Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Jesus' Health Insurance

I sit here in the hospital waiting room, waiting for a loved one to return from back surgery. As I look around, I see people from all walks of life, all here for one reason: a need for medical attention. Regardless of their pasts or their home lives, regardless of their incomes or their possessions, every single one of them receives loving care and assistance.

Ironically, this hospital catapults me into deep thought regarding our churches. Shouldn’t the body of Christ operate in the same manner? The wounded and weary should feel welcomed as God’s servants prepare them for the spiritual surgery to come. They should rest peacefully as we surround them with support through the recovery process and ensure that all of their needs are relieved.


Instead, we see Christians spewing hateful words against homosexuals, prostitutes, pimps, drug addicts, abortion doctors and any other person who may violate our “code of conduct.” But I have to wonder: Isn’t this the kind of behavior that Jesus came to dispel?

The Pharisees were ready to stone the adulteress, judge the disciples after they did not wash their hands, and even lead Jesus to His crucifixion (John 8:4-6; Matthew 15:2; Mark 14:53-65). One particular time, Jesus spends time with the “sinners” of the day, and the Pharisees have a fit! Jesus responds brilliantly. He reminds them:

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Matthew 9:12-13, NKJV).

Did Jesus agree with the schemes of the tax collectors? Absolutely not. But He knew that they would never see life if life did not see them. As followers of Christ, we hold the key to peace and wholeness. Instead of hatred, let’s make an effort to show Jesus’ love to all people.