Jesus and Trayvon

Now I understand that at this time this may be a touchy subject. I’m taking a huge risk in writing this and making it public and I must admit that when emotions run high it is dangerous to write something that attempts some balance.

I’ll tell you this much. All the rage, all the anger, all those emotions that we are all feeling are real. It is a innate desire for justice that God has put inside of us and every time it is broken we respond.

There is though, a question, something I have been pondering since the day of the verdict. As I read tweets and reports on the news the question kept nagging me and begged to be answered.

How would have Jesus responded?

There are many ways that Jesus could have responded.

In Matthew 21 Jesus responds with anger and indignation the great disrespect that was being done to the temple. He over-turned the tables of the moneychangers and demanded respect for the house of God.

Jesus was angry and demanded respect.

In John 8 Jesus is silent. Jesus hears and listens to accusations. He stands in the midst of those accusers, as a prostitute lays before him, ashamed, caught in the act. He is pressured to respond and act and pronounce a verdict, yet he remains silent. He kneels down and writes on the dust.

Jesus was silent.

In John 11 Jesus weeps. He cries because he feels the pain and suffering of his creation. He cries because the consequences of sin are very present. He cries because he know that soon this will be his reality and many of those present there would have turned on him. Jesus cries to the point that the people around them know that he loves Lazarus.

Jesus wept.

In John 17 Jesus prays. He prays for his disciples. He understands that very soon they will be on their own. He knows that they will suffer trials, persecution, and even death. He also prays for all believers. He prays for those who will come to know him and those that know him. He prayed for you and me!

Jesus prayed.

In Luke 23 Jesus died. He gave up his right. He gave up his comfort. He gave up his throne. He gave up his life. He became completely disconnected from the Father. He suffered the death that was meant for us. Nobody forced him to do it. He did it out of his won free will. And in the midst of death he prayed for forgiveness.

Jesus died.

Now, I am not saying to be idling and let things go by as if they aren’t important. On the contrary, we must strive for justice when there is injustice. Yet, above all things we must strive to be like Jesus.

Why Jesus and Trayvon? Because I believe that God is the ultimate judge. I know that Jesus would have probably marched along side all the protesters but in the midst of all of that he probably would have given his “Sermon in the Hood.” He would have reminded us what it means to be sons and daughters of God. He would have reminded us that there is hope. He would have spoken to us peace, a peace that the world cannot give. And as he walked away he would have reminded us of the words in Revelation 22:12 (NIV) “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”

"I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught."

John 14:27 (MSG)