34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another:just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
This morning a lot has been swirling in my head…for those of you who know me well, this is no surprise. I've been thinking about how much I love movies like Gladiator, Braveheart, The Patriot. I love the undying passion of the fearless leader who ignites his people to battle with a fierceness and loyalty like no other. You knew who battled along side this hero by the way they carried themselves, what they stood for, their allegiance was incredible. Honestly, I enjoyed watching those who persecuted them get what they had coming on the battlefield. I cheered during the blood bath as the "good" triumphed. Hmmm….but then I thought of my ultimate hero, Jesus.
Jesus is not a fabled hero in a story. Jesus came in the flesh, walked this earth, broke bread with us, taught us, gathered us to himself, died for us so he could save us from sin and from ourselves. Jesus did not come and teach people to fight against human flesh as opposition. Jesus did not rally people around him to fight physical battles. No, quite the opposite. Jesus taught us to bless our enemies. Jesus taught us not to judge others. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors and to love ourselves. Jesus did not teach that when something has been done to you, you go and take it back. He did not teach us to retaliate or be vengeful. Jesus taught us to love one another and this would be our mark as His disciple.
So, why is it easier for us to identify with movies like Gladiator and Braveheart when what we know to be truth is so countercultural to that?
Because our flesh cries out for justice. Our flesh wants retaliation. Our flesh longs to make right what we feel was wronged to us. I think I sometimes forget those that have hurt me are only human too with broken hearts, broken dreams, broken relationships. Why are we any better then them? Jesus, our hero, came to die for all men so that all our sins could be forgiven. Jesus came that all those who seek Him with all their hearts would find Him.
There are so many opportunities to show love instead of hate. These days it seems we group people into categories and it becomes us and them. I don't remember reading in the Bible and it saying that Jesus sacrifice was for a select few. I don't remember reading qualifications and if you fall outside of that you're on your own. He gives everyone the chance to know Him to be affected by Him, shouldn't we?
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