Sunday 20 November 2011

Background

In this passage Jesus is speaking to his disciples in private,on the Mount of the Olives (Matthew24:3). It follows what is essentially a tirade against missedopportunities (the parables of the talents (Matthew25:14-30), and the ten bridesmaids both warn against such aprospect (Matthew 25:1-13)), foolishness, and lettingJesus down (the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew18:23-35)). However, despite all Jesus' threats through theseparables of what may await those who get it wrong, it is only oncewe reach verse 31, that we see just how serious these proclamationsare. Jesus is not just an idle preacher with a touch of fire andbrimstone about him, but the one who can fully back up what he issaying!

And the Son of Man deals with those who have got their actionsright, and those who have not, in very serious terms. While thosewho noticed and helped the naked, sick and imprisoned will inheritthe kingdom, those who did not "depart from me into the eternalfire" (v. 41).

However the finality of this judgement makes you feel, it is asubject that is well worth considering; how do we feel about a Godthat we love, but might not like? After all, doesn't this sameJesus when questioned about forgiveness (Matthew18:22) answer that it should take place at least (depending onyour translation) 77 times? Have those addressed in our passagefailed to clothe the naked, and thus reached their 77th sin? Hasthe unchangeable God's patience run out? Perhaps, but what seemsclear is in this message from Jesus is:

• you cannot decide how and when God will make judgements aboutyour behaviour, but ...
• you can be sure that God is aware of how you live and treatother people, and where the responsibility lies.

Perhaps it's a product of the litigious society we livein, or my failure to fully acknowledge our true salvation throughJesus' actions on the cross, but this portrait of authoritativejudgement is one that makes me afraid. However, in a differentsituation to my own, this could be a most welcome picture. Today(20 November) is Women Against Violence Sunday, and there must becountless situations all across the world involving women, childrenand men where those who are oppressed and abused long for someoneto fight their corner and bring to justice, and make accountable,those who cause them harm, or deny them that which they need. Jesustells us that actions against others are actions against him, andthis passage tells us just how serious Jesus takes theseinjustices.

To Ponder

How far are you standing up for injustice in thesame ways that Jesus does?

Just as we expect to be forgiven, to what extentare you forgiving as much as you should be?