Another View for March 17, 2005
By S. S. Richardson
Jesus never took on an air of respectability. He went about eating and drinking. He turned water into wine. He might not be eligible for membership in some Baptist churches!
He ate with tax collectors and sinners. Today we call tax assessors the IRS and county tax assessors are called Commissioners of the Revenue.
He talked with a woman at the well who had been married five times and was “shacked up” with another man. I asked one of my friends (not a Baptist) if he would take her in his church. He said no! I asked him about her children and he said yes. It might be difficult to convert the children if you won't take in their mother!
Jesus' worst offense was getting into people's pockets. He took a whip and drove the money changers out of the temple. He ruined their jobs and Social Security. They really retaliated at him for this by nailing him to a cross.
Jesus had no friends in high places that he could “name drop.” His 12 helpers (friends) probably never finished high school. Even God forsook him!
So we see that Jesus was quite unpredictable. He was like the wind which he used to describe the Holy Spirit.
Special to the Herald
S. S. Richardson is a member of Second Baptist Church in Richmond.