The Shamelessness of Jesus' Exposure (and a note of my own thankfulness)

Confession, I just finished the LAST reading and so I’m going to comment on that. I’m working on catching up!

In the chapter on the woman brought to Jesus by the Pharisees who had caught her in the act of adultery, I was struck by the way that Bailey explained Jesus’ response as a commentary on his own cross.

Jesus says, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again”.  In saying this, Jesus breaks the cultural expectation of shame that surround the culture, especially surrounding women and sexuality. The pure perspective of Christ sees this woman, whom he doesn’t even know, as greater than the sins she has committed. His response both affirms the law and the reality of good and evil, while affirming the value of His people apart from their behaviors.

Understanding the culture of the middle-east continues to reveal to me the radical nature of the freedom that Christ offers people at every turn. He challenges EVERYTHING. Jesus doesn’t play by the rules that we create…. He knows way better and he knows THE way way better.

The human response to shame is to hide when confronted with exposure that can give way to shame. Jesus is fully aware of our desires to run away from exposure. But he knows that the exposure that He desires leads to HEALING, not shame.

HOW RADICAL!

Finally, in honor of Turkey day, I wanted to say that I am so very thankful for you all and the roles you have each played in creating and forming this ministry. I am so encouraged by the faithfulness of the disciples I see serving on the water (and in the office, homes, schools, etc.). For myself Sonshine has been a place where Christ has both gently and painfully led me to a place of freedom. Barriers of shame are broken down and we (staff, campers, dock hands, grocery store clerks, etc) are all mysteriously brought into the recapitulation of the cross in supernatural and entirely ordinary ways.

So so thankful for Sonshine and for all of you. Can’t wait to serve with you turkeys again!

Mirm