journeys-page

Recently I began teaching the 5th and 6th grade Sunday School class. Our first lesson together was about the women who followed Jesus. After reading the few verses that mention women followers by name, our conversation veered away from the lesson plan and we talked about how Jesus spent time with people that society considered unimportant, unworthy or even hated. I asked the students, “What groups of people do you think Jesus would spend time with today, people that we may think were a waste of time or a bad choice?” Here’s what made the list: Gang members – they need Jesus the most because they don’t have any hope LGBTQ people – people treat them badly and call them sinners even though everybody sins People in the Middle East – there is always fighting there From there, we went on to discuss a few other topics, until it was time to leave and I was left wondering if anyone knew the story of Mary and Martha that was supposed to be today’s lesson. But later in the day, I reflected on the sincerity and accuracy of the students’ statements. It brought to mind what happened after Jesus was in the Temple, turning over the money lenders’ tables and healing the blind and disabled. Children watched and began shouting “Hosanna!” The priests and legal experts confronted Jesus: 16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus. “Haven’t you ever read about it in Scripture? It says, “‘Lord, you have made sure that children and infants praise you.’” Matthew 21:16   Do you hear what these children are saying? Jesus loves gang members, LGBTQ people, and everyone in the Middle East. Kids have a way of responding to the most difficult and complicated problems with a clarity that adults have lost. Hosanna! —Christina Landenberger