(July and August Church Newsletter)
Jesus was a teacher. Sometimes his classes were small – maybe only two, or three, or 12 in the case of the disciples. Other times, Jesus would teach huge crowds of people packed into homes or gathered on a hillside. The lessons were not always easy to hear and sometimes led the disciples and others to ask more questions. We might still have questions about Jesus’ teachings today.
We remember that Jesus’ teachings were recorded after his death – at a time when the early Christians were trying to figure out what it would mean to be “church.” At times, there was division and disagreement among the first believers. They struggled with how to live out Jesus’ teachings in unsettling times.
Jesus’ message in the midst of the division and disrupted peace is,
“Do not fear. God is always with you. God knows the number of hairs on your head.
And when others turn against you, God is there.”
And how do we live as Jesus’ disciples? Jesus emphasizes one word in Matthew 10:40-42 -Welcome! It’s a word that we use when guests come to our homes, our businesses, our schools, our churches. We welcome with a smile, a hug, a handshake. We welcome with food and drink. We welcome by extending hospitality and kindnesses.
Jesus wants his disciples to be welcoming to all people, just as God has welcomed us. By receiving and giving God’s loving welcome to all God’s people – especially those marginalized by society today – we are welcoming the presence of God into our lives.
How blessed we are to have the constant presence of God in our lives. God has welcomed and received us, no matter where we are in our faith journey. May we live the life of welcome that Jesus taught his disciples. As we learn and grow in our own faith, may we be a sign to those around us of God's presence and welcoming ways.
With Welcome Blessings,
Pastor Candice
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