When Will We Ever Learn?

By Rev. Dr. Roger Kunkel

Jesus made the point that real love is inclusive! It is goodwill toward all. Real love sees all people as children of God.

This got Jesus into trouble. He associated with the wrong people—questionable people—sinners, tax collectors, the blind, the lame, and the sick.

There’s an interesting theological point here: the religious leaders of Jesus’ time believed that when people were down on their luck, it was because they had sinned. They saw suffering as God’s judgment. So blind, lame, leprous people, and the poor were viewed as wicked or sinful.

But Jesus saw them as children of God—as persons of integrity and worth, members of God’s family, his brothers and sisters. And he loved them. He enjoyed them. He accepted all people.

The question is: When will we ever learn?

Let us pray:  God of Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and Jesus, we join the procession of those who, down through the ages, sought to serve and love you with heart, soul, mind, and strength. We thank you this day for your amazing grace and unconditional love. Make us more like the one in whose spirit we pray. Amen.