Untitled Sermon

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Imagine a classroom where a young boy is bullied for being different. One day, the teacher chooses to spotlight his uniqueness, inviting classmates to learn from him. The ripple effect of kindness transforms the atmosphere, fostering acceptance. This mirrors the call in Matthew 5:46-48 to love those who seem unlovable, showing that mercy can rewrite a narrative that otherwise would be defined by exclusion and hate.

During World War II, amid the horrors of conflict, stories emerged of individuals who chose mercy. One such account tells of a German soldier who risked his life to save a Jewish child from certain death. His act of compassion, despite the prevailing hatred, illuminated the power of mercy even when unthinkable. This soldier became a beacon of hope amidst darkness, reminding us that our capacity to love unlovable people reflects the heart of God.

Unlike an ordinary rabbi, Jesus is not polluted by the leper’s disease; rather, the leper is cleansed and healed by Jesus’ contagious holiness.

James R. Edwards