Everything We Ever Learned in Kindergarten

One of the things that Jesus tried to impress on his follower is the need to lose their ego.  He was persistent to this end.  Giving the most articulate example, of this lesson, on the last night with them  before his death.  He got down to the lowest possible human position and washed their dung dirty feet (John 13). That is he took the position of the households lowest servant, who stayed at the entrance of the home, and washed visitor’s feet before they would enter the home. Then he said to them in so many words: ‘Now you take the same position with each other’.

Humility is a pretty difficult quality for we proud humans to emulate. Our pride is capable of removing all possibility of stooping to such level of indignity. 

However we are given one other teaching, attributed to Jesus, in Matthew 15 (see below) that is equally difficult to swallow. It is another lesson that goes against our grain. It is also all about humility.  Being willing to put ourselves in a loving mode as we approach someone we are upset with.  It tells us to be honest and direct with someone who has in some way offended and/or hurt us. The purpose is not to get-them-back or put them in a place of embarrassment, shame or disgrace.  The purpose is to hope for reconciliation and regain an otherwise damaged relationship. A time to offer someone who has caused you some unfortunate feelings a space of grace and forgiveness. It is the way we all learned in kindergarten. 

Now I invite you to read what Matthew has to say; and then share your thoughts.

15 "If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. 16 But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." 21 Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. (Matt. 18:15-22)