Justice and Jesus

Jesus speaks the words (above) to lead off his first sermon – and Jesus says that he fulfills them. This is what it looks like for the Son of God, being fully human, to love his neighbor.  So, as apprentices to Jesus, we must also seek this for others, to “love our neighbors as ourselves.”

Just as God sends his gifts of sun and rain on the good and evil alike, Jesus invites us to live a life of blessing for others in every part of everyday life: physical life, emotional life, relational life, and spiritual life. Following Jesus in word and deed should bring good news for the (physically and spiritually) poor, proclaim liberty to the (physical and spiritual) captives, sight to the (physically and spiritually) blind, and freedom for the (physically and spiritually) oppressed as we take every opportunity to proclaim the Lord’s favor!

And…like everything in life, seeking justice is a process. Jesus says his Kingdom is like a tree that grows from a small seed, but that eventually grows so big that birds can build their nests in it, and other animals (and people!) can eat from and enjoy it. That takes time. 

Here are some basic resources for all of us – for ourselves, or perhaps to share in our conversations with others:

Open a bible – any translation is fine.

• Find the book of Isaiah, and read chapter 58. Read on ESV.org.
• Or read the Gospel of Luke, one of the biographies of Jesus. Pay attention to any time any of the characters speak (or act) about lifting up the low and left-out. (This video does a great job pointing out some themes in Luke 1-2.) 

Another video, focused on the American experience, by a thoughtful Christian:

A helpful short article, if you’re more the reading type:

• Tim Keller – The Centrality of the Gospel

A series of talks, marking 50 years since MLK’s assassination: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/conference/mlk50/

Why Black Lives Matter: A Theological and Confessional Account http://www.whyblacklivesmatter.com/a-theological-account?fbclid=IwAR2q1NADSVTU9NU-cgdiZ9mX0oZ7FFhLPHhDGHuH0tQy_ncdw74oaEncy6s

"Doing Justice and Mercy" - This sermon was preached by Rev. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on March 20, 2016. 

Documentaries: 

12 Free Documentaries  on African American History:

https://www.kpbs.org/news/2020/jun/10/13-free-documentaries-and-shows-about-black-histor/

One man explores his own family's story (free on Amazon Prime):

https://watch.amazon.com/detail?gti=amzn1.dv.gti.b0af036b-1561-2248-32f4-a54903fa183f&ref_=atv_dp_share_mv&r=web 

John Lewis (97 minutes), many viewing options here:

https://www.johnlewisgoodtrouble.com/

African-American history