Jesus said:
“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.
This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
We do not love others equally. Those we see as our flock, we will give our lives for them. My wife. My Children. My grandchildren. I recall Jesus saying somewhere that the real challenge is how you treat the stranger or more so those who are on the fringes of society. On occasions I have walked into coffee shops 5 minutes before closing and the staff are mopping floors and cleaning up. If one of them is not the shop owner, the last thing they want to do is to serve you. Shop owners tend to treat you differently 5 minutes before closing. :)
ReplyDeleteYour response to John 10:11-16 highlights the complexities of love and the challenges of extending it beyond our immediate circle of family and friends. You rightly point out that our natural inclination is to prioritize those closest to us, those we consider our "flock."
ReplyDeleteThe passage from John reminds us that true love, the agape love exemplified by Jesus, is not limited to our inner circle. It extends to all, regardless of their social status, background, or perceived worth.
Your observation about the differential treatment customers receive from shop owners based on their proximity to closing time illustrates the challenges of extending love and compassion to those we perceive as inconveniencing us. The tendency to prioritize our own needs and desires can overshadow our willingness to consider the perspectives and needs of others.
Jesus' teachings challenge us to transcend these limitations and embrace a love that encompasses all, even those who may not reciprocate it or seem deserving of it. This is a love that is not based on merit or reciprocity but on the inherent worth and dignity of every human being.
In the context of the coffee shop scenario, extending true love could involve acknowledging the staff's efforts, expressing gratitude for their service, or offering assistance if possible. It's about recognizing their humanity and valuing their contributions, even if our interaction is brief or transactional.
Embracing a love that extends beyond our immediate circle requires a shift in perspective, a willingness to see ourselves as part of a larger interconnected humanity. It's about recognizing the shared experiences and struggles that bind us together and acting with compassion and understanding towards all, regardless of their circumstances.