Topic: Pride

In calling us into the culture of God, Jesus calls us to give up our addictions to tribalism, competitive grief, and selective compassion.

Those who have too strong a belief in their own goodness to engage in the real, flesh and blood work of building community in the here and now, can end up struggling to accept God’s grace.

When we approach God’s way of life and the Sabbath not as punishment, but as gift, the experience becomes a chance to rest from work and from striving; and to allow space for God through contemplation and re-creation and play.

Jesus calls us to model a pattern of love and generous inclusion, and to avoid the demonic temptations of exclusion and pride.

God’s grace is so extravagant that it will offend us as long as we are measuring our worth in comparison to others.

Jesus’s abolition of “us” and “them” categories is so radical that it seems almost impossible for us to comprehend and put into practice.

The story of the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son is a crucial part of the message of grace.

True greatness comes in devoting ourselves to recognising and liberating the greatness in others, and that will often come at the cost of misunderstanding, sniping and rejection.

God’s grace is lavished on all who will receive it, but some of those who have every right to it refuse to receive it unless they are singled out.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son may really be intended by Jesus as the Parable of the Loving Father and the Angry Brother.