The Master’s Call: Our Collective DEI Responsibility in 2024
As I listened intently to the sermon today, based on Mark 11:1–11, a particular verse resonated deeply within me — “The Master has need of thee.” These powerful words served as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to heed the call of Jesus and actively participate in His teachings, especially when it comes to uplifting the marginalized and advocating for justice.
In the biblical account, Jesus instructed his disciples to untie a colt and bring it to him, stating that the Master had need of it. This simple act carried profound symbolism, reminding us that each of us has a role to play in furthering the divine mission of love, compassion, and equality.
As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, it is imperative that we remain steadfast in our commitment to correcting misinformation and challenging the distortion of Christ’s teachings. Too often, we see His words being misconstrued to justify discrimination, such as using verses out of context to condemn members of the LGBTQ+ community. Or we witness attempts to whitewash His radical embrace of the poor and oppressed, diluting the revolutionary nature of His message.
Just as Jesus had need of the colt, he has need of us — his followers — to be unwavering champions of truth and advocates for the disenfranchised, the poor, and the immigrant. We must confront the mischaracterizations that seek to portray Christ as exclusively favoring the wealthy, white and powerful, when in truth, His ministry was centered on uplifting the downtrodden.
Significantly, Christ’s love and care transcended cultural, racial, and geographic boundaries. He valued the diversity of humanity while emphasizing our shared identity as children of God. Rather than erecting barriers or fences, He built bridges, leaving space for all to come together in the spirit of unity and compassion.
The principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) find their roots in the very foundations of the Bible, echoing the teachings of revered leaders like Moses and Paul. Moses, for instance, enshrined the concept of justice for the foreigner and the oppressed in the Mosaic Law (Exodus 22:21–24). Paul, too, emphasized the radical equality of all believers in Christ, transcending ethnic and social divisions (Galatians 3:28).It is our sacred duty to ensure that these principles are not misconstrued or whitewashed but rather upheld and celebrated as a testament to the inherent worth and dignity of every human being.
In this pivotal year of 2024, the Master’s call resonates louder than ever. He has need of those who refuse to let His teachings be distorted or diluted, those who stand firm in their resolve to create a world where everyone is free, respected, and valued, regardless of their background or circumstances. We must challenge the narratives that seek to portray Christianity as exclusive or discriminatory, reclaiming its essence as a faith rooted in love, justice, and radical inclusion.
As we leave the sanctuary today, let us carry with us the profound message of the sermon — a clarion call to action, a reminder that we are needed, each and every one of us, to be agents of change, beacons of hope, and unwavering advocates for justice and equality. For it is through our collective efforts, guided by the teachings of Christ, that we can truly create a world that reflects the divine vision of love, unity, and compassion for all.
Effenus Henderson
