Two Sides of Jesus
AM Psalm 26, 28 • PM Psalm 36, 39
Job 12:1,13:3-17,21-27 • Acts 12:1-17 • John 8:33-47
The gospel passage today highlights one of the (innumerable) differences between me and Jesus. I do my best to avoid conflict, and Jesus jumps right into the fray.
You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
“You are from your father the devil.” It’s not a good way to make friends. Over the past few years, I’ve worked with Living Room Conversations (LRC) here at St. Paul’s, and some with Braver Angels. Both of these organizations encourage meaningful, and honest, conversations and relationships among people who have profound disagreements. Having empathy for others and searching for common values is part of the process. The idea is to reduce polarization and separation of people. It seems very Christ-like. For me, at least, it’s very hard to achieve open-heartedness toward some people, with some opinions. However, that effort suits my style better than open confrontation.
The gospels show that Jesus has compassion for “sinners and tax collectors” and for marginalized people. He does not show compassion for the religious establishment, however. Here he engages in open confrontation. On the one hand, we have the compassionate healer, and on the other hand the hard-nosed confrontational prophet.
When I think about it, I can see both sides of Jesus as embodiments of love. The religious establishment is oppressive, interfering with people’s freedom and well-being. Jesus love for all humankind leads him to speak bluntly and truthfully regardless of the threat to his own safety. Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Martin Luther King, Harvey Milk, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, and all the others who have suffered because they spoke truth to oppressive systems.
For me, I pray that I can use my gifts and my style of communicating in open-hearted ways that serve God and the greater good.
Written by Cathy Campbell
Cathy is a semi-retired professional counselor. She advocates for marginalized groups, especially LGBTQ people. She makes a joyful sound in the choir.