christ & the church & the world
And wherever he went - into tvillages, towns, or countryside- they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed. - mark 6.56
what a profound picture.
People flocking to Jesus. Needy people, people aware of their need flocking to one they viewed as being able to help them, heal them, make them whole.
I had an interesting conversation yesterday with a guy about how Jesus was perceived by those around him. This person was making the point that Jesus was rejected by his culture. Which in actuality is only about half true. He was rejected by the religious population, but adored, pursued and sought out by the commoners, by the normal folk, by the masses. The section says that wherever he went, they came out to him.
what a picture.
So the church, we’re the body of Christ on this earth now, right? is my theology right there? are we Christ’s representatives on this earth? are we images bearers, to be reflecting the glory of God here on this planet?
question:
- why don’t the masses, flock to the church? why don’t the masses seek out the image of Christ here on earth to help them with their problems?
possible answers:
a. they don’t think they have any problems that need helping.
b. they don’t percieve the church as being able or willing or eager to help.
first a. certainly there are the people that really are diluted to think and genuinely believe that they don’t have any needs and that they’re okay (sadly many christians fall into this category). but for the most part if you can get people to think and talk honestly, i think most of us will own up to the idea that sure, we have needs and problems, and life isn’t perfect.
but b. is the church looked to as a place of refuge? people of hope and acceptance and healing and compassion? do people in general think of the church and think, “there’s a place and people that are wiling to take time for me and expend energy ehlping me?” i think not.
God grant us grace to be a people that image you to this earth. to be people that respond with compassion to the hurts around us, taking an interest in our neighbor, whoever that might be.