The Reconciliaton / Liberation Story: Some of Us For All of Us
February 23, 2025
Matthew 7:13-14, John 13:1-17, Luke 19:41-44
Series based on The Seventh Story, by Brian McLaren & Gareth Higgins
As Jesus came to the city and observed it, he wept over it. He said, “If only you knew on this of all days the things that lead to peace. But now they are hidden from your eyes. The time will come when your enemies will build fortifications around you, encircle you, and attack you from all sides. They will crush you completely, you and the people within you. They won’t leave one stone on top of another within you, because you didn’t recognize the time of your gracious visit from God.”
Luke 19:41-44
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The Reconciliation and Liberation Story is an alternative seventh story embodied by Jesus. It contrasts sharply with the six dominant narratives of the first century and all of human history. In Luke 19, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. He laments her refusal to embrace the way of peace and foresees the inevitable destruction caused by these other stories.
The Revolution Story (Zealots): Zealots sought justice through violent rebellion, but Jesus countered with a nonviolent revolution of love, teaching, “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44).
The Purification Story (Pharisees): Pharisees pursued holiness by rigidly separating from impurity, often leading to exclusion. Jesus rejected this, touching the unclean, welcoming sinners, and declaring mercy and justice as the heart of the Law.
The Isolation Story (Essenes): Essenes withdrew from society, viewing it as irredeemable. Jesus,
however, engaged the world, proclaiming, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16), calling His followers to transform the world rather than retreat.The Accumulation Story (Herodians): Herodians aligned with Rome, pursuing wealth and power. Jesus warned, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19-20), inviting trust in God and generosity.
The Victimization Story (Oppressed Jews): Many Jews, as victims of Roman oppression, sought vindication. Jesus blessed the poor in spirit and the persecuted (Matthew 5:1-12), offering hope and liberation from bitterness through resurrection.
The Domination Story (Sadducees): Sadducees preserved power by compromising faithfulness.
Jesus overturned their corruption, calling people to a kingdom where the first are last and the last are first (Matthew 20:16).
Jesus expresses God’s deep longing for humanity to reject these destructive narratives. His story — embodied in acts of love, service, and reconciliation — invites all into God’s kingdom of peace. The six stories persist today in violence, legalism, isolation, consumerism, resentment, and power struggles. Jesus calls us to reject these and live His story: Love enemies. Seek justice with mercy. Engage the world as light. Trust God over wealth. Move from resentment to hope. Serve humbly, rejecting power for its own sake.
Which of these six stories tempts you most?
How can you embody reconciliation in your life today?