Exploring Jesus in his context in order to follow him in ours.
That Jesus appealed to the Queen of Sheba—whom he likely envisioned as a black African woman—to rebuke the rising tide of racism, nationalism, and violence in his generation has powerful ramifications for followers of Jesus today.
We cannot become followers of Jesus without gaining a profound sense that we are outsiders and newcomers, searching for a friendly face among strangers. We belong with Jesus not by right, but by invitation only.
Those who build walls to keep from having to share their wealth and their privilege with their brothers and sisters do not espouse the morality of Jesus, but morals of Rome.
How did Jesus respond to Roman imperialism? Did he ignore the oppression of his people?
Be perfect, therefore, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
The above image shows a young refugee girl at the Suda refugee camp on the Greek island of Chios. Photograph by Mstyslav Chernov courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
