Sun. Oct. 23, 2011 (Dave Diewert)

Dave Diewert spoke about Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem as his followers anticipated the setting up of a new kingdom. Along the way Jesus encountered Zacchaeus, dined with the tax collector, and paid attention to the weak, the ill and those with little social status. Zacchaeus, (a collaborator with the Roman rulers) as a result of Jesus visit, committed himself to justice. “That’s what conversion looks like for those with imperial power,” said Dave. The parable of the talents is told as they leave Zacchaeus’ home. The nobleman gave his servants money and went away to solidify his hold on power to much fear among the citizenry. On his return, he calls the servants to account for what they did with the money, and praises the first two. The third servant exposes the corrupt master, saying he’s a harsh and austere master who demands to reap what he did not sow. This servant exposes the master’s style of operation and refuses to play the game of abusive power. The master is not impressed, takes the money from the servant and gives it to the first servant. This is not about fairness, it’s about extending the master’s power. This parable is about power and shows how dissent is dealt with. In Jesus new kingdom Jesus is the victim, not the ruler. Salvation means defection from power; defection is possible but costly. We need to realize we are embedded in the systems of our kingdoms. The current Wall Street protests seek a redistribution of wealth, something Jesus called for. How do we embody a life of dissent? [HN]

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