Wisdom and Controversy

Thinking about some of the present controversies that are being experienced in major Christian denominations, I am even more enthralled with how Jesus handled the controversies of his day. Different groups were constantly trying to get him to agree with or oppose them so they could "cubby-hole" him.

It didn't matter if a particular group were conservatives (Pharisee's), moderates (Sadducees), or non-theological politicals (Herodians), He was able to respond to each situation without defensiveness and usually sent the particular questioner(s) away with the proverbial tail between the legs.

There are so many wonderful instances of these encounters to use for an example that it is hard to pick one. But my favorite is the encounter Jesus had with all three groups on the same day. The meeting is found in Matthew 22:15-45.

Three times they tried to trap him with loaded questions. Three times he answered in a way that they hadn't prepared for...beautiful. At the end of the dialog Jesus then asks them a question that if they answered "yes" or "no" to, they would have looked like fools. So they remained silent, skulked away, and renewed their fervor in planning to have him killed.

Today, I wonder how he would answer conservatives who asked, "What should we do about homosexual people in our churches?" How about moderate/liberals asking, "Surely taking a unborn child's life is the choice of the mother, isn't it?" Or even the question from the political, non-religious group, "Who's side are you on in the war against terrorism?"

I don't presume to know how he would answer. I do think that we would be surprised, angered, and/or embarrassed. Each of us would have to regroup - that's for sure. Jesus is like that - no allegiances to anyone but the rule and reign of God - the Kingdom.

That's why I want, and need, him to invade my life. I need that type of confrontation to my systems of belief. They always seem ironclad or at least make sense until they are exposed to real mercy, wisdom, and grace.

++help me God to ask the right questions, not ones that make my position look good - thank you that you will not be manipulated for my own purposes, even if I pretend that you are ++

WH