07 Dec Jesus in Another Parking Lot

“I Met Jesus in a Parking Lot” is a song by the contemporary Christian group Cochren & Company. It’s the story of how frontman Michael Cochren came to Christ. I wasn’t saved in a parking lot, but I did have an encounter with Jesus recently in our church parking lot.

It was early afternoon, the Monday after Thanksgiving, and I was preparing for a session with my pastoral coach and for Bible study that night. In the Ring App on my phone, I saw a desperate-looking woman with her arms full of groceries begging and sobbing to come in, with her nose about an inch from the video camera. I went to speak with her.

She was frightened and distraught. She kept repeating that she hadn’t stolen the food. I knew the food wasn’t stolen. It was from the community fridge off our parking lot. I got her to come into church, but she was very agitated, and it became clear she was struggling with mental health challenges. I did connect her with someone from the city who works with the unhoused, but ultimately she grabbed her belongings and went behind the community fridge. The person I contacted was able to get help for her.

After all that, I jumped on the Zoom session with my coach, Allen. The first question he asked was: “Who or what is on its tippy toes today, trying to get Jerry Bader’s attention?” I told Allen I would say it was the woman in the parking lot. The next day, I realized I was wrong. The person in the parking lot who was straining for my attention was Jesus:

35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Matthew 25:35-40 (NLT)

What this means is that when we stop to serve others in dire need, we are serving “Jesus with skin on.” And we become the hands and feet of Jesus, serving Jesus with skin on. Today, as I write this, it is Giving Tuesday. On this day, we are encouraged to give generously, especially to charitable organizations. Samaritan’s Heart Mission Church benefited from others’ generosity this Giving Tuesday. But let’s not stop at treasure. Let’s remember time and talent, especially time.

Sometimes the most important thing we can give someone is our time. Let them know they are seen, that they matter. So, I leave you with Allen’s question: Who or what is standing on tiptoes today, trying to get your attention? If you take the time to stop and look around, don’t be surprised if you meet Jesus with skin on too.

Pastor Jerry Bader