Environment of Grace

Ryan told me about a workshop he had on creating “environments of grace.” And he said these were based on how Jesus related with people, and based on Jesus and the woman at the well.

I have heard much on how “Environments” are really important, and I agree. However, after I’ve been reading through the gospels again, I don’t think that Jesus cares that much about them. Lately, I’ve  been focusing on the boldness of Jesus. With that in mind, here’s my reading of John 4:

-Jesus’ initial question toward the woman was a bold move. Culturally, Jews and Samaritans don’t mix, and neither do guys and girls when they’re alone.
-”I have living water.” A pretty weird and interesting statement from a Rabbi.
-”Go call your husband.” A deeply relational, confrontational, hard question.
-”You don’t have one, in fact you’ve had 5.” He straight-up calls out her sin. No ambiguity at all, no tiptoing around the issue.
-”Worship is not here nor there.” Jesus calls out her error in religion.
“I who speak to you am He.” Jesus powerfully and clearly reveals himself to her as Savior and God.

 This is not just making small talk until a good conversational topic comes up. Jesus intitiates boldly. He does not ignore sin, but confronts it. He clearly reveals himself to her as Savior. Jesus creates an environment of grace, but it is an active kind of grace that is confrontational.

I think the emphasis on an “Environment of Grace” falls on the word “Environment,” when it should be on “Grace.” Emphasizing “Environment” means you’re trying to make sure the timing is right, your words are culturally acceptable enough, or the presentation relevant. This is a passive way to handle the gospel of Grace. Emphasizing “Grace” means that you believe that grace will create its own environment.