JUSTICE DISPLAYED

Justice is a huge issue which is highlighted as one of the major themes of Easter. Christ’s death on the cross of Calvary in Jerusalem was not just symbolic or dramatic but in essence ‘satisfied the righteous requirements of the law’, giving mankind forgiveness of sins by acquitting us of guilt in the eyes of God. To say that it is complicated is an understatement, but once understood and received it becomes a liberating truth.

Because justice is such a central theme of Christ’s redemptive purpose, it comes as no surprise that it is also such a central part of His Gospel and teachings. In Luke 11:42, Jesus is quoted as saying to the religious leaders, ‘Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practised the latter without leaving the former undone.’

Justice is important to God and important to us. Although not mentioned by name in the classical five levels of Maslow’s  Hierarchy of Needs, the cry for justice is universal, especially among those who are acutely aware that they have been robbed of it.

Jesus’ life and ministry was and is to inspire us to be the source of justice, not only the recipients of it. Can we capture this thought: ‘What if, through big and small ways, I can dispense justice to or for others?’ To do such things is to attract the favour of God, as Jesus promises: ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy’. (Matthew 5:7) 

written by JOHN SCOTT