Thoughts on the Passion in an Urban Setting

What were you saying to the church you would establish by the manner of your death? How are we to minister in the urban setting? You taught in the temple courts every day. Scripture literacy has to be central to urban ministry. You refused to play the games of the religious establishment. You were countercultural. We must follow your example. You were nonviolent. We must be, too. You were neutral towards the political and governmental authorities. So must I be. You exposed yourself willingly to the ridicule of the population. We, your church, must be willing to be exposed and ridiculed. Your love and compassion for the city brought you to tears. Forgive my hard heart, Jesus. Break it, so that I may share in your heart. You wanted to shelter and protect the helpless ones living in the urban environment. Give me a mother’s tender love for this city, my Lord.