Mark 6-10

Ok, so I lied. I technically didn't get this in before the day was up, but here goes anyway. I guess I should preclude this by saying that many of my ideas on this are by no means error-free, so anyone is welcome to scrutinize them after reading this. In fact, if it would help me grow in my love, appreciation and knowledge of God, I fully encourage you to do so.

After Jesus sat down and told the twelve disciples to gather around him, he said, "If you want the place of honor you must become a slave and serve others!" (Mark 9:35)

But Jesus called the disciples together and said: "You know those foreigners who call themselves kings like to order their people around. And their great leaders have full power over the people they rule. But don't act like them. If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others. And if you want to be first, you must be everyone's slave. The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master but a slave who will give his life to rescue many people."
(Mark 10:43 - 45)

Both of these teachings by Jesus came as a response to the disciples bickering about who will be first in God's kingdom, who will sit at Christ's right and left side when he returns and basically who is going to be the greatest. He then answers them in the most beautifully humbling way… a way in which all of this thirst for power or prestige or whatever you want to call it becomes a moot point. In order to be the greatest, you must be willing to serve everyone. The homeless man asking you for change, fellow students or co-workers, the money-grubbing and condemning preacher, the alcoholic father... everyone. Many times my pride will get in the way of me doing this. There is a part of me that feels there are those out there that are lower than I am on the totem pole (be it socially, intellectually, spiritually, etc.). However, Jesus gave us the perfect example of this with his life and crucifixion. Christ, being God in flesh—actually far and away better than all humans—heals the sick, feeds the poor, washes the feet of His disciples and gives up His life for the entire human race... for you and for me. By seeing it this way, how could we ever justify not feeling the need to serve all those around us, even those we don't like and sometimes feel better than?

Jesus then told the crowd and disciples to come closer, and he said: "If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me. If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me and for the good news, you will save it. What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What could you give to get back your soul?" (Mark 34-38)

"I promise you that you cannot get into God's kingdom unless you accept it the way a child does." (Mark 10:15)

By being sacrificed, Jesus again shows us the ultimate example of giving up your life for the good news and its saving effects. However, practically speaking I can see the significance of these ideas in my own life. I see that when there are things in my life that are not being used as a means to serve God, but ends upon themselves (school, relationships, favor from others, etc.) I feel burdened and not in tune with God. But by letting them go and not setting them up as a measurement stick for success in my life, I feel closer to God, and I feel more at peace with my life. So for the what-seems-like 2% of my life when I really love God through my actions more than everything else, I feel most complete. I kind of threw the verse about accepting God with the faith of a child because to me it relates to this idea of giving up your life for the gospel pretty well. To me there is hardly any rhyme or reason to put God—an abstract deity that I never physically see or hear or feel—as the most important care in my life, and the only way I can think to do this is to just accept it like a child accepts the words of his father who knows what's best for him.

Again here is a warning that what I'm about to say are my thoughts, which may or may not be right, and if you have good reason to think I'm wrong, please tell me. But I often get upset with the idea of being a Christian either to get to Heaven or get away from Hell. To me, that seems pretty cheap. I bring this up now, because it seems that Jesus talks about the Kingdom of Heaven or God's Kingdom an awful lot in His teachings. Whether it's by telling us to gouge out our eyes if they cause us to sin, accept His word with a faith of a child or give up all of our possessions, Jesus seems to put a big emphasis on getting into God's kingdom. From these teachings, I can see how the next step would be to say that Jesus' main concern is what happens to us after we die... if we go to Heaven or to Hell. I'm not saying that this is not important by any means, but I think it kind of limits what His message may be. To me, it seems that God's kingdom is not just the place that Christians go after they die. It is His church... his body of believers, in the next life and in this one. By that token, maybe this life on earth isn't just a test to see if we have what it takes to really be part of His kingdom, which we can only join if we are good Christians when we die but the opportunity to join God's kingdom while still on earth. This may not seem like that big of a difference to some, but it seems pretty huge to me. It is the difference between loving God as a means to get to Heaven and loving God just for the sake of loving God. That is the purpose of our lives, and Heaven is just a place where we can love Him to our fullest capacity, without the limitation of our carnal bodies. I’m pretty sure there is a scripture somewhere that says that God will give us the desires of our heart (shows how well I know the Bible), but I feel that if we're truly living the life that God wants us to live, the desires of our heart will be Him and Him alone. All other pleasures and joys we get from this life are merely a means of showing our love and appreciation for Him. They are the ultimate form of worship. Everything from doing my job well and loving my family and friends to being an Alabama football fan and playing hackey sack is simply an extension of my love for God. I guess this could be seen as a limitation on the love we can give to others, but I think it's just the opposite. Through God we learn how to truly love. Without Him, our love for others is limited.

My last point is about Jesus' miracles and healings. There are many things I can get into when talking about this, like how much we may or may not need healing these days as opposed to the need in Jesus' days and who does or does not "deserve" to be healed and why, but I would go on forever if I did, so I'll simply leave you with this. Miracles and healing seem to be a huge part of Jesus' ministry, and this is a big deal in the Book of Mark, which seems to put a bigger emphasis on Jesus’ actions. To me, there seem to be two extreme sides of opinions on miracles today. One side is that God wants to heal all sick and ailing in the world, and that we're just not doing our job to see everyone cured. Either that or we or they don't have enough faith to see it happen. The other is that these healings and miracles were stuff that people in the Bible did, and that they can no longer happen. I have thoughts that kind of lean toward both sides of that argument, but I think they're both wrong. I feel that we cannot neglect the miracles that Jesus performed, and if we are to take Jesus' life and ministry as an example we should have them be a part of spreading the gospel. At the same time, I feel that there are many out there who are going through sickness and suffering that God may be using to develop His people. I realize that that is pretty easy for me to say, seeing as I'm not deathly ill or going through a lot of suffering. If I were, maybe I wouldn't be so quick so say something like that. But something else to look at is that Jesus did not seem very selective on who He chose to heal. In fact, there are times that Jesus simply walked into a crowd and all who touched His clothes were healed (see Mark 6:53 - 56). I also realize that this does not simply explain away a lot of the questions we have about suffering in the world and why God would either allow or cause that to happen. On that I can only trust that God knows what's best for everyone and that His idea of justice is far beyond my own. However, that should not be used as an excuse not to reach out to those who are suffering and in need of help by feeding them, clothing them, giving them shelter and, yes, even praying for their healing with the faith that God will heal them if He is willing.

A man with leprosy came to Jesus and knelt down. He begged, "You have the power to make me well, if only you wanted to." Jesus felt sorry for the man. So he put his hand on him and said, "I want to! Now you are well." At once the man's leprosy disappeared, and he was well.
(Mark 1:40 - 42)

Mark 6 - 10 (Intro)

Hey guys,

Sorry about taking so long to get to this. I've been pretty busy this week, and it took me a while to figure out how to finally post on this website. And now that I'm finally able to, I have to get going to some plans I've already made. I will be posting later today, though, and I want to talk about Jesus' ideas of leading by serving others, giving up your life to save it and accepting Him with the faith of a child. I also want to share my thoughts on the idea of living the Christian life as a pursuit of Heaven (or as a fear of Hell) and His miracles (feeding 5000, raising from the dead, healing and whatnot) and why they don't seem to happen as much today (and if they should be). Unfortunately, like I said, I don't have time right now to get into all of it, but I will be posting before the day's up. In the mean time, if any one of you want to comment on any of these ideas, it would be interesting to hear your thoughts before I post. But if you'd rather wait until afterwards, then that's fine, too. Again, sorry for the delay.

Mark 1 - 5

One of the things that struck me in this reading is how often the crowds and their affect on Jesus are mentioned. In the story of the healing of the paralytic whom Jesus forgives of his sins (chapter 2), Mark notes that the crowds are so great that the friends of the afflicted man "stripped off the roof over the place where Jesus was" in order to get to him. In the next chapter, He removes Himself from the crowds in order that He will not be crushed (3:9-10) A few verses later, His relatives become concerned that he's mad because of the crowds attending him (3:20-21). It is a bit difficult to understand the nature of their suspicions, but I imagine that they saw a fanatical throng and assume their leader must be a madman. And, of course, the beautiful story of the healing of the woman with an issue of blood occurs in the midst of a pressing crowd. Something in Jesus drew these people to Him. I expect that beyond the fish and barley loaves, the emotional healings or the spectacular exorcisms, these crowds at least vaguely suspected that the Hope for humanity, the One for Whom and through Whom we exist was in their presence. At the heart of it, that was what all the fuss was about.

Mark gives fuller and more personal anecdotes surrounding the miracles of Christ than does Matthew. My favorite Marcan miracle account from these passages is the story of the Geresene demoniac. At the end of the accout, after Jesus has banished the evil spirits into the pigs, and the pigs have drowned in the lake, the former demoniac "begged to be allowed to stay with [Jesus]" (5:18). Instead of allowing him to join his disciples, Jesus sends him into the city to proclaim "all that the Lord in his mercy has done for [him]" (5:19). I hope I'm not reading too much into the story to suggest that if these people had pigs, they probably were not Jews. I think this story beautifully compliments the story of the Canaanite woman and her daughter (who was also afflicted by devils) which Matthew relates between the two miracles of the loaves. Instead of speaking of throwing the children's food to the dogs (Mt. 15:27), He sends this man out as a witness to the non-Jews. The placement of the harsh-sounding story of the Canaanite woman and use of food imagery in the surrounding chapters should largely dispel qualms that might arise from Jesus' words in Mt. 15. If not, Marks account of Jesus' compassion for the Gerasene demoniac and His insistance that the Lord's mercy be proclaimed through their land reveals His compassion for those people.

Some Business Matters

Sorry for the confusion over the last post, guys. I've updated the schedule. I'll do the first Mark passage, and Mikey will do the second one. I'll gladly accept volunteers for the posts after that one. I would be particularly grateful to anyone who would take the March 19th, 22nd, and 25th posts because my parents and brother will be in Ireland with me during that time. I might not be close to my computer while they're here. Thanks to all who have participated to this point. I've enjoyed and benefitted from your posts and comments.

Matt 22-28 cont'd

I must admit, I don’t really know how best to approach the discussion of the betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus, so I’ll just write about a few of the many many lessons I take from these events and hope everyone else will share how they perceive these passages.

I realize that it is in these verses that I begin to comprehend how man and God were one in Jesus. Jesus’ deep and intense human emotions of fear, anxiety, and depression-- and of courage, and faith, and determination—coupled with the strength of will to fulfill divine plan and prophecy show me over and over that he is the perfect example of what I should strive for. And that as he was tested in all things as we are, but did not sin, he is the only one qualified to be our advocate before God.

Also, as I was re-reading these passages, something jumped out at me that I had never really noticed before. In Chapter 27:4, when Judas remorsefully returns the money he received for betraying Jesus’ innocent blood, the chief priests and elders say, “What is that to us? It is your responsibility!” And a few verses later (27:24) when the crowds are standing before Pilate shouting for Jesus’ execution, Pilate says to them, “I am innocent of the blood of this person. It is your responsibility!” This phrase, translated sometimes as “You see to it!” strikes me in a very personal way. Here were men who had the power to make a difference in the course of these events (although of course I take into account the necessary fulfillment of the prophecies and the fruition of God’s plan of salvation that came through Jesus’ death). The chief priests could have called off their cry for Jesus’ blood. Pilate could have chosen to risk the anger of the people to save the life of an innocent and just man. But neither chose the right way—they chose the selfish way. By placing the responsibility and consequences of their actions on others, they attempted to justify their sins. I’ve done this too, and that’s why it strikes so close to home.

What a powerful series of events!! I feel so inadequate to discuss them!!

Matthew 22-28 (Steph)

Matthew 22-28

Before I get into the text, I just wanted to apologize for my lack of (conspicuous) participation in the group so far. I’ve been observing but not commenting, but here I am now!

One of the things I find most fascinating about these passages is the intensity with which Jesus warns his disciples of what they will face when he’s not physically present with them. It was mentioned earlier that there seems to be a quickening of time and an urgency as the climax of Jesus’ life approaches, and I definitely see that in the parables and instruction that Jesus chooses to impart to his disciples as he sees his crucifixion drawing nearer.

So much of his ministry to this point has been authoritative insight for living, instruction on God’s plan for man’s redemption and what will please the Lord as we walk as pilgrims through this world. But it seems Jesus’ tone shifts as his earthly life draws to a close to the attitude of a worried father. It seems to me that he might have looked on the hopeful, trusting faces of his disciples and see what lay ahead for those who claimed to love him. (22:6) They would be used spitefully and even killed for sending out the King’s invitation. (Ch 24) They would endure the destruction of Jerusalem, the surge of false prophets, and the hatred of the nations for Jesus’ name’s sake.

Also, Jesus gives a warning that I’ve read over several times without thinking of the gravity of his statement: (24:10) “Many [[of the disciples]] will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.” There is trouble ahead from within and without, and Jesus implores his disciples to be faithful and wise servants (24:45), soberly prepared watchers for Jesus’ return (25:1-13), and industrious stewards of the talents God’s given them/us (25:14-30). And in all of this Jesus’ emphasizes the necessity of complete sincerity (25:31-46).

((ps I'll post more in a little while!!))

Matthew 22-28

Of the all the gospels, Matthew is the one most like a transcript of Christ's teachings. To the evangelist, the narrative portions of his gospel must have seemed a necessary but almost regrettable intrusion into the discourses of Christ. Indeed, the gospel ends not with a narration of the Ascension, but instead with the words of the Great Commission, the last instructions being "and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time." Christ entrusted the teaching of His commands to His apostles, and Matthew, in the writing of his dialogue-laden gospel, proved to be a meticulously obedient servant of Christ. With so much "red-letter" text in the gospel, it is difficult to glean from our lengthy reading just one particular point - so many things pop out. I am thankful for our ability to comment in this community since we are able to continue bringing up points for consideration and are not left to just the first post.

Anyhow, Christ is made to endure another three-part trial in Matthew 22:15-40 - this time it is not in the desert with Satan, but in Jerusalem with the civil and religious leaders. The leaders mean to entrap Christ in a misstatement. First they intend for Him to speak against Roman rule, and then they mean to embroil Him in the principal argument which divided the Saducees and Pharisees, the resurrection of the dead, and finally they try Him on His understanding of the Law. In each attempt, they fail to make Christ stumble, and instead Christ succeeds in demonstrating their own lack of understanding by questioning their intrepretation of a messianic psalm.

After silencing his would-be opponents, Christ turns His attention to "the people and his disciples" and begins a harrowing rebuke of those who have tried Him. Christ, in 23:13-32, is very precise in His condemnation of their actions and their authority - His list of "woes" reads almost like a series of inverse beatitudes. I am particularly impressed by Christ's words in verses 27-32:

Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who are like whitewashed tombs that look handsome on the outside, but inside are full of dead men's bones and every kind of corruption. In the same way you appear to people from the outside like good honest men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who build the sepulchers of the prophets and decorate the tombs of holy men, saying, "We would never have joined in shedding the blood of the prophets, had we lived in our father's day." So! Your own evidence tell against you! You are the sons of those who murdered the prophets! Very well, then, finish off the work that your fathers began.

We must remember that "What goes into the mouth does not make a man unclean; it is what comes out of the mouth that makes him unclean. (Matthew 15:10-20)" And we must remember that Christ ends his proclamation of woes with:

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often have I longed to gather your children, as a hen gathers her chicks, and you have refused!

Matt. 23:37

And we must remember that Christ called St. Paul, the strictest of Pharisees, away from the side of Stephen's murderers to be His apostle to the Gentiles.