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Nothing But Chickens in the Hen House
Nothing But Chickens in the Hen House
Matthew’s gospel account is written to Jews. And yet, it includes a record of Gentiles – the Magi – visiting Jesus in Matthew 2. Luke’s gospel account is written to Gentiles. And yet, it includes a record of Jews – the shepherds – visiting Jesus in Luke 2.
Here’s a thought…when we think someone else needs to hear a sermon, maybe we do too. That’s because:
• In Jesus we become what we are not, and others become what we are.
• In Jesus exclusion becomes inclusion because we are to see ourselves in others.
When reading these familiar records, don’t forget this one extra point – both the Magi and shepherds had something in common. Both were outsiders to those who considered themselves insiders. So when Luke and Matthew write about these visitors, all are welcomed except those who won’t welcome.
What Matthew and Luke tell in narrative form, Paul declares in what are considered baptismal declarations:
• “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and we were all given one Spirit to drink.” (CSB’17 1 Corinthians 12:13)
• “For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (CSB’17 Galatians 3:27-28)
• “In Christ there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.” (CSB’17 Colossians 3:11).
When we think the gospel is not for someone because of economic needs, race, legal status, or past lifestyles, then we’ve declared the gospel is not for us.
Matthew writes, you Jews are like Gentiles when outside of Jesus. Luke writes, you Gentiles are like Jews when outside of our Lord. Paul writes, everyone is like everyone when in Christ. So while humans are obsessed with differences, God is desiring we see ourselves as others.
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