Immoral Outsiders
In chapter one, Keller discusses the difference between immoral outsiders and moral insiders. According to the context of Luke 15, it is apparent the intended audience of the parable is the moral insiders. While Jesus’ heart is for all people, we see multiple examples of how He impacted the lives of immoral outsiders. To better demonstrate the ministry and approach of Jesus, we are given three examples on page 15 that should spark our interest.
Sexual outcast (Luke 7) – Woman with the alabaster box
Racial outcast (John 3-4) – Samaritan woman at the well
Political outcast (Luke 19) – Zacchaeus the tax collector
In each of these examples, at least one or more Pharisees are caught murmuring or rejecting the message of Christ while the immoral outsiders are changed from the inside out. In the last paragraph of chapter one, Keller challenges us to consider the makeup of our modern church. “We tend to draw conservative, buttoned-down moralistic people… If the preaching of our ministers and the practice of our parishioners do not have the same effect on people that Jesus had, then we must not be declaring the message that Jesus did. If our churches aren’t appealing to younger brothers, they must be more full of elder brothers than we’d like to think.”
Discussions for the week:
- How was Jesus able to impact the lives of so many “younger brothers” without condoning sin while effectively changing them from the inside out?
- Why have most churches become “elder brother” minded and what are the dangers with such a mindset?
I think churches have become “elder brother” minded because it is the normal response of most “Christians” and therefore, very acceptable. One of the main “elder brother” attitudes in churches today is not treating people who are different than themselves kindly. The unsaved criticize the church saying that they do not hesitate to collect their money, but scoff at the lack of true care they feel among the “brothers” in the church. One preacher said that people feel more welcomed in a bar than they do in a church. For example, if a lone, obviously troubled poor soul stepped into a church during a Christmas service, how many “brothers” in church would be rushing to invite him over for Christmas dinner? How many would even try to get to know him and get involved in his life? Would you?
I agree that many people who say they are believers have little interest in being true friends to younger brothers. The only way to dispel an “older brother” mindset is through a heart transformation; and hearts are changed by God’s Word. However, many churches today are not dedicated to teaching the Bible. They are more concerned with other things. No wonder many of our churches are filled with older brothers.
Jesus did not judge, he came willing to accept anyone and more in favor of those that took a huge risk to love him. How is it that God can forgive anything and humans cannot. Maybe because we are all sinners, but which sin is worse, being a crook or judging others.
Jesus welcomed all sinners and called on them to come to Him for salvation.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 ESV
However, Christ made it clear that He did not condone sin–an essential part of coming to Christ is repentance from sin:
“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32
Jesus always lived a consistent life before outsiders and insiders. He consistently showed compassion and love toward “younger brothers” even when others condemned them. Jesus consistently offered genuine forgiveness. Jesus was also consistent in that He never condoned their sin. On many occasions, His last words were or were similar to “Go, and sin no more”. Is there really any wonder why the younger brothers were … consistently … impacted by Him?
Many churches have become elder brother minded because it is much easier to establish and keep a church work going with elder brothers than it is with younger brothers. While the elder brother’s attitude toward his father and brother were terribly wrong, the “doors” were still kept open. Elder brothers serve for the wrong reason but they still serve. Try and build a lasting work with hit or miss attendees, no faithful workers in Sunday School, choir or other ministries. Add in a majority who marginally give when they have some extra to spare and see how long it will last. The danger that a church full of elder brothers face is that they often become stagnant over time and then begin to slowly die. What we need to do today is build strong churches with brothers and sisters who love God and serve because they love Him. We need to have a church full of brothers and sisters who desire to spread the good news to others who are without hope.
I would rather fellowship in a pure church without a nursery, choir, Sunday school, church traditions, etc, that just teaches the Word of God, rather than in a church full of “ministries” run by elder brothers. A church run by elder brothers is just lukewarm and God is not very pleased with her.
Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
I believe God shows compassion to all and wants all to come to know him and be using gifts he has given them in Church. He considers all of us his children young and old. Church today don’t want to change and are prideful.
Class!
Wonderful responses! I’m so very encouraged by the activity in our discussion this week. We’re going to continue a similar discussion next week, and hopefully we can continue to interact on this topic. You’ll see that in chapter two there is further comparison of the younger and older brothers. This week I am going to ask you to examine the action of them both and consider which one is worse off Biblically speaking. Keep up the great work and I know the Lord will bless your efforts.
I believe that God can use anyone to bring about his will in serving even change a person as they serve and person fine out that they enjoy what they are doing, also God can change there heart as they serve whether there heart is in it when they start. Also they may fine out that is there gift God has for them.
Andrew, can you please post this week’s discussion questions? I lost the paper that had the questions on from class.