If we are united to Christ, we are united to one who was poor, marginalized, and a victim

One of the dominant themes in Paul’s theology is the notion of union with Christ. 73 times in his letters, Paul uses the phrase “in Christ,” often to refer to the idea of an organic and spiritual connection between Christ and Christians. In the New Testament, we also read that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5), we are the body and Jesus is the head (1 Cor. 6:15-19), and that we are stones being built up into a building, with Christ the foundation (1 Peter 2:4-5). While there are a number of different ways theologians try to explain this connection, most agree that reducing this idea to a metaphor is a mistake. In some sense we are really connected to our Savior. What this means is that we have real communion with one who was poor, marginalized, and victimized. We are one body with one who was a refugee, tortured, and wrongly convicted. We are branches nourished by one who associated with lepers, prostitutes, and tax collectors. We are stones who rest on the foundation of one who spent part of his life homeless and dependent on the generosity of others. If we already have such communion today with Christ, it makes no sense for Christians to separate themselves from the poor, the outcast, or the victimized in other areas of our life. Paul understood this well, and his understanding of the gospel calls Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, to be united into the one community of the Church. We Christians would do well to remember that.

Jesus Christ was perfect God and perfect human. We are united to the one who was poor, marginalized, and a victim, and should share fellowship with those in similar circumstances today.