Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, June 29, 2025

What might Jesus think about diversity? 

Jesus was not limited by boundaries and borders. He called two people to be his disciples who were diametrically opposed politically, a tax collector and a revolutionary. Jesus touched lepers. Jesus allowed sinful people to touch him. He crossed borders to heal a woman’s daughter in Syro-Phoenicia and to bring wholeness to a troubled soul in the country of the Gerasenes. He was criticized for his compassion with people like Zacchaeus, Bartimaeus, a person caught in adultery, and a Centurion. Jesus was crucified for political dissent. Jesus made room in his ministry for diverse people. Jesus did not discriminate because of difference.

Jesus worked for unity in diversity, not by requiring uniformity of culture, belief, practice, or even religion. Jesus worked for unity in diversity by exemplifying respect, and teaching forgiveness, fairness, and understanding rooted in allegiance to the love of God, neighbor, and self.

Jesus would not have us fear diversity or fight against it. Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Yours in Christ,

Marc