jesus & black lives matter

I have gone back and forth the past week on whether to write this. If you follow me on social media (which I’m assuming you do in some capacity because that’s my primary marketing tool for my blog), then I’m sure you already know my stance on racial justice and the Black Lives Matter movement. To that end, I wasn’t sure if in writing a blog post I had anything new to add to the conversation. Furthermore, there are so many other black creators that can speak to the movement with more articulation and clarity than I ever could. And I would highly, highly encourage you to read their blogs, listen to their podcasts, and pursue their art. 

Still, I felt a tug on my heart to write something. So, I decided to go back to my roots. I began to reflect on why I started writing in the first place. My hope being that by sharing my experiences and knowledge, I could help others. So please accept this as my humble offering, speaking from the heart of a white, middle-upper class, female, follower of Jesus. 

What Jesus says about Black Lives Matter: 

Jesus goes after the one. The Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15:1-7. In this analogy, a shepherd has 100 sheep. One of those sheep goes missing. Jesus, the good shepherd, leaves the 99 sheep to go find the one who has gone missing, not because he doesn't care about the other 99 sheep but because this one sheep is in danger. The good shepherd finds the one, and brings him home safely saying to the 99: “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.”

Jesus rejoices in the returning of the lost. The Parable of the Lost Son in Luke 15: 11-32. In this story, there was a man with two sons. The younger son leaves his family to squander his inheritance, while the older son stays behind to help his father. After spending all his money, the younger son finds himself hungry, poor and homeless. He finally decides to return to his father’s house, fully expecting to be turned away. Instead, upon his arrival, the father runs, hugs his long lost son and throws him an elaborate party to celebrate their reunion. As a result, the older son feels hurt and confused. He is the one who stayed. Doesn't he matter? “Of course you do,” responds the father. “But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is now found.”

Jesus is angered when the weak are taken advantage of. Jesus at the Temple in Matthew 21:12-15. Jesus entered the temple courts and saw that it had been turned into a marketplace. What should have been the dwelling place of the Lord had been turned into a “den of robbers.” Not only were the people defilining His father’s house but, moreover, the sellers were stealing from their naive customers by charging them more than necessary and exchanging money unfairly. Jesus’ response to this injustice: to overturn tables. 

Jesus purposely pursues the marginalized. Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman in John 4:1-26. On his way to Galilee, Jesus passes through Samaria. To the Jews, the Samaritans had a reputation of being thieves and rats, lower than human. They were a dirty and untrustworthy people. Still, Jesus not only goes out of his way to speak to a Samaritan woman (which shocks even her), but seeks out the one woman who is so marginalized that even the Samaritan people don’t associate with her. Jesus calls her beloved and entrusts her with the secrets of heaven. This is the person Jesus intentionally chose as the very first Christain evangelist. 

Jesus Heals the Lame Man in John 5:1-14. In Jerusalem, Jesus seeks out the Sheep Gate, a pool where “a great number of disabled people used to lie- the blind, the lame, the paralyzed.” Jesus makes it a point to abide at the meeting place of all those who have been outcast by society. Those that others deemed unclean and unworthy of love, Jesus befriends and heals. 

Jesus Blesses the Children in Mark 10:13-16. While Jesus is teaching, a few children approach Him. The disciples admonish the parents, saying they are wrong for bothering Jesus with mere children. His time is precious and must be spent on more important persons. But Jesus denies the disciples and invites the children to Him with open arms, saying the “kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 

Jesus challenges those in power to reflect on the position of their hearts. Jesus Teaches at the Festival in John 7:14-21. The Pharisees and Jews accuse Jesus of not following the law of Moses because He heals on the Sabbath (Sunday, the day of rest). Jesus’ simple response to those accusations: But you all do not keep the law either! Before you condemn me look at your own heart. 

Jesus and The Rich Young Ruler in Luke 18:18-30. A ruler visits Jesus seeking eternal life. “What must I do Lord?” he asks. Jesus responds, “You must follow the Ten Commandments.” The ruler now feels extremely confident as he affirms, “Yes, I have done so all my life.” But Jesus desires more. Jesus calls him to examine his wealth, claiming that to truly follow Him, the ruler must sell all he has and give to the poor. 

Jesus mourns with those who mourn. Jesus Comforts Martha and Mary in John 11:17-37. Upon receiving news that Lazarus, His dear friend, is dying, Jesus returns to Judea to be with Lazarus’ family, even at great risk to His own personal safety (as there were many in Judea that wanted to kill Jesus). Unfortunately, Jesus arrives only after Lazarus has died. In the shortest verse in the Bible, we are given proof of His undeniable empathy and compassion for those who mourn: “Jesus wept.” 

So what does Jesus say about Black Lives Matter through His life and ministry? 

I stand with the broken, the hurt, the oppressed, the marginalized and the outcast. I rejoice in their triumphs and cry with them in their suffering. And it is the job of all who love me to do the same. They are my children, chosen and dearly beloved. Their lives have meaning, depth and purpose. Their lives matter. Black lives matter.