He had no money to buy positions or influence, to sway elections or curry favor
But Jesus was a threat
He had no political office or earthly seats of influence to change legislation
But Jesus was a threat
He held no religious power, no title, or special attire to indicate he would be the one to interpret spiritual symbols or sacred texts
But Jesus was a threat
He taught in no universities, held no tenure or advanced degrees to promote new ideas or philosophies in the classrooms and lecture halls
But Jesus was a threat

Threats cannot be entertained.
Threats cannot be listened to
Threats must be removed
By fear
By intimidation
By death

Jesus was a threat but never threatened
He didn’t become defensive
He listened
and corrected
and spoke with truth and compassion
He didn’t retaliate
He forgave
and served
and saved
He didn’t threaten
He opened his arms wide on the cross
demonstrating his love
modeling a life of service
saying I forgive you
come unto me

Jesus is a threat
to our pride
to our desires for power and control
to our self-centered way of life
Jesus is a threat
but our blindness
deafness
stubbornness
is the greater threat
to knowing the way
to peace
to hope
to love
to life

(A reflection after reading Acts 7)