Acts 11:1–8; Revelation 21:1–6; John 13:31–35
Introduction
The peace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you now and ever more... Amen!
Let me ask you this question:
"Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong?"
Maybe it was a moment when you walked into a room and felt out of place, or when others labeled you as different. It may have been your entrance into a new job or even a new Congregation. Have you?
Our reflection today on the sermonette will bring us to the understanding that Christ Jesus not only accepts us, but also accepts all. And that is good news. In Genesis, we are told that God formed humans in His own image - 'imago dei.' Anyone with God's image is well-received by Christ.
1. Going Beyond Boundaries
Many societal boundaries have become our limitations when it comes to ministry. In the first scripture passage, Peter was accused based on cultural boundaries, so he had to reiterate the vision in Acts 10 to justify his actions.
Peter’s vision is a stunning one. A sheet descends from heaven with all kinds of animals that were considered "unclean" to the Jews (cf. Lev. 11). And a voice says, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." Peter protests—like many of us might—“Surely not, Lord!” You see, obeying this voice is as though disobeying God, meanwhile, God was showing the other perspective of the mission that has been blocked due to societal and cultural boundaries.
Then comes the message from God:
"Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." (Acts 11:9)
This isn’t just about food. It’s about people. The early church had to wrestle with the radical idea that God’s grace was not just for Jews, but for Gentiles too. God was doing something bigger than tradition allowed.
📣 "Who are the people today we still treat as ‘unclean’—unworthy of God's grace?"
Immigrants? The poor? People of different races, sexual orientations, and political views?
C.S. Lewis wrote, “There are no ordinary people." Every person is someone Jesus died for. Jesus accepts everyone, even that person who has hurt you that much, and He calls on you to forgive and let go.
2. Jesus Accepts without Conditions
Revelation 21 reveals a picture of ultimate inclusion. John sees the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down—God making His dwelling with humanity.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes... the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)
Here’s the powerful part:
"To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life."(Rev. 21:6)
See, God did not put a qualification or precondition on those He will give water. You do not have to be a Ghanaian, Jew, or of a certain skin colour, or speak a certain language. Just being thirsty, Christ gives "the water of life." Jesus welcomes all who are thirsty.
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Precious one, "What are you thirsty for today?"
Love? Belonging? Forgiveness? Peace? Joy? Respect?
The promise of Jesus is that no one is excluded from His acceptance. Respond to His call and He shall make you feel at home as He did for Cornelius.
A theologian by name, Henri Nouwen wrote, “Hospitality means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend.” That is exactly what Jesus does for us. He creates space for everyone to feel at home. In His embrace, I feel the warmth I have ever dreamed of.
3. Love without Limits
As Jesus prepares to leave His disciples, He gives them a new command:
“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”(John 13:34)
This new command has become our charge to reflect Jesus Christ to our generation. This is Christ saying, I accept all, therefore, you must accept all without discrimination.
And how did Jesus love them?
He washed their feet.
He forgave their failures.
He welcomed the outcasts.
He even shared a table with His betrayer.
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Reflect on this: "Can you name a time when someone loved you in a way that reminded you of Jesus?"
That’s the kind of love we are called to embody and demonstrate to all. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The Church is the Church only when it exists for others.” Not for its own comfort. Not to preserve tradition. But to extend the radical, barrier-breaking love of Jesus to the world.
Conclusion
Friends, the Gospel message today is simple:
God’s grace breaks barriers.
God’s kingdom welcomes all.
God’s love knows no bounds.
But it also comes with a challenging question: "Jesus accepts all, do you?"
Let us come before God today with open hearts and ask: “Lord, make us more like Jesus. Let us accept, love, and serve without limits.”
May you go forth today knowing you are deeply accepted, wholly loved, and unconditionally welcomed by Jesus Christ. And may you reflect that same love to everyone you meet.
Amen.
Shalom aleikhem...
