Dear Readers, I hope you will continue to join me for “Running Toward the Danger,” based on Scriptural accounts, and research. We are looking at the ministry of Jesus through ficitonalized perspectives of those who were front and center. Each post includes its primary Scripture notation, a perspective, and question(s) for thought. My goal is to offer new insights into the ministry of Jesus as He chose to fulfill His Heavenly Father’s purpose for Him by running toward the danger for each of us.

Matthew’s Perspective

The Danger of Community

Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:24-25, Matthew5:1-2, Matthew 7:28-29

Perspective

I’ll admit it, when I first began following Jesus, after leaving a flourishing career in tax-collecting behind, many times I felt like its stigma clung to me like a wet robe. Eventually I began to appreciate the education and skill my previous life had given me through the lens of Jesus. There was never a time when I felt like He judged or mistrusted me.

Once I really understood and embraced the impact of Jesus’ ministry, I began taking notes, literally . . . copious notes. Another skill of tax collectors was vigilantly keeping a watchful eye out for encroaching threats or danger. The hostility of many religious leaders in the Sanhedrin, and most Romans toward Jesus became increasingly noticeable. Just the presence of Roman soldiers could stir things up.

As Jesus healed and preached His gospel of love, the more openly antagonistic Romans and priests became. That didn’t stop Jesus. He seemed comfortable in any community setting, large or small, in the courtyards of the temple or on the hills by the sea. From wealthy patrons, to leaders of the synogogue, to Roman officials, Jesus fearlessly controled of the conversation.

Jesus was laser-focused on His mission, and as agile as a cat running toward the danger of community. On more than one occasion, I witnessed Him gently encourage or heal someone, then turn on a dime to confront anyone trying to interfere with the work at hand. Jesus didn’t hesitate for a second to pick up a child, brush her cheek, then flip the script on us about holding the kids back from Him. And I wish you could have seen Jesus turn on Jewish leaders when they infiltrated any community of believers who had chosen to follow Him.

All along the way, Jesus walked a dangerous tightrope between His love for God’s children and “vipers,” as He once called temple leaders. Frequently, various communities intersected and overlapped, which usually meant conflict. That didn’t deter Jesus from running headlong toward the danger of community. His focused never wavered from completing the task His Heavenly Father had prepared Him to do.

Question(s) for Thought

Have you ever been at an event that turned ugly in a minute? Sporting event, or maybe even a family gathering? All it takes is one word with a hateful attitude and hopes of a congenial gathering are ravaged. How did it make you feel? How did you respond?

Series Links

• The Danger of Conflict
• The Danger of Commitment
• The Danger of Community
• The Danger of Transparency
• The Danger of Doubt
• The Danger of Rejection