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What does `receiving` mean?

By: Chris Peacock
Category: Jesus Befriending and Promoting the Lowly

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a. Does Jesus believe lowly people are valuable? b. How valuable?

How valuable? The answer to b. is a tricky one to answer. As valuable as all others. He views all people as equal in status, despite their physical ability, wealth, social status, religion, age, gender, family. However, because the Jews were living, as we do, in a `fallen world` where it is possible to do, think and say sinful things; they were tempted, and gave into, the sin of `valuing` some people more importantly than others. Ofcourse we value people differently with regards to our own contexts, but the message of Jesus is when considering the kingdom of God ''i.e. closeness to God, favour in God`s eyes'' all are equal.

By: Chris Peacock
Category: Jesus Befriending and Promoting the Lowly

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a. Does Jesus believe lowly people are valuable? b. How valuable?

The answer to the very fundamental question a. is yes. Why? Because i. he `received` `sinners` ''`lowly people`'' and ate with them, and would have only done this if he valued them as his time on earth was limited; ii. he welcomed children ''`lowly people`'' to be brought to him for him to put his hand on them and pray, and would only have done this if he valued them as the people he could see in his time on earth was limited; iii. he made receiving children ''`lowly people`'' equal to receiving him, such an equality in receiving shows that children are valuable; iv. he looked at how a `poor widow` ''`lowly person`'' gave money to God via the temple and placed greater value on her giving than all the other giveers because of the level of personal sacrifice, value was based on sacrifice rather than financial status and social rights; v. he asked for a drink from a woman ''`lowly person` as viewed by Jews of that time'' and not only a woman but also a Samaritan women ''`lowly person`..'' and not only a Samaritan woman but someone who was living in a sinful manner ''`lowly person'' - this action in the culture of that time meant he viewed her as an equal human being; this showed he valued her despite being lowly; vi. and finally he taught people to invite the poor, lame and blind ''`lowly people` '' as opposed to friends, brothers, rich neighbors and relatives. Following Jesus teachings is an act of love towards him, so Jesus must view valuing `lowly people` highly. And as highly as `higher people`.

By: Chris Peacock
Category: Jesus Befriending and Promoting the Lowly

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