Messing With the Status Quo
Scripture Reading — Luke 13:10-17
When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.
One of my favorite things to do is to ask probing questions and help people think. It may be a habit I have picked up from stories about Jesus. He asks lots of questions. He likes people to think about what they are doing in life. The religious leaders are often cocky and think they have done all of the people’s thinking for them, but then Jesus asks them a question that shows they have a lot to learn. It’s a good exercise to ponder Jesus’ questions.
This story gives us an example. The community has certain rules and ways of doing things, and when Jesus steps in and interrupts the pattern by healing a woman on the Sabbath, the religious leaders are unhappy. Jesus isn’t supposed to mess with the status quo.
I wonder how often we have assumed that we know all the answers. We too might put Jesus in a box and figure that as long as he fits in our comfort zone, we are okay with him. But then Jesus, in true loving fashion, kicks the sides of the box out. He doesn’t want us to miss the reality that outside of our comfort zone are the miracles he wants us to see and learn from.
It is easy to hang on to our own ideas. We can even get used to dysfunction and lose sight of the full life God wants for us. Could today be a good day for letting Jesus mess with our status quo?
Dear Jesus, today please surprise us with your joy. Teach us that it’s okay outside of the box and that you have a big plan for our lives. Amen.
About the author — Beth Fellinger
Pastor Beth Fellinger is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has more than 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. She and her husband, Barry, have created a missional community in their neighborhood called the Ugly Couch Cafe. From serving coffee at a blue picnic table on their front lawn, to praying with neighbors, to hosting faith gatherings on a weekly basis, the Ugly Couch Cafe has grown—and nothing gives Beth greater joy than introducing people to Jesus.
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