The Rejected, Ragtag, Troll-like Fringes

Did He select the twelve from the best Ivy League schools?

Did He stage his audiences with gorgeous people for the press cameras?

Did He honor the sexist, racist and bigoted conventions of his time?

Did He surround himself with people from the right side of the tracks?

Oh no He didn’t.

He didn’t select disciples based on their academic qualifications.

His ragtag disciples were fishermen, tax collectors and common men—all chosen to be carriers and representatives of his Good News to the world.

Jesus’ words and relationships confirmed the value He gave to those on the fringes of society.

His daily acquaintances included such characters as beggars, prostitutes, wild-eyed demoniacs, lepers, half-breeds, tax collectors, widows, the poor, the blind, the deaf and the paralyzed.

The Pharisees rejected these troll-like people, except as needed for their own attention.

Jesus announced that the “least of these” —the hungry, thirsty, imprisoned, sick, stranger, and impoverished are His representatives; when we care for their needs, we care for God Himself (Matthew 25:34–40).

To reject the rejected is not OK in God’s kingdom.

No smells, appearance, moral depravity, or economic condition is worthy of turning someone away.

Part of what it means to be in the kingdom is to have genuine, compassion-fueled relationships with these “least ones” —the rejected, ragtag, troll-like fringes of society.

“If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life… if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor…

Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.

Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.”

(Philippians 2.1-4 MSG)