Courageous Criminals? // Luke 9:12-13

I remember when today’s verse body slammed me to the proverbial mat. I had read it untold number of times, but digging into it during this cancel culture and era of rage made it feel like a bolt of lightning. Jesus was saying then that we must be willing to be considered a cultural criminal in order to follow Him. Now THAT’s a tough teaching isn’t it? Why do you think that is? Well, we are wired for survival, which community plays a significant part. Think of the old adage that there is safety in numbers. Jesus taught the disciples, just as He nurdges us today, to step away from the crowd. We might be skewered if we do, or to follow the biblical language, crucified. It’s unlikely to be literally, but the whole idea of crucifixion was to make a spectacle of someone who got out of line to cajole others not to make the same mistake. We need courage, don’t we? Aristotle wrote that courage is the most important virtue, because it makes all others possible. There is some really good news that comes from Scripture: God gives us courage and actually commands us to live into it. Consider Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Many criminals throughout history have been brazen; after all, it takes a lot of courage to step out of line. In Jesus’ case, He isn’t asking us to break the law, but follow the One who fulfilled it…Himself! Will you be bold and courageous? Even if it causes you to step out of line in our crooked and corrupt culture? Say yes! Be a courageous criminal, but only for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

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