One of the impossible possibilities Christ introduces to us is the ability for strength to manifest itself in gentleness. This is something many of His contemporaries thought impossible. It is widely believed that Judas himself was expecting the power of the Messiah to be expressed in a conquering army, overthrowing the Roman Empire with human force. Jesus has not come to destroy. He has come to confront and forgive: a true expression of strength.
Forgiveness does not ignore sin or wrongdoing. Forgiveness first confronts it. While many expected Him to confront Rome, Jesus confronts the sin within His own people. “Woe to you!” He says seven times to the faithless teachers and the Pharisees (Matthew 23). Jesus’ goal is not their condemnation, but their repentance. “Sinners need forgiveness and salvation like the sick need a physician” (Mark 2:17).
Jesus does not lash out and destroy those who sin or have wronged Him. Have no doubt; He could have made Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) look like a sparkler on the 4th of July. Instead, to those who saw their need, He showed His power in the form of forgiveness and the admonishment to sin no more. Tax collectors? Forgiven. Adulterers? Forgiven. The unclean? Forgiven. Roman soldiers? Forgiven. Mockers at the cross? Forgiven.
The more you get to know Jesus Christ, the more He will confront who you are and how you choose to live. Confronting us, He opens our eyes to our chains and offers us the key to the shackles: forgiveness. Will you accept the keys that lead to full life? Beloved, your sins are forgiven. Go and leave that former life and walk into the joy of God’s grace.
Rev. Drew Haynes, Pastor of Campus Operations
