by Jonathan Manafo | Jul 17, 2018 | Sunday Conversations
TRAILER : The Greatest Showman…
Inspired by the story of PT Barnum
Situated in the mid 1800’s…
The story is a recapturing of how the Circus came to be. In actuality, it’s the story that leads to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which ran uninterrupted for 146 years until it’s closing last year.
This movie starts with a HUGE song, “This is the greatest show”. Calling us to the watch and participate in the greatest show, “like it’s everything you ever wanted and needed.”
This is partly a true invite, and also a way to sidetrack the viewer, you, and me, from initially identifying what the greatest show actually is.
Before we say anything else, know that this movie is “inspired” by the story of PT Barnum and events around his life. It’s not a true life description or telling. There is much liberty taken in this movie. But that’s ok. And here’s why. The writers are using the inspiration of Barnum’s life to tell us some things about dreams, ambition, values, community, humanity, and much more.
Barnum came from very little. His Father was a tailor who worked at wealthy families home, one home being the home of Charity, a little girl who Barnum became best friends with, and eventually married.
One of the main songs running through the film is “A million dreams”. Very important, as Barnum thinks the world should be better.
- His Father died when he was young
- He had to do what he could to survive
- He was determined to somehow move from his situation to a better one.
- “A million dreams for the world we’re going to make”
As a young adult, Barnum goes to Charity’s house to ask for her hand in marriage. Her Father let’s her go, but not without warning Barnum… “Sooner or Later she’ll tire of your life, of having nothing, and she’ll be back.” This is a prominent theme in the movie, rich vs poor, elite vs peasant, gifted vs unique…and how the world needs to change in how they separate & divide people. This also plays out in a scene with Phillip Carlyle & Anne Wheeler.
Fast forward to Barnum & Charity being married with two young girls of their own. Barmun’s work company goes bankrupt. As bad as this is, it inspires and challenges Barnum to dream again. And dream he does.
He begins to envision a place where people’s uniqueness is celebrated, a place to show off our differences and our gifts. This venture/vision, even though it eventually takes off, is criticized and protested. One of the words used to criticize this show was ‘CIRCUS’. Barnum loved it, and used it in his new title of the show.
The interesting thing is that even though Barnum believed in the uniqueness of everyone, he was tempted to be like everyone else and to be loved by everyone else. This led him away from the circus and his family for a short time to run a tour for an opera singer. He was fooled to think that prooving himself to the elite and wealthy would bring him happiness.
Barnum was beginning to lose his way, but his family, his circus community, and I think, his convictions, helped him find it again.
Something tragic happens to his building. A fire. Horrible. Like most traggic things in life, they lead to questions that bring perspective and purpose.
A few post fire conversations were important…
- While sitting on the steps with the reporter who mostly wrote critical reviews, we hear this conversation, “I never liked your show, but I always thought the people did. Putting folks of all kinds, colours, shapes and sizes on stage with you, presenting them as equals…another critic may have called it a celebration of humanity.”
- The circus crew met Barnum at the bar. He tells them there’s no money to be paid, not sure why they’re there. They respond with…“Don’t you get it Barnum? Our own mothers were ashamed of us. They hid us our whole lives. Then you pulled us out of the shadows. Maybe you were a fraud. And you made a buck. But you gave us a real family. You gave us a home. We want our home back.”
- Beach scene with Charity as Barnum goes back to her: (B) “I wanted to be more than I was.” (C) “I never wanted anything than the man I fell in love with”
- why do we feel we have to prove ourselves to others…God loves us, accepts us, calls us, sends us…this is a key gospel theme.
- Carlyle says to Barnum “Before I met you I had a job, an inheritance, and an invitation to every party in town. Now all that’s gone. All that’s left is friendship, love, and a work that I adore.” You brought joy into my life.
The fire actually did lead to an outstanding idea. “We don’t need a building…we can house this in a tent”
The movie ends with the song, This is the greatest show, but by then we realize that the greatest show isn’t the show you put on for others, it’s the relationships you build with others along with way. It’s the inspiration we give to others, the love, the encouragement, the care we give and share with those around us, in our community. In the final minutes we see Barnum walking off stage, handing his baton & hat to Carlyle (literally and symbolically) then goes to watch his greatest show, his kids ballet recital.
INSIGHTS/APPLICATION/SCRIPTURE: (Faith, Hope, Truth)
Are you the person you want to be or have you gotten caught up in someone else’s aspirations and false hopes?
- this movie is about someone with wonderful and pure intentions who’s lost his way…and fortunately found it again.
- Matthew 16 seems to come to mind again (like Hacksaw). Don’t try and gain the world and lose your soul (lose you) in the process…
Do we appreciate others, for who they are, not who we want them to be? Do we see the humanity, the image of God, that connects all of us.
- This story represents the beauty of the misfits (Peter Dewit’s FB comments)
- Why is it so hard for us to accept others, when in reality we all live with insecurities that challenge our sense of belonging?
- Isaiah 43:1 “I have called you by name, you are mine”
- James 2:2-9, Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?… If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin
What’s your sense of home?
Does your life project a sense of home onto others? Do they feel at home when you’re around?
- Luke 15. Prodigal comes home.
- You will be known for how you love others – for how you make others feel at home.
Psalm 84:2-4
My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Cheryl Romeril added these amazing insights:
Who is great? In who’s eyes? Such an important question to ask ourselves.
Early in the movie we were shown that the poor are often the most generous (Phineas was trying to steal food and the disfigured woman gave him an apple while the vendor in the market chased him down for trying to take a loaf of bread) a small part but a huge message…the woman…disfigured, hidden by her cape, shunned by society was GREAT in the eyes of a hungry orphan boy.
This movie is all about celebrating uniqueness.
All kinds, colours, gifts are really a celebration of humanity. It wasn’t a “freak show”… it was people working together for a common goal.
People need people
1. Inter-relation
2. Interdependent
3. Interaction
The body of Christ is unity amidst diversity. Everyone is “home” when they BELONG.
We don’t need a building, we just need a message that changes lives. Barnum wanted the circus show to bring happiness to people….to celebrate people!
OUR (the church’s) message is Jesus…a message of hope and love to lost people.
The passing of the top hat at the end was key…it takes a village. Everyone contributed to the success of the circus…everyone brought something different to the table…everyone made it HOME. They respected each other and appreciated each other’s gifts. They passed the hat with confidence and purpose. No one tried to stop the hat or take ownership…they kept up the passing until it reached Phillip Carlisle…the natural new leader with the gifting to do the job. They ALL celebrated in the moment.
1 Corinthians 12:14-26
by Marquis Murray | Jul 10, 2018 | Sunday Conversations
The movie starts with these words from scripture… (Isaiah 40) “The Lord is the everlasting God…he will not grow tired…gives strength to the weary…increases the power of the week…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…they will soar…run…walk.”
We’re invited into the playful relationship with Desmond’s brother, loving relationship with his mother, and difficult one with his father.
– His mom is seen as a wonderful woman
– His Dad is a war veteran still living with the effects of his time at war…alcoholic…hates himself and takes it out on others…
– He loves his brother, though almost killed him in a play fighting accident. This is one of the things that shapes his views on fighting and killing.
While in this crisis with his brother, we see Desmond looking at a poster in his house with both the Lord’s Prayer and the 10 commandments, focusing on commandment #6, Do not Kill.
Demond seemed to always have compassion for others. While cleaning the church windows, he hears a noise, rushes out to see, and help, as someone was struck by a car. He saves his life and this starts his interest in medicine.
– This also leads him to meeting his future wife, Dorthy.
– He goes home and tells his family, “I met someone today, Dorthy, she’s gonna be my wife.”
This is of course the years of WW2. Americans are enlisting to war. Desmond’s brother enlisted. And Desmond, makes the choice to enlist as well.
– one problem, he is a conscientious objector to violence, a pacifist, an abstainer to guns and killing
– he signs up as a medic
– problem two, they send him to a rifle company/training centre for front line soldiers
Desmond goes to military training with a bible in hand. Not because he believes in war, but because he believes he can make a difference, without fighting. His dad warns him that this war isn’t going to fit into his thinking and values…“You have to pray about everything, and war doesn’t give you that option.”
Military Camp is not pleasant for Desmond. Some of the soldiers and lieutenants abuse and mistreat him. This of course is because of his faith and values. The others are told, “Do not look to Dos to save you on the battle field, as he’ll be struggling with his conscious”
In conversation with the Psychiatrist Dos says…“I’m not crazy sir”. I just simply believe what I believe. “God says not to kill” and “Jesus said, a new commandment I give unto you, to love one another.”
Doss ends up in prison for a few days, as they wait to give him a trial, and attempt to send him home. He missed his wedding because they didn’t let him go home for the weekend. His lieutenant brings his fiancé to him, to try and convince him to give up this foolishness.
This conversation unfolds… “I don’t know how I can live with myself if I don’t stay true to what I believe…or how you can live with me…I’d never be the man I wanna be in your eyes.”
During his Trial, Desmond’s Father brings the leading officer/judge a letter reminding them of the constitution; a constitution that was written to give people freedom of choice. Desmond wins the trial, is allowed to go back to the army, and the story leads us to Okinawa, Japan, and the battle on Hacksaw Ridge. His parting sentence? You are free to enter into the hell fire of war without a single weapon to protect yourself.
What proceeds to happen in the final 45 min of the movie is one of the greatest acts of courage & conviction you’ll ever see.
Desmond, true to his values, does not use a weapon, but proceeds to risk his life to save the life of others.
After a day of fighting, when the surviving soldiers leave the Ridge to go back to camp, Desmond stays, and going back and forth, bringing wounded soldiers again and again, lowering them down to camp to be cared for. During this time he ask’s God, ‘what do you want from me?’ Then hears the cries of his brothers, and knows what to do – help them.
His prayer that whole night, “Help me save one more. Please Lord, help me save one more.”
He helped more than 75 soldiers that night.
His Lieutenant said these words to him…“All I saw was a skinny kid. I didn’t know who you were. You did more than any kind of man has done in the service of this country. I hope one day you can forgive me.”
AND… “Let’s get this soldier to a hospital bed”. This is significant, as earlier in the story, Doss tells that same lieutenant, “While everybody else is taking lives, I wanna be saving it…With the world set on tearing itself a part, it doesn’t seem like a bad idea to put it back together.” He was laughed at a criticized – now he’s called a solider.
INSIGHTS/APPLICATION/SCRIPTURE: (Faith, Hope, Truth)
Live out your convictions…your values…your heart felt principles.
- Matthew 16:24-26, ““Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
Decide how you want to be known and who you are…you have nothing else.
Have an answer for everyone who asks about the hope & faith you have.
1 Peter 3:13-15. Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…
Peace, and non-violent confrontation, even in the midst of impossible situations, is valuable and life changing/saving.
Isaiah 2:4, Micah 4:3 They will beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, Nor will they learn war anymore.
Q&EH?
We heard some really good questions and comments following our conversation. Some highlights…
– Why do we have to wait for someone like Doss to save 75 people before we can appreciate his values and principals?
– War movies are always about the one with the most guns while this story is about the guy with no guns or weapons.
– All we can do is help one person at a time and leave the results up to God.
by Marquis Murray | Jul 3, 2018 | Sunday Conversations
We’ve been tracking with this theme for a 3 weeks, and I’m sure someone has thought or said this to themselves during our conversations, “But I don’t even like my neighbours…I don’t like my neighbourhood…I wish I didn’t live with these people”.
As we finish up our series, we look at a place in scripture where Israel was displaced and living in a place they wish they didn’t. They felt homeless and out of place, not fitting in with their new surroundings.
We find ourselves in Jeremiah 29…Israel is in Exile. They’ve been brought to Babylon by another king, and of course don’t like it one bit. God tells them that there is a purpose in this; that he can use them there, but of course this is hard to take or listen to.
Here are words to people who don’t like their new neighbours, who are unsettled, who don’t fit in, and wish they were somewhere else.
Jeremiah 29:1-13
4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”8 … 10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord…
A few things we want to point out here…
- This is a letter to exiles
- Those Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Israel to Babylon
- Babylon has become a metaphor for displacement and not fitting in…as Israel is in another land…
- God is saying that he sent them there
- They have a purpose to be there
- Israel isn’t lost or misplaced, they’re exactly where they need to be
- Israel doesn’t know how to act or live while placed in a neighbourhood they don’t want to be in. God says…
- Build Houses / Live in them
- Plant Gardens / Eat from them
- Do life, Get Married, Multiply, Increase
- AND…the key verse here:
- “Seek the welfare (peace & prosperity) of the city I have sent you to”
- Pray for your neighbourhood, your city, your region, your country
- Sounds like, “Love your neighbour as yourself”
- Wish for your neighbour what you wish for yourself. If they prosper, you prosper.
- You are not an island unto yourself
- Later we read, “I know the plans I have for you…your welfare, your future, your hope.
- As we pray that for others, know that God is planning that for us.
- Finally, God says, pray & call on me. Seek me and you will find me…I will be found by you.
“When you find a home in God you will always feel at home wherever you live.”
This is a story about people who are sent to live with neighbours they don’t want to live with. They’re struggling with how to live their faith in the midst of a culture that doesn’t acknowledge GOD as their God.
What does God tell them/us to do?
- Bloom where you are planted
- Pray for your neighbours
- Pray for your city
- Pray that they do well
- Pray to me…seek me…I’ll be right their with you the whole time.
– – – – – – – –
So, we want to end our series, won’t you be my neighbour? with some prayer and some homework.
PRAY FOR…
– a neighbour you like or love (someone who’s blessed you)
– a neighbour you do not like or don’t get along with (someone who’s hurt you)
– your city, region, province, country
HOMEWORK for the SUMMER…(60 Day Challenge)
– Attempt to have meaningful conversations with at least two neighbours this summer that is
a little more than chit chat…
– Purposely engage in an act of kindness that serves a need or seizes an opportunity that you’ve become aware of…
– Ask God to use you to speak encouragement to your closest neighbours (family/friends).
– Walk across the street…more than you currently do.
(Read/Pray/Rest)
– Read one gospel book (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John)
– Read one short NT book (i.e. Philippians, Ephesians, Jude, etc)
– Start each week with one Psalm (i.e. 1, 4, 8, 13, 15, 23, 46, 51, 100, 133, 139, 150)
– Pray before & after (simple prayer with Praise, Confession, Gratefulness, Requests)
– Rest/Unplug (make sure to rest when you have the opportunity, this is spiritual too)
by Marquis Murray | Jun 27, 2018 | Sunday Conversations
Watch This…TIM HORTON’s COMMERCIAL
Is that not an amazing commercial?
Say what you will about their coffee (you may or may not be a fan), but Tim Horton’s knocked it out of the park with this creative genius. Sure…there are 100’s of other drinks or food choices one could use to bring people together, but the point was well made.
And how timely is this commercial?
You could show this in any season. But this past week, with all the talk about borders and the lack of human dignity, we needed to be reminded just how important it is to break down walls and both love & see our neighbour as our selves.
(The southern US border issue has totally taken over the news these days, has it not?)
We’ve been asking this question the last few weeks…won’t you be my neighbour?
And challenged ourselves with this other question…what kind of neighbour will you be?
You know what’s at the heart of this conversation? Why neighbouring is difficult? Because human beings are diverse and complex beings.
So here’s a third question? How can I connect with those who are different then me? How can I be a neighbour to someone who looks, talks, acts, lives, and believes differently than me?
Glad you asked this question 🙂
TWO important statements we must get out of the way…
We’re all different…
You know this to be true simply because even the people who are closest to you are different than you…in character, personality, interests, etc.
&
We’re also all the same…
You also know this to be true because we all share similar needs, food, rest, relationships, shelter, etc.
If we’re all the same, but also all very different, why is it that we have such a hard time relating to people who are both the same and different if every one is both the same and different? A bit of a tongue twister, but worth asking.
Let me got this out of the way: we should appreciate people’s differences! People who follow Jesus should appreciate people’s differences! Because Everyone Matters to God. Period.
– – – – – – – – – –
We’ve been coming back to the same story, week after week. It’s found in two gospels, Mark 12 & Luke 10.
In Mark Jesus is asked what is the greatest commandment. In Luke he is asked how one experiences eternal life. The response is the same: Love God & Love Others.
Love God…how…with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
Love your neighbour…how…as you love yourself.
Let’s jump to Luke 10…after this exchange the religious teacher asks a follow up question…
“And who is my neighbour?”
Know that this question is more about ‘who is pure?’, ‘who is to be loved?’. Up to this point, they’re pretty sure neighbour would be someone close to them, like them, in their clan or tribe or culture or religion.
If you were here in week one (or read our recap), we learned that Jesus is quoting Leviticus, a book for Israel, to help Israel live in community. So the initial reference is about someone who was close, in culture and experience.
Jesus…as he does so well…expands our understanding of neighbour…and by doing that also expands our understanding of love.
Jesus responds by telling the (well known) story of the Good Samaritan…
- A man is hurt on the side of a road…robbed, stripped, left for dead
- A priest walks by and moves to the other side of the street
- A Levite (religious leader) also moves to the other side of the street
- A Samaritan…had pity on him, helped him, bandaged him, paid for his hotel room
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
I love that Jesus doesn’t just say, ‘correct answer’, he says, ‘go and live this out’.
This isn’t just about who has more compassion, it’s about who the Samaritan is in the story? Samaritan’s and Jews didn’t get along. Samaritan’s were different. They weren’t ‘pure’. They were ‘other people’. YET…the Samaritan is the neighbour in the story who loves on the other (needy) neighbour in the story. Jesus identifies the neighbour in need, and the neighbour with love.
The original listener, a religious Jew, thinks the priest or the Levite is correct? (stay clean…they’re not one of you…they’re not your neighbour…they’re not the same culture) But…by obeying the Torah (Law), they disobeyed it’s intent (Loving others).
Remember this: Loving others beats loving the Law. Love people more than you love your Bible. Why? Cause if you love your bible more than you love people, you’re probably not falling in love with the Jesus we find in the Bible.
This week was both a wild week in the news, and ironically also had a designated day… #RefugeeDay/#WithRefugee Day
Here are some of the quotes that caught my attention in relation to our conversation…
The busier we are living our lives the less we think about others. Don’t neglect those important to you. (D. Ridgley)
Neighbouring is so important because the way we treat others is a reflection of our relationship with Jesus.
We encounter Jesus in those who are poor, rejected, or refugees. Do not let fear get in the way of welcoming our neighbour in need.#WithRefugees (Pope)
A person’s dignity does not depend on them being a citizen, a migrant, or a refugee. Saving the life of someone fleeing war and poverty is an act of humanity. #WithRefugees (Pope)
“Being a Christian is not about having new ideas; it’s about having new eyes. It’s about seeing Jesus in our neighbours.” @ShaneClaiborne
“We get the sense that the closer we are to God the less we should want to throw stones at each other. None of us are beyond redemption and none of us above reproach”
@ShaneClaiborne
Hospitality is more than an open door. It’s an acknowledgement of the gifts the stranger brings. (Joan Chittister)
Do not spend time bothering whether to love your neighbour, act as if you did. (CS Lewis)
Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart and one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them. (posted by Kristen Mauceri)
This is all bound up in, “Who is my neighbour?”
A better question might be, “to whom can I be a neighbour?”
The difference is, you’re not sifting through your options, but looking to live out Jesus’ love of others.
This means that neighbourly love is whenever love and wherever love… (BIG)
That sounds extravagant, I know, but it’s the kind of love God has for us…and the kind of love that should pour out of us for others.
For this to happen; for us to love those who are the same & different…we need to practice these things…
– Respect
– Understanding & Appreciation of where people from
– Empathetic of others situation or circumstances
– Non-Judgment of peoples differences
– Hold your views with conviction & humility
– Instead of walking to the other side of the street to get away…walk to the side they’re on to get to know them.
TAKE HOME…
Here are a few things to think about when trying to connect with people who are different than you, and loving them, your neighbour, at the same time…
1) Start with Common Ground (the Tim Horton’s clip does this well)
2) Read a book with an opposing view as you
3) Build a relationship with someone who is different. Examples would be…people who don’t have your sexual orientation, who is of a different faith, who is of a different class or financial bracket, who sees the world differently than you do.
– If you look into each of those persons eyes, they matter to God!
– This is not to say that you should stay in a toxic relationship…or allow others to bully you or abuse you…not at all!
4) Pray…for those you love and for those you have a hard time loving.
In the words of the king of Wakanda (Black Panther) “Build Bridges, not walls”
by Marquis Murray | Jun 19, 2018 | Sunday Conversations
Spider Man (1970’s old school video)
Any Spider Man fans around? He has a multi-generational group of fans. What is your favourite of his super powers? Web, strength, agility, stick-i-ness, spidey sense? As cool and effective as his powers might be, I think his most powerful attribute is his title that reflects his character:
Friendly Neighbourhood Spider Man.
When his uncle found out about his powers he told him a very well known statement: With great power comes great responsibility.
The reality is that no matter how much skill, talent, power or money we may have, if we’re not neighbourly or friendly, it will never leave an impact.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13…you can have everything, but without love, you have nothing and you offer nothing.
– – – – – – – – –
Last week we started a conversation that is depicted by one question:
WON’T you be my NEIGHBOUR?
Neighbouring is the most common and everyday activity we engage in. Yet so many of us have a hard time being neighbours to one another.
As we make this invite and ask this question, the truth is this, weather we accept or decline, the reality stays the same, WE ARE NEIGHBOURS.
The real question is, what kind of neighbour will you be?
Next week we’ll dive into the issue of diversity and neighbouring: acknowledging that we are all the same, and yet all different, and of course, how do we move on from there.
We’re going to close it up on Canada day with a ‘Neighbourly Challenge’.
Today, let’s remember why we’re discussing this – we get to this conversation because Jesus is asked a question. The question isn’t about a neighbourly dispute, rather, it’s about faith and spirituality. Jesus connects our faith to our neighbourliness – he connects our love of him to our love of neighbour.
Love God…how? (heart, soul, mind, strength)
Love your neighbour…how? (as yourself)
The second most important question in this story comes in Luke 10:29…
27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Who is my neighbour?
Why this question? Because the expert in religious law wanted to know exactly ‘WHO’ he should be loving as himself. Fair question. Which we’ll answer more in depth next week 😉
Jesus responds with a story.
30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Three words helps us describe the Samaritan’s actions:
Opportunity / Proximity / Practicality
As he travelled… (opportunity)
– The Samaritan wasn’t intentionally going anywhere, he was simply travelling and came across this opportunity.
Came where the man was… (proximity)
– The Samaritan walked across the road to get close to get close enough to serve his neighbour.
Saw him…took pity…bandaged him up…gave him a lift…paid for his hotel fee… (practicality)
– He did what he could with what he had. Simple. Practical.
The Samaritan is the unlikely hero in this story. He is aware enough to see the need that faces him. He is close enough to do something. He does what he can with that he has.
He has no super powers. No extra-ordinary ability. No cape, no x-ray vision, no super suit, no webs, no team of avengers to help him. He does what he can with what he has.
Well…he does exhibit some kind of power:
If we want to become the kind of neighbour Jesus is inviting us to be, we don’t need any powers, we don’t need more money, we don’t need more time, we don’t need a fancy suit. All we need is what we already have…coupled with compassion & presence.
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Back to Spider Man. I know he has a cool suit, and some interesting and useful powers, but the what makes him stand out is simply found in his title: Friendly Neighbourhood Spider Man.
Fathers & Men. Listen UP: (this talk was shared on Father’s Day)
We’re fooled to think that we need more of anything to make a difference. You have all the gifts and tools you need to make a difference. As long as you are a man who is able to be Present & Compassionate, you will influence and encourage your kids and/or anybody God puts in your path.
by Marquis Murray | Jun 12, 2018 | Sunday Conversations
Who remembers the children’s show, Mr. Rogers? Boy does that show take you back. A simple show that kids all over North America watched growing up. This year they’re releasing a documentary of the Mr. Rogers. (Check it out HERE)
Rogers took risks, pushed the envelope, was super creative with very simple tools, and taught a generation of kids how to be neighbours. He knew that living with humans is harder than it looks, and rather than taking it for granted, he wanted to help people get along.
This week we begin a new series…about humans…and other humans…and how those two sets of humans get along. We hope that this series comes out exactly how it reads: but more than just a question, it’s an invitation…
WON’T you be my NEIGHBOUR?
Neighbouring is the most common and everyday activity we engage in. Yet so many of us have trouble being neighbours to one another. Every time you’re with another human being, you are practicing the art of neighbouring – you’re either doing it well…or not so well.
As we make this invite and ask this question, the truth is this, weather we accept or decline, the reality stays the same, WE ARE ALL NEIGHBOURS. I guess the question is, what kind of neighbour will you be?
The Bible (NIV) has 144 references to the word Neighbour.
Jesus attaches the word neighbour to the conversation about greatest commandment. (Mark 12)
Proverbs and other OT books give us wisdom and practical advice on how to navigate relationships with our neighbours.
With that in mind, let’s dive in…
Mark 12 & Luke 10
When we think of neighbour and the scripture, the first place we might go to is Mark 12 or Luke 10.
Mark tells us that Jesus is asked this questions, “what is the greatest commandment?”
Luke tells us Jesus is asked this questions, “what must one do to experience eternal life?”
The response by Jesus is the same in both gospels:
Love God – Love Others.
To be clear, Jesus is more specific…
Love God with…all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
Love your neighbour…as yourself.
He could’ve stopped at LOVE GOD and we would’ve got it. We might even have liked that response better. Sometimes it’s easier to love God than to love people…actually…most of the time. But he doesn’t.
Jesus never stops where we think he should. He always goes further – always goes deeper.
The two best words in the Bible might be BUT & AND. Because when they show up, you know the next thing coming is important.
Love God…AND…Love your neighbour as yourself.
Notice that the example we’re given on how to love others, is how we love ourselves. That’s profoundly interesting, don’t you think? All the good things you want for yourself…all the hopes you dreams you have…all the love you long for in your own life…
Jesus says…this is how to love your neighbour.
Interesting that in other places in scripture we’re told to put others before ourselves or put others interests above ours. But here, Jesus says, the way you love yourself, you must love others.
#1. Love yourself. See yourself in God’s image of you…see yourself the way God sees you.
#2. Love your neighbour in the exact same way.
(For those of you who have a hard time loving yourself, this might be a moment to ask God to help you get over that, and see yourself the way he sees you)
Why do you think we have all the conflict and unrest we see in the world? Why war? Why violence? Why hate? Why unrest? Why walls?
Because we always (or often) only see our neighbours as ‘other’ and not ‘us’.
The word ‘Yourself’ in this scripture is really important!!! It changes everything.
Leviticus & Neighbouring?
We often hear the challenge to be a better neighbour and go right to Jesus and the gospels. Like we just did. Rightfully so, Jesus made that audacious claim about loving God & Others.
However, Jesus takes both the first part of his statement (Love God) and the second part (Love your neighbour) from the OT.
First one is from Deuteronomy 6.
The second? Leviticus. Of all the places to narrow down your most important commandment? Leviticus? Other than numbers, it might be the toughest (and most boring) book to read in the bible.
But…this is in fact where Jesus draws his words:
We read lots about neighbouring in the Leviticus:
- 18:20 No sex with your neighbours spouse (not PG, sorry, but still in the Scriptures)
- 19:13 don’t fraud your neighbour
- 19:15 judge your neighbour fairly
- 19:16 don’t endanger your neighbour
- 19:17 be honest with your neiughbour
- 19:18 Love your neighbour as yourself
It’s important to note the context of Leviticus: this neighbouring is about those who are close by (Israel as a nation and community). There are many scriptures about the foreigner and the alien and the refugee (more on that in the coming weeks), but here, it’s about the people who live close to you.
This begs the questions…
Who are the closest to you?
Who is it that you do life with most?
Who are the ones most effected by your decisions, your actions, your behaviour?
Start there! No really, start becoming a better neighbour with the people who are closest to you.
Be a neighbour first to the people who are the closest.
Here’s the thing, if you can’t be a neighbour to them, how can you be a neighbour to those who are different than you? Who are far from you?
Other interesting instructions
Exodus 12:4 – share what you have with your neighbour if what you have is too much for you
Exodus 20:17 – don’t say false things about your neighbour
Exodus 22:26-37 – return what you borrow from your neighbour
Proverbs 25:17 – Don’t be in your neighbours home too much. Too much of a good thing is a bad thing
Proverbs 27:14 – Even nice and lovely things, said too early in the morning, becomes a curse to your neighbour
Proverbs 14:21 – You can be as kind as you want to your neighbour, it will always be welcomed
TAKE HOME :
Neighbouring takes thoughtfulness & action; wisdom & patience.
- All those practical bits of wisdom from Exodus, Leviticus, and Proverbs are helpful.
- Just like every other role we play, husband, friend, wife, dad, leader…we are getting better at those things, we can be getting better at neighbouring.
- Here’s a statement to adopt, ‘I am becoming a neighbour’.
Law Fades / Love Stays
- In Mark & Luke Jesus turns the religious leader’s understanding of Moses’ law on it’s head…it’s not about how neat and tidy you follow the Law, rather, it’s how lavishly you can live out God’s love.
- As you look back to the OT you start to see what was going to stick and what was going to fade. Remember this, Law Fades / Love Stays
Neighbouring begins at Home
- As we move on in this series we’ll see how far and impactful this neighbouring thing really is
- But first…remember that neghbouring starts where you are…with who’s near you
- your close circle
- behind closed doors
- Less Attention = Bigger Impact
- We have this all wrong when focus on big attention, which might only bring little impact.
- One of the questions you may want to start your day with are, ‘What can I do for _____________ today?’. Ask this about your wife, husband, kids, friend, co-worker, etc. Who knows what God can do with that kind of loaded question.
Accepting the invitation from Jesus to be a neighbour will challenge you, but it will also change you.
So…Won’t you be my neighbour?
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(Quotes from the big screen on Sunday)
“Who is my neighbour?” irrelevant to Jesus, for whom everyone, even your enemy, is a neighbour. The only question is, “What does neighbourly mean?” (L. Sweet)
There is a story behind every person, a reason why they are the way they are. Don’t be quick to judge. Be kind and assume the best. (Nicky Gumble)
Nationalism defines neighbours. The gospel doesn’t give us that permission. We don’t define neighbour by street, block or town.
Not too many people want to actually talk, they only want to tell. If you want to talk, you have to be able to listen.
Learn to be present with others.
Make eye contact.
Ask a thoughtful question.
Stay curious.
Don’t interrupt with your story.
Listening for pain & joy
Behold the meaning. (Dan white Jr.)
The biblical test case for love of God is love of neighbour.
The biblical test case for love of neighbour is love of enemy. (Zhahn)
People may hate us because of Jesus, but they should never hate Jesus because of us.
(Jen Hatmaker)
Love your neighbours. Not the neighbours you pick out, but the ones you have.
(Wendell Berry)
This movie starts with a HUGE song, “This is the greatest show”. Calling us to the watch and participate in the greatest show, “like it’s everything you ever wanted and needed.”