My husband and I often must act as referees while moderating the differences between our two offspring. They focus on what makes them different instead of what unites them. We frequently remind the two that they need each other—something that’s hard for them to see.
The body of Christ is often recognized more for its divisions than its unity in Jesus. Whether the disagreement centers on denominations, philosophies of ministry or worship styles, the battles can be fierce.
As Luke 9:46-62 illustrates, the struggle isn’t a new one. While the disciples may have been trying to protect the integrity of Jesus’ ministry, their desire for distinction went beyond a passion for truth. Telling Jesus, “We told him to stop because he isn’t in our group”, they drew a line of separation Christ had not drawn (Luke 9:49).
Looking at this passage, we see an interesting pattern in the accounts. Notice verses Luke 9:46-48 where Jesus redirects the disciples because they’re wrongly positioning themselves for importance. A little later on, they again take up the wrong view in wanting to call down fire on those who had rejected Christ (Luke 9:52-54). Unlike other casual followers, the disciples were committed to following Christ (Luke 9:62). But their radical faith didn’t guarantee that their perspective always revealed the full picture (1 Corinthians 13:12).
We can’t compromise the truth of salvation through Jesus alone. But when it comes to the unity of believers, we must remember: His body was broken and His clothes were divided so that His church wouldn’t have to be (1 Corinthians 13:13; Ephesians 2:14; Colossians 1:16-20).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 20:20-40
More:
Read Numbers 11:16-30 and ask God to show you the times you’ve wrongly judged His work in and through others.
Next:
Who are some believers in Jesus you don’t want to be identified with? What is at the root of your issue(s) with them? When should we disagree, and when should we choose to defer in love?
Gary Shultz on September 4, 2014 at 6:43 am
Oh, how true, we always seem to think our brand of Jesus is the best and only functional work on the planet. We seem to have this reoccurring notion that we were appointed a judge, when we have been asked to serve.
Regina Franklin on September 4, 2014 at 7:56 pm
Well said, Gary! I like to remind myself that we have all been commissioned to repair the breach, and just as Nehemiah assigned people different places on the literal wall he rebuilt, we each have a unique task to complete. What you’ve been asked to build may look somewhat different than what God has assigned to me, but without question–when Christ is the center–we are at work on the same project of restoration.
poohpity on September 4, 2014 at 11:22 am
His body was broken?
Regina Franklin on September 4, 2014 at 7:58 pm
Thanks to Rogermd for clarifying! My statement was not a reference to any broken bones in Jesus’ body (because none were broken) but to the “breaking” process of the crucifixion that Paul refers to in 1 Corinthians.
rogermd on September 4, 2014 at 6:21 pm
For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” I Corinthians 11, 23.4
rogermd on September 4, 2014 at 7:48 pm
This “breaking” may be figurative – it is emphasised elsewhere that not one of Jesus’ bones was broken.
Flogging however horribly tore and mutilated the body. And he was pierced by mails and a spear.
Hope this helps.