Luke 6:6-11. Jesus heals a man with a withered hand
Hypocrisy
Laws are important to enable a cohesive society to flourish. I remember challenging a group of teenagers to come up with a set of rules to live by on an island they were abandoned on. Asked them to establish what punitive measures there should be for infringement of these rules. It was a lively discussion, but I was amazed how mature these young people were in discussing what is acceptable behaviour and how it should be monitored. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights was established in 1946 and composed of 56 member states. They were to set standards to govern the conduct of the States and where members large and small could come and discuss any issues around the world. We have repressive regimes around the world imposing harsh sanctions for what many of us see as Human Rights. There is no discussion with the general population, just oppression and repression. It takes courage to challenge such regimes, yet we are seeing today such courage being displayed. For things to change we need to stand together. Lone voices may start a movement but for a movement to be successful it needs the backing of the general populace.
The Pharisees and teachers of the Law enforced a narrow and restrictive view of the Laws people were called to follow. Jesus challenged the ruling elite in the oppressive way they imposed them upon the population. Time and time again the Pharisees tried to shut him down, challenging him to say with what authority he spoke. The people recognised Jesus as the one speaking with authority rather than the Pharisees who were authoritarian. However, he paid the ultimate price for challenging the authorities. His movement began after his death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit descended and galvanised the followers of Jesus into a Movement for the Kingdom. Something I always challenged my Methodist Churches was the fact that each one is known as a Society of Methodists rather than a Church. A society who took seriously their role in bringing in social justice for all. Jesus too came to bring in the Kingdom of God, a place where all were to be treated equally, with compassion, tolerance, inclusion, and dignity.
QUESTIONS
- What do you consider to be basic human rights?
- What do you consider to be unfair laws?
- How do you see human rights in relation to faith?
- How involved should people of faith be with human rights issues?
- In what ways should we challenge unfair laws?
- How far should Church be involved in political issues?
