Today’s scripture: Luke 22: 54-62 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Robert Ferguson):
How easily we dismiss others as “nobody”! It seems to happen when one group or another judges members of another group as unworthy of respect or consideration. The term “nobody” has been used to describe all kinds of people — racial and ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, poor people, the homeless — really, anyone outside the majority. There are many marginalized groups of people in our society.
When we look at the crucifixion story we see several people who were deemed nobodies. To the crowd, Jesus was nobody — they valued the life of Barabbas, a convicted criminal, more than the life of a sinless man. Simon the Cyrenian, a man of African descent, was chosen to carry the cross for Jesus. Because of his association with Jesus and his working class background, Peter was treated as a nobody by several in the crowd at the high priest’s courtyard.
But thanks be to God! Even though these nobodies were not esteemed by people, God lifted them up and made them somebodies. Simon the Cyrene is remembered forever as the bearer of the cross of Jesus. Peter became the rock on which Christ built his church. Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God the creator. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:9-10)
Don’t let the world make you feel like a nobody, for you are God’s child! God will lift you up in due season. In God’s World, there are no nobodies, “For God takes delight in all people: God crowns the humble with salvation” (Psalm 149:4)
Thought for the day: I’m not a nobody — I am a child of God!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.