There are several big questions that people
ask about life and the universe. Jesus’ question “Who do you say that I am?” is
one of these fundamental questions that are in the hearts and minds of humans.
People say that the poor don’t drive cars,
that indigenous inhabitants of Australia are not worth bothering about; that
Muslims are terrorists; that all unemployed are dole bludgers and the elderly
are a burden on society, that if you are rich you are to be admired, that if
you are a top sportsman, you are worthy of idolisation etc… Often these
opinions are conveyed in non-verbal ways. Jesus’ question calls us to reflect
on who we say we are and who we say others are. It also challenges us to
consider who we say God is.
If people asked us “Who do you say that I
am?” how might they react to our stereotypical answers? In the reading from
Hebrew Scripture, we heard that the new Pharaoh said the Israelites were a
threat. Previously Pharaohs had said they were welcome members of society. Things changed radically for them when the
Pharaoh said this about them. Having labelled them a threat, he then felt
compelled to eliminate the threat by ordering the midwives to kill boy babies.
Midwives say by the very nature of their work, that all babies are important,
welcome members of the community.
Rev Julianne Parker
(see sermons page for full sermon)
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