News 

ENewsButton

Sign-up for free e-newsletter

Viewpoint from Rev Daniel Pritchard 31/07/2020

DANIEL PRITCHARDRev Daniel Pritchard
Trust Chaplain – James Paget University Hospital

 
In recent weeks, one thing has dominated the headlines and, sometimes, these Mercury Viewpoint articles.  So, I am not even going to mention it! Not once

I thought perhaps I should change the subject
 
That got me thinking, about times when Jesus changed the subject.  He had a way of turning things around so that people found themselves having to think personally about issues they we might rather avoid!  I'll give you my examples, but you may well remember some others
 
dove leftIn Matthew’s Gospel chapter 16, Jesus and His disciples arrived at a place called Caesarea Philippi, where He asked them a seemingly innocuous question: “Who do people say I am?” They gave him various replies: “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets”.  Today, as then, people have all kinds of opinions about who Jesus was (and is) and there is no shortage of answers or opinions!  But look at how Jesus flips the question. “But what about you, who do you say I am?”  Isn’t that still the crunch question? So what about you? Who do you say Jesus is?
 
A rich young man asked what good thing he could do to enter the Kingdom of Heaven  (Matthew 19).  With his wealth and obedience to the law, he thought he was well set, until Jesus changed the subject, inviting him to put aside anything of himself that he might depend on and simply become a follower, a disciple. “Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” He said, and we are told the young man went away very sad, unable to relinquish his great wealth.  I wonder what holds you or me back from simply following Christ today
 
Dove rightLastly, I remember the lawyer in Luke’s Gospel chapter 10 who, encouraged that to “love his neighbour” was a key to life, tried to justify himself by asking “and who is my neighbour?”  Jesus told the famous story of the Good Samaritan (a contradiction in terms for his listeners) and then flipped the question, asking “which of these three was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” leaving only one answer available:  “The one who showed mercy” revealing that my neighbour is anyone, whatever their creed colour or religion, who needs my help. Who might that be for me, for you, today?

also published in the Great Yarmouth Mercury

 


The views carried here are those of the author, not of Network Yarmouth, and are intended to stimulate constructive and good-natured debate between website users

These views are personal ones and are intended to stimulate constructive debate amongst website users. We welcome your thoughts and comments, posted at the bottom of the relevant article. We would ask you to abide by our forum rules and may delete any comments which do not

We welcome your thoughts and comments, posted below, upon the ideas expressed here

Click here to read our forum and comment posting guidelines