In a Culture of Shame, Jesus Modeled Honor... and So Should We
Abstract
Jesus modeled honor in a culture of shame by eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners in the home of Matthew, a former tax collector. This act of table fellowship, the accompanying metaphors, and other associated parables demonstrate and defend Jesus’ practice of honoring those shamed by the Pharisees. His metaphors and parables portrayed tax collectors and sinners as wedding guests, new garments, new wine, sheep of the shepherd, precious coins, and sons of the father. Consequently, many tax collectors and sinners were following Jesus. To view such persons as disciples, necessitates an exploration of divergent views on “sinners” as well as the nature of repentance. Centered sets and bounded sets are employed to frame the contrasting perspectives of Jesus and the Pharisees. Jesus’ attitude, perspective, and behavior towards those considered immoral by other religious leaders informs followers of Jesus today regarding our approach toward the other, including toward those in the LGBTQ community. Applications of honoring the other are discussed for engagement with those who have not yet turned toward Christ and with fellow disciples.
Keywords: honor, shame, table fellowship, LGBTQ, evangelism, tax collector, sinner
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