Brentwood United Methodist Church’s Bishop Pennel shares his thought weekly on their website. He has graciously allowed us to repost them here for you. Pastor Joe E. Pennel Jr. is also a professor at Vanderbilt Divinity School.
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Ponderings – On Doing What Jesus Did
Some people feel that these are the worst of times. It is easy forget that the world into which Jesus was born was full of “troubles”. The air was full of sectarianism and fanaticism, experimentation with new expression of faith, religious and economic differences between the East and the West, hard issues between the rich and the poor, and poor peasants were the labor pool for the wealthy land owners. In addition, Palestine was under the control of Rome and the Roman tax was uncommonly unjust.
Jesus lived out a prophetic ministry in this troubled world. He was concerned about the poor, the blind, the lepers, the hungry, sinners, tax collectors, those who were possessed by demons, those who were persecuted, captives, the weary and the heavy laden, the rabble, the little ones, the least, the lost, the prostitutes, and the victims of society. His ministry was turned toward those who had been pushed aside. The establishment of his day was offended because he socialized with these very people.
The teaching and preaching of Jesus was radical. He said things like “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. There was in his life and teaching a constant call for all people to love each other. His word was all inclusive and it was meant for all people.
The high calling of the Church is to do what Jesus did. Our mission is to continue the work of Christ on earth. Why it is so difficult and challenging to be the Body of Christ in a troubled world is…
WORTH PONDERING,
Joe E. Pennel Jr.
Pastor
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