Romans: Rooted in Jesus - Gospel Unity

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably had that moment when you’re in a store and your child is acting out. In that moment, you try to respond appropriately to calm and direct your child, but you feel it, all the eyes in the store are on YOU! You can feel the judgmental stares piercing your soul, and you know what they are thinking to themselves: Why doesn’t he get his kid under control? Probably a bad parent. My kids would never do that. In that moment, my reputation as a parent, what others are thinking about me, and similar thoughts can dominate my thinking; or I can brush off the embarrassment and shame to patiently address my child’s needs.

That feeling of embarrassment and shame is what Paul is addressing. The Jewish Christians, with their strictly formed consciences could create some awkward situations in public. It would be easier to avoid them in the markets, hiding behind the frozen food section, avoiding association with someone who is culturally out of step because of their religious traditions. But Paul brings us right into gospel truth, saying of Christ, The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. Christ embraced us even though we are unclean and out of step. He isn’t concerned with the shame that we bring upon Him because He loves us!

Worship with us Sunday as we celebrate the grace and humility of Christ!