We all know that the world can be a very violent and scary place - there is so much injustice, hatred, and fear. It can seem overwhelming sometimes and we wonder if things will ever change for the better. People of all times and places have struggled with this. The people of Israel were convinced that God would pour out compassion on the people and move their hearts to repentance and change. The early Christians believed that the prophecy of Zechariah was fulfilled in Jesus. By baptism God removed the barriers between people - no longer slave or free, male or female, Greek or Jew, God's compassionate mercy is intended for all. People have not responded very well and have undone much of God's work through selfishness and fear. They are unwilling to let go of old ideas, grudges, hatreds, prejudices, and negative habits. Most of all, they are unwilling to help God bring about a new and transformed world.

There was one who was willing to give up everything for this goal: Jesus. Even after hearing Peter profess him as the Messiah, Jesus insisted that his work involved the cross and suffering. This was the only way to redeem humanity and transform the world so he was willing, even unto death. Jesus did not come in order to be worshipped but to be followed - and he demanded that of all of his followers. Our journey to God and our willingness to share in the ministry - and the cross - of Jesus are one and the same thing. Do we merely belong to a church or are we disciples of Jesus?