victims – and the victims’ voices would be heard.

 A Prayer

Loving God, your humility in the arrest and crucifixion of your Son is astounding to me. You endured the worst of what we fear so that the fear would be removed. Help us to see that you call us to continue this work of reconciliation – the voices of the victims heard and  in your time that reconciliation with perpetrators might occur in the light of truth and justice.. … For Jesus’ sake