Sharing Scripture — January 4, 2025

Texts: Exodus 33:15–22; Hosea 14:1–4; Revelation 4:11; John 17:24; Matthew 22:1–14; John 10:17–18

TV audiences’ new favorite folksy grandmother, septuagenarian Madeline “Matty” Matlock, steals hearts by pursuing justice – in all the most unexpected ways.

Driven by the devastating loss of her daughter to an opioid overdose, Matty embarks on a relentless quest for justice. The trail leads her into a pit of vipers, a prestigious law firm representing big pharma which Matty believes knowingly hid documents that could have put the kibosh on opioids and saved her daughter’s life.

As she navigates the murky waters of betrayal and deceit, Matty embodies the fierce love of a mother willing to move mountains for her child. Her journey highlights how love can be both a catalyst for action and a source of deep suffering, illustrating that the path to justice is often fraught with pain and sacrifice.

Matty’s quest is not merely about retribution; it is about restoring a sense of order and fairness to her world, echoing the holistic vision of justice that Jesus embodies. In pursuing justice for her daughter, Matty mirrors Christ’s love by seeking to illuminate the truth and provide a voice for the voiceless. Her mission transcends personal vengeance; it becomes a broader indictment of societal failures, much like Christ’s message of love serves as a challenge to social injustices throughout history.

Jesus’ ministry is marked by His unwavering commitment to the oppressed and His call for social justice. He challenges societal norms, advocating for the dignity and worth of every individual, particularly those who are forgotten or mistreated. His love manifests in acts of healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation, revealing a divine justice that seeks to mend the brokenness of the world.

Both Matty’s journey and Christ’s teachings underscore the notion that true love compels individuals to seek justice, healing, and redemption, often in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Moreover, the emotional intensity of Matty’s pursuit aligns with the sacrificial nature of Christ’s love. Both depict that love often comes at a cost. Matty is willing to endure personal loss and societal rejection to achieve justice. Similarly, Jesus lays down His life, embodying the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of humanity’s redemption. Their stories reflect a common truth: that genuine love is often intertwined with suffering, and that the path to justice may demand profound personal sacrifices.

Their stories also serve as a powerful reminder that our Parent’s love surpasses all understanding, and though given freely, is often unrequited by us. It is only when we accept this overflowing, transformative love that we can begin to mirror the character of Christ.

Love is not passive; it compels action and seeks to rectify wrongs. Through their narratives, we are reminded that the pursuit of justice, fueled by love, can ultimately lead to healing and hope in a world that is often defined by its fractures.

For Reflection

Sharing: Did Lucifer ever have the capacity to love?

1. The Bible doesn’t say
2. Yes, Lucifer was made perfect, but lost the capacity to love when he rejected God’s love
3. Other heavenly beings don’t experience love the way the Trinity and humans do
4. Lucifer only loves himself
5. God inhibited Lucifer’s expression of love so that our history would play out this way
6. Other:

Applying: God’s overflowing love surpasses what we deserve. Brainstorm with a peer or your small group how you can share this concept with those who don’t feel accepted in the church.

~ Stefani Leeper

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