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Jesus: Actually
We talk a lot about Jesus in the church. He constantly comes up in the songs we sing, the prayers we pray, and in our regular conversations. But who was Jesus, really? What made this carpenter from Galilee the most influential and controversial figure in all of human history? Join us as we dig into who Jesus the man was…and why we follow him as Jesus the King.

Jesus as the Least of These

"The least of these" comes from Matthew 25.

The defining mark of a Christian is not Bible knowledge.
It’s concern for those in need. Love proves whether or not you’re Jesus’ follower. He’s the judge. His judgment is based on this: when you had the opportunity to help, did you? If you helped, you’re in. If you ignored, you’re out. There are people who honestly think they are good, who are going to be surprised. They came to church! But they didn’t do what they could to help others. If we believe Jesus, we imitate Him. And He went around helping people.
The object is to do it without being seen, or thanked, or praised. We don’t help others in order to get into heaven. We help because we care about them. Our help isn’t carefully performed so others will see, or so God will see. We don’t even pat ourselves on the back, or keep a mental list of the good things we’ve done.

Jesus identifies with the least
- He was not physically attractive
- He was an alien
- He lived in poverty
- He suffered injustice

Prejudice – preconceived beliefs, attitudes, & opinions about members of another group.
Discrimination – negative behaviors directed against another group.
Indirect discrimination – a practice or rule which applies to everyone, but has a worse effect on some groups.
Harassment – inappropriate jokes, insults, name-calling, or negative actions because of race, color, gender, sex, age, disability, religion. Marginalization – pushing a group of people to the edge of society by not allowing them a voice, identity, or place.
Racial inequality – unequal power, access, or opportunity based on skin color.

White Privilege
We don’t like that term. We don’t like “white” because we are not used to being defined by our race. We don’t like “privilege” because we don’t feel it applies. We had to struggle for what we’ve got. But that term doesn’t mean we’ve never struggled. It merely recognizes that historic and enduring racism, bias, and discrimination are real. What are some privileges white people enjoy, that keep the playing field from being level?
1. We can generally count on police protection rather than harassment or suspicion.
2. We can choose to live in safer neighborhoods with nearby hospitals.
3. We’re given more attention and respect in conversations.
4. We are treated as individuals.
5. We earn more money than minorities. $1 for every 60 or 70 cents minorities earn. Hispanics slightly more. Our median net worth is vastly more. Some argue we work harder, save better, spend more efficiently, but that’s not born out by facts. Wealth is passed from one generation to the next. White families are able to help more with their children’s college expenses, first cars, first homes. We’re more likely to get a loan, or get the loan at a better rate.
6. We have a nicer jobs, advance faster. Minorities do the hardest, most dangerous work.
7. We have better schools and get further education.
8. We’re given the benefit of the doubt, when there are questions.
9. We are granted more of a chance to survive a mistake. We receive less severe consequences. We’re given a second chance, sooner.

What actions can I take to help?
#1. Learn. Talk to, and especially listen to people from other groups. Listen carefully. Don’t dominate the conversation. Don’t question their feelings. See if you can identify with them. That’s how Jesus treated us.
#2. Speak up courageously when you see discrimination or bias or racism. Don’t let peers get away with derogatory remarks. Advocate for equal pay. Be a witness if a person of another group is being treated unfairly. Take a stand.
#3. Give some time and money to help people of other groups.

Prayer of a Goat:
O kind and good-natured God, how glad I am to look forward to another beautiful, comfortable, ordinary day. Keep me from anything that tires me out, from strain or discomfort, from problems, especially those that involve sickness, or death, or people needing money. Don’t let anything happen that disturbs my satisfaction with the way I am. Give my conscience peace from any qualms I may have about the amount of time and money I spend on myself and my interests: my family, my home, my job, my savings, my vacations, my exercise, and my health. Guide me safely from my work to my home to my church, without having to deal with people who are in messy situations. Amen.

Let the Spirit guide you. Every human being is unique so we can’t classify people into groups and automatically know their needs. Jesus didn’t heal everybody during His 3 year ministry on earth. He met needs one by one. Ask questions and evaluate how to best love this person right in front of you. Love is not a box you can check. We don’t keep track of when we give food, give clothing, visit a sick person. No, we just practice helping. And love is not a check you can box. You can’t just dump your offering in the basket and say, “I’m done.” We practice helping. If you’re watching, around the next corner there’ll be another need, another chance to show the love of God. Jesus loved everybody, even those considered the least, even sinners like us, and so do we.