When my kids were young and had a cold, I would bring them cough syrup. It comes with that neat little cup that will deliver the perfect dose to make them feel better. But they wouldn’t drink it. Maybe it was the taste, maybe it was the burn, it was probably both. Despite the attempts of the manufacturer at a delicious cherry flavor, my daughter would grit her teeth and clench her lips tightly inside her teeth to avoid whatever unpleasantness would follow. I had to develop a new technique to deliver this much needed elixir. That method came in the form of a syringe. The small plastic tip was small enough to pierce its way between her lips so that the medicine could be delivered into her mouth. Once in, I had to cover her mouth so that she wouldn’t spit it back out. It was a painful process, but a necessary one.
I think of that process as I read Philemon. Paul, has someone, Onesimus, that would benefit Philemon. But, Onesimus was a bitter pill for Philemon. A runaway slave that had already cost him time and money, not to mention his authority. Convincing Philemon to take him back would not be easy. Even tougher is convincing Philemon to take him back, not to work, but to set him free.
Paul uses every persuasion tactic he can, challenging him with reciprocity, providing social proof, revealing scarcity and urgency. Paul skillfully reframes the narrative and illustrates stark contrasts. While those may be formal persuasion techniques, each one can be easily seen in this story. No matter the technique, there is something bigger going on here. What effect do Pauls efforts have on Philemon’s heart?
The Bible does not record Philemon’s response. But I know what mine would have been. In fact, it jumps out of my chest as I read this book.
“Heck no! Why would I do that? And, thanks for the guilt trip, Paul!”
That response puts my pride and arrogance on full display. But, if I sit with it just a little longer, I begin to see a bigger opportunity – an opportunity to participate in the redemption of Jesus.
Paul was offering Philemon had an opportunity to welcome Onesimus back, despite the hurt and financial loss he caused. But, remember, Paul was asking for more. He wanted Philemon to welcome him back, then free him. That would cost him even more! I am hearing the footsteps of Jesus in that.
What about Jesus? Did Philemon remember that Christ gave up everything for him? That he welcomed him back and gave his life in the most costly and dreadful way, so that he could be free, so that he could live, so that he could share in the joy, peace, and love of God? Do You?
It may have taken Philemon a minute to digest Paul’s letter. He had to overcome the bitter taste and make a hard swallow. I bet he was relieved after he did. I bet we will be relieved too. Yes, that hard swallow takes humility, and sometimes a forced feeding. Thankfully, Jesus will do whatever it takes to get His sweet elixir grace and love into our soul.