The Chosen + BibleProject | Season 3 Reading PlanExemplo

Living in Right Relationship

Consider the ways that animals dominate one another, fight, kill, and even devour each other to claim territory or survive. Brutal as it may seem, there’s something natural about the way the animal kingdom works. We don’t judge a lion as immoral for eating other animals. But in the world of humanity, such behavior is appalling. We would likely call this behavior truly unjust. And why do we care so much about justice, particularly when it comes to relationships?

The Bible introduces the concept of justice in a fascinating way, starting on its first pages. There, we learn that human beings—not animals, just humans—are created in the image of God. As such, we stand mutually before God. None of us is more or less important than another, and each person is loved impartially by God. We know that humans are to be treated fairly and with dignity, no matter who we are.

This reconciliation scene between Matthew and his parents gives us a picture of justice being restored. Spurred on by Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew recognizes the broken relationship he has with his mom and dad. Part of living justly toward others means being in right relationship with them, an idea captured by the Hebrew word tzedakah, translated in English as “righteousness.”

Imagine a world where you lived in perfect harmony with every human being you ever met. There would be no more fear but a deep sense of mutual appreciation shared by all. It would be a world where everyone loves one another. This is a picture of justice.

Stories of real reconciliation often shock and compel us. We feel the goodness of reconciliation in the depth of our being. This is because we have been built to live in good, loving, right relationships with each other—not to use or devour one another. As bearers of God’s image, humans are most free and alive when we love one another. May we each experience moments of reconciliation throughout our lives, and may we be reconcilers and true participants in divine justice in our world.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the description of justice in this week’s devotional compare to how you have heard justice described in the past?
2. Righteousness in the Bible is typically focused on how we relate to other people. It’s not primarily about personal morality codes but about treating others with mutual respect and always offering kindness, generosity, and love. What does righteous living look like in a world full of divisions, competing parties, conflicts, and wars? How do we live rightly with justice toward our families, friends, and neighbors?
3. What thoughts or emotions do you experience when you watch Matthew engaging with his parents in this scene? What relationships in your own life does this scene cause you to think about?