One element of Jesus’ ministry that so radically departed from the accepted norms was his approach to people. All people were his brothers and sisters, and therefore the object of his love. The social and religious order of his culture recognized only the sons and daughters of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as those entitled (given the title) to be called children of God.
Within that family circle, only those who followed the rules and regulations of ritual worship and diet were entitled (given the title) “righteous”. Each entitlement opened doors to receiving promised blessings.
During the Lenten Season we acknowledge the radical Good News that is Jesus. Good News that, as members of the “human” family, God entitles us (gives us the title) objects of his love. As objects of God’s love, you and I and all people are those for whom Jesus was crucified.
It is important to understand that “entitlement” is not something created from within a person. Entitlement is pronounced upon a person from the outside. Yet, an individual is in the right to claim his or her entitlement. Although we may not be worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are in the right to claim our entitlement to the forgiveness for which he died.
And we can share this radical good news of entitlement because all people are objects of God’s love in Jesus.
Finally, followers of Jesus are to recognize all people as the objects of their unconditional love as well. Only through the Spirit of God can this love become a reality in their lives. May our words and deeds proclaim the love we continually receive from God.
Hi Uncle Rob! I just found your blog, and I am enjoying your writings. I really like your thoughts on entitlement--I never thought about it that way. Good stuff!
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