Before Winter Comes

The Christ who loved His family, His friends, His disciples and those close to Him, especially loved those persons who had been rejected by society: the lepers, the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the demoniacs. Jesus developed a reputation for being the special friend of people like that, many of whom were ostracized by Society and forced to live outside the walls of the city, near the dumping grounds. That is why the author of the Book of Hebrews tells us that there is a special symbolism in the fact that Christ was crucified outside the city walls near the dumping grounds, and that those who truly love Him will follow Him outside the walls in order to love those who are hurting there.

We can extend this image of Christ outside the walls to Paul. When he is nearing the end of his life and ministry, Paul has literally burned himself out for Christ. He is an old man now. He is in prison.…