Jesus teaches that in the Messiah's community, we carry other's burdens.
Matthew 23:1-12 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; 3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. 6 They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. 9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father-- the one in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that in his community we carry other's burdens? What would it look like to teach our children to carry another's burden? How about in sports or scholastic competitions? What would it look like if our businesses carried the burden of its competitors? How about in politics? In public policy? What if love meant carrying the burdens of our enemies? Absurd? Absolutely. But Jesus instructs his followers to participating in a kingdom that looks pretty absurd to the world. Are we willing to follow him or is he just too absurd?
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