Read: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
In 2003, I (Pastor Rick), was in Kirkuk, Iraq as part of a delegation looking at ways to help Iraqis rebuild after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime. I was sitting at a table with a number of local leaders – Kurds, Turkmen, Armenians, and Arabs – some Christian, but most Muslim. I was there with two Jordanian Christians representing our group.
My role was to support the proposals we were making. After a week of interviews and research, we had several proposals to make. My colleague, Nabil, began the meeting and I expected him to explain our ideas. Instead he turned to me and said (in Arabic), “This is Brother Rick. He is going to explain our proposal to you.” They all looked at me skeptically. Who was this American? What does he know? They must have seen the look of panic in my eyes – this was not the plan! I wasn’t supposed to talk!
I took a deep breath, prayed a silent prayer, and began to speak (in Arabic), explaining how we wanted to help rebuild Kirkuk and help bring reconciliation between the different groups present. We wanted to be a catalyst for change and for peace. We wanted to help bring unity.
The expression of skepticism gave way to shock (he speaks Arabic?!?) and then interest and gratitude (they want to help?!?). The meeting went on and there was good and frank discussion. In the end our group was able to assist in rebuilding schools and supplying teachers. We were able to proclaim the love of Jesus – first in our actions and later in our words. Thankfully, the Iraqis were able to look beyond my skin color and ethnic background and hear my heart and message. Thankfully our team was able to love them in concrete and meaningful ways. In the end, it was a long path, but it led to peace and blessing.
What does Paul mean that he no longer regards people “according to the flesh”? What would be the alternative? If you don’t regard people according to the flesh, how should you regard them? Have you ever had an experience or witnessed one where people were able to look beyond the surface or the flesh to see Christ in you?
How are we new creations? What is the reconciliation we have in Christ? How did Jesus accomplish our reconciliation?
Is the reconciliation we have only between us and God? What else could it be?
How are we supposed to be ambassadors of Christ? What does that mean?
In verses 20, Paul sees an urgency in the mission God has given us. Why do you think he feels that way? Why don’t we feel that same sense of urgency?
To whom might God be sending you as an ambassador?
Verse 21 summarizes the truth of the gospel. How would you explain it in your own words?