Perplexed and perturbed, the believers asked Him, “Why don’t these people go to church? And why do they think it’s ok to have an occasional drink? Shouldn’t they be worshiping God with the fellowship of the saints instead of just hanging out here?”

 

He answered and said to them, “Y’all remind me of Isaiah. He wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips but their heart is far from me. And in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ Do you really think this is the kind of thing that upsets God?”

 

He continued, “The Bible says that true religion is visiting orphans and widows. But you say that whoever donates to buy a new sound system for the worship team is free from helping others this month. In this way you’ve made the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

 

Then He called all to him and said, “Hear, everyone, and understand. Nothing that enters you can defile you. That’s not the way it works. In the same way, going someplace on a certain day of the week won’t make you clean.”

 

With that, he grabbed a burger and his cup and went onto the patio—away from the crowd. Some of his friends from the cookout followed him and asked, “We don’t get it. Can you tell us what you’re talking about?”

He replied, “Look, I’m here on a Sunday with you. We’re eating, drinking, and enjoying each others’ company. Whether you sit or stand is up to you. If you want to sing along with the music or even dance, you can. And no one will look at you sideways if you just unwind on the porch. Meanwhile, the people who just tried to crash the party came here after they settled for a breaking off a piece of cracker and drinking a thimble full of grape juice, and that described that act of solitude as ‘communion.’ They called their superficial conversations fellowship. They stood when someone told them to and sat when their leader said, ‘Sit.’ They’ve been trained well. They raised their hands when everyone else did and answered, “Amen,” when the guy at the mic cued them with, ‘And all the people said...’”

 

He wasn’t finished. “Here, we’re all friends. I don’t call you servants because a master doesn’t tell his servants what he’s doing. I don’t expect you to fawn all over me. I’d rather hear what’s on your mind even if you’re sad, angry, or lonely. I want you to be real, and so does God. What are you truly thinking and feeling? What’s happening on the inside? This is the stuff that drives our lives and makes us who we are—not making regular appearances at religious services. I’m not going to stop you from going to religious events if you like. Just know that here’s more to authentic living than that. And besides, I’m not going to scold you for hoisting a pint. After all, I’ve been known to bring the wine to wedding receptions.”