Jesus Came To Church

Jesus showed up just after I began my sermon Sunday morning. He was in the guise of an older man with long white hair and beard. His shirt was blue. The chain around his neck sported a cross. He wore shorts. When he entered the sanctuary he sat in an empty back pew. Strange for a church, I know. He appeared to pay attention to my sermon on accountable discipleship.

Once or twice I thought he was raising his hand to ask a question or speak. I continued. Once I ended my sermon as I walked to the back during the final hymn before the benediction, he spoke to me.

What Jesus Said

That’s right. Jesus spoke to me. I told him as soon as we were done, I would speak with him. It is probably not the way one should talk to Jesus. But I was not too sure what people would say if I delayed the service.

Of course, he wanted to tell me about his father. What else would Jesus want to discuss? He told me his father suffered a massive stroke in Nashville and that he needed gas money to get there. I thought quickly and produced some cash from my wallet. He thanked me saying it would help and left. It was then the Holy Spirit made herself known.

What the Holy Spirit Said

The Holy Spirit came in the guise of a woman at church. “Who was that man? Was he needing something?” I explained what happened. She replied, “Well, it is just like R—- says, we should help however we can and if they use it wrong, then it is on them.”

“Amen.” I said. Admittedly, I was surprised. John Chrysostom is credited with saying, “If you cannot see Christ in the beggar at the church door, then you cannot see him in the chalice.” I knew that. But, over the years, I have crossed paths and words with too many lay people who do not understand that. But the Holy Spirit showed me it was not true of everyone.

The woman tried to catch Jesus. But he had already gone.

Jesus Tests

Does Jesus give us tests? In John’s gospel he tests two of his disciples in chapter 6. “When he looked up and saw the crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.'” (John 6:5-7)

Philip counts the cost of the food just as I thought about whether I had money in my wallet. The story of the feeding of 5,000 occurs in all 4 canonical gospels. It is a challenge for the church.

The Myth of Scarcity

I have written about the feeding of the 5,000 before now. The issue now though is the scarcity myth that is built into the dominance culture. Scarcity of resources is cry for which people claim there can never be enough for everyone. How would six month’s wages feed all these people? Andrew points out the pitiful lunch of one boy versus the need of the crowd.

Governments always appear to be able to buy weapons but cannot feed and provide health care for all of their people. That is bad. But it is not as bad as wealthy churches that can afford to provide services to middle class people but none for the poor.

A big church with multiple campuses where I live was recently asking for monetary donations to their food bank. I gave them money before I knew which church was involved. Still, I am glad I gave to something they apparently cannot afford to do. I feel sorry for them more than I feel for those needing food. I know it is strange to think that way.

Jesus Would Feed People

I can feel sorrow for people whose mindset is so limited. It means their heart is not open. And that is a greater tragedy for them.

Someone may ask, “How many times have beggars given you a similar story?” I could not say. Neither could I say how many have shown contempt for my giving it to them. Could the people I give money to use it on booze and drugs? Surely. Do I feel bad to be lied to in such a way? Not anymore.

I know what withdrawal from addiction is. Now I know, if a beggar uses the money for that purpose, I have given some relief. And perhaps, I saved a life. I think Jesus would bless that act too.