JESUS CANCELED?
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
READING: MATTHEW 13:53-58
In this final passage, Jesus returns to teach in his hometown. Surprisingly, after hearing his teaching, the people are offended and react as though he should not have the ability, authority, or capacity to teach them. Jesus was rejected, or canceled, by those who had known him longer than anyone.
As Christians, we are also tempted to partake in “cancel culture.” While we strive to be different, set apart, and like Christ, we still sin.
So, what do we do? What can we do? Return to Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
As Christians, we are also tempted to partake in “cancel culture.” While we strive to be different, set apart, and like Christ, we still sin.
- We withhold forgiveness.
- We cast judgment.
- We are offended by the success of someone we know has done wrong, and so we quietly cut them out of our lives.
So, what do we do? What can we do? Return to Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
JOURNALING QUESTIONS
Take some time to reflect and journal through the following questions:
- Am I living as Christ has called me to live, set apart and different from this world?
- How am I participating in “cancel culture” and not in the forgiveness of Christ?
- What do I need to let go of in order to forgive others?