FOCUS: Jesus was a troublemaker. He said and did things that were upsetting to agents of the political and religious domination systems that oppressed the weak and downtrodden. In this way, Jesus stood firmly in the tradition of the prophets of Hebrew Scripture – those who offered a clear and challenging “alternative script” to the status quo.
Like a Prophet of Old
It’s no accident that the words most frequently recorded in Hebrew Scripture are: “Do not be afraid.” Neither is it an accident that the second most frequently recorded passage in Hebrew Scripture is the admonition to “care for the orphan, the widow, and the stranger.” The prophets tell us that the duty of the people of God is to care about and be the advocates for the poor and powerless. It should be no surprise, then, that according to the Gospels, Jesus’ first concern is for those in the community who are most vulnerable and have no voice. This compassion Jesus exhibits is hardly original – the same passion underlies all of the Hebrew Scriptures.
“[Jesus] opened the book and found the place where it was written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.’ And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’" – Jesus quoting Isaiah in Luke 4:17b – 21
Yet speaking out on behalf of people who have no power or advocates has never been popular with respectable society. While it’s clear that the prophets and other Biblical sources make care for the downtrodden the duty of the people of God, it has always been much easier to make the spiritual life about following specific rules and embracing whatever priorities the community deems as reputable. Confronting the shortcomings of one’s culture or society has never been a popular path..
To receive a complete copy of the text used for the session, please contact Pastor Marj at daytonfirstcong@gmail.com. It will be sent as an email attachment for your perusal as opposed to printing multiple pages, a stewardship practice. Because of copyright law, we are not able to make the materials available here. Another option would be to purchase a copy of Felten and Procter-Murphy's newly-released book, Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity from your local bookseller.
Questions to be considered in light of the video and readings:
In claiming the mantle of the prophets, Jesus claims a variety of ministries and actions. List and discuss some of these prophetic characteristics.
According to Varghese, what are some of the traits of Jesus’ ministry that set him apart from the prophets of old?
How do anger and righteous indignation play into the expression of a prophetic voice?
How do the admonitions of the Sermon on the Plain characterize the prophetic life?
How does Ehrlander’s cartoon sync with your experience?
According to Flunder, it is essential for the “personal piety piece” and “justice work” to be brought together. Explain.
Describe the observations and practices of Mahatma Gandhi that have been influential to Mel White.
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