In this sermon, “Let the Children Come,” Pastor Thomas Steele unveils the lesser-known aspect of Jesus’ persona – his dangerous side. Thomas-Steele elaborates that this does not contradict with the conventional descriptions of Jesus being loving, gentle, or merciful. Instead, the “dangerous” facet serves as a compelling counterpoint to his gracious nature, urging Christians to understand him more completely. Thomas-Steele emphasizes that to follow Jesus appropriately, we must accept him wholly, not merely a cherry-picked, preferable version of him. True discipleship necessitates understanding that we are made in his image—not vice versa— for a purposeful life of love, fellowship, and worship. The sermon posits that Jesus is “dangerous” in the way he staunchly battles against injustice and oppression, describing him as a tender yet fierce warrior defending the defenseless. Drawing parallels with Moses leading Israelites to freedom from the clutches of the tyrant Pharaoh, Thomas-Steele portrays Jesus as a champion of liberty and justice. He urges his audience to follow Jesus by caring for those marginalized by society, valiantly defending the defenseless, and encompassing even societal outcasts in the orbit of Jesus’ love. Thomas-Steele’s sermon is a call to the congregation to emulate Jesus’ love by their actions towards the suffering and the oppressed. Overall, the sermon explores the intricate yet harmonious blend of Jesus’s dangerous and desirable characteristics, offering a new perspective of Jesus for the congregation to appreciate.
source