Over and over again in Jesus’ ministry we see examples of what scholars call, “the great reversal.” As a way of demonstrating God’s abiding compassion for those at the bottom rungs of society, Jesus exalts them and grants them positions of favor. Women – who in the time of the first century were considered less than second class citizens – were given places of honor and authority in Christ’s ministry. Tax collectors – barred from entering the Temple due to their status as traitors and “unclean” in the eyes of devout religious leaders – found themselves called by Jesus into his inner circle. It is as if Jesus is trying in every way he can imagine to say to the world around him (and to us), “The things you consider valuable and the things God considers valuable are often quite opposite each other.”
This verse is another great example of that same kind of reversal. But it serves two purposes for that original audience. First, it serves as an exhortation to early Christians to follow the example Jesus established and to devote their efforts to raising up the downtrodden. If indeed God’s business is to comfort the afflicted, that should stand as the primary task of God’s church also.
Secondarily the writer is very intent to encourage the community of believers themselves. This passage seems to be addressed to a community of believers who have struggled recently and encountered difficult passages in their ministry, perhaps facing rejection at every turn. When the writer speaks to them about Jesus being misunderstood and rejected, he is encouraging them to stand firm whenever they are misunderstood or rejected. How could you not possibly be encouraged when your spiritual mentor writes a letter in which he declares that you are, “… a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”
We are challenged as we read this passage to reflect the very values that Jesus lived by. We are challenged to be the faithful believers who see intrinsic worth in every human being. We are challenged to be those who advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. We are challenged to welcome “the last, the least, the lost” with open arms into our community. And finally we are challenged to turn the values of society on their head and prepare to be misunderstood and even ridiculed.
The question is: are we up to the challenge?
