“… a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” ‘ He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.”
Luke 22:1-12
It almost sounds like an excerpt from a cold war novel, but the disciples followed Jesus’ instructions, and prepared the Passover meal. Are we as willing to follow Jesus’ instructions today? Or do we claim Jesus didn’t really mean to give your shirt when someone takes your coat? Or to give to everyone who begs from you? Or to lend without expecting return? (Luke 6:29-35) Suddenly we’re social workers, expertly avoiding any “foolish” giving that might “enable” undesirable behaviors. Is it possible Jesus doesn’t instruct us solely to benefit the recipients of our charity, but to benefit us? God loves each of us as much as the beggar in the street, and grace need not be unilateral. The disciples could have easily disregarded Jesus’ instructions, and just snatched up the first available room. The end result would have been the same, right? Only if the room was the point. The point was trusting Christ enough to believe even crazy-sounding instructions were an extension of his love and purpose.
Our world is polluted with cheap grace. Checks to charitable groups and soup kitchens on holidays are commendable, but too often we substitute them for actual relationships with those who need us – and God’s love – the most. Why do we think charity is noble – until someone asks for it directly? Once, when a Liberian refugee our church helped resettle placed a list of needs on our bulletin board, I overhead someone say: “They’ve always got a hand out.” About a refugee. In church. Lest we become judgmental, let’s consider our own attitude toward the beggar on the street. Are we second-guessing Jesus’ intended result and grabbing the first available room, or are we taking time to follow the instructions, trusting in a greater purpose?
Comfort: Jesus and his teachings are trustworthy.
Challenge: The next time someone asks you for money or other help, give it to them if you can and meditate on your feelings about it.
Prayer: God of Peace, I will trust your instructions.
Evening readings: Ps 126, 62
Tomorrow's readings: Ps 102, 148; Isa 7:10-25; 2 Thes 2:13-3:5; Luke 22:14-30
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