I’ve been reading and watching material from The Bible Project regarding the Sermon on the Mount.
Moving away from Easter and reflecting on these materials, one single thought keeps rattling around in my brain.
Jesus was serious.
About this radical, upside-down kingdom. About not judging. About generosity. About sacrificial love, even toward those who harm us.
He was serious about all of it.
Don’t know about you, but I tend to pick-and-choose. I sort of skip over the uncomfortable parts. For example – he didn’t REALLY mean I’m supposed to love and show generosity toward THOSE people… right?
Except – the Sermon on the Mount describes what God’s kingdom looks like. It describes what it’s like to be part of that kingdom.
And I think he was serious about it. All of it.
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I often wonder how Project Rescue missionaries do what they do. Each day they interact with people engaged in sex trafficking of women and children. I’m not sure I could look those folks in the eye.
They work to create no-strings-attached relationships. Not because they approve of what these people do, but because they believe Jesus was serious.
Through these relationships, they occasionally find opportunities to rescue and to share the gospel. It’s dangerous work, and I’m sure it’s sad and frustrating.
So, why do it? Why subject themselves to the danger and humiliation and frustration? Why place themselves in contact with people intent on creating such evil?
I suspect they do it for one simple reason.
They believe Jesus was serious.
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Bible Project: Sermon on the Mount Videos
Next week I hope to share – with permission – one specific story about one of our kids.