“Navigating Life’s Storms with Mark” Week Five: Mark 11-13

The Transforming Power of the Good News, Text: Mark 11-13

Day One

Read Mark 11

Every Christian is responsible for pursuing his or her spiritual formation.  A congregation is also responsible for building the “infrastructure” over which people may travel on their spiritual journeys, but it is still the responsibility of each disciple to get in the car, turn the key, and drive.  A congregation may be responsible for making sure each new Christian is nourished and nurtured.  But the goal is to grow to the point where, as a disciple, a Christian can feed him or herself. Ultimately, our spiritual growth is between God and each disciple.  

We are to "walk the talk." Talking about a religious life without following up with action is worthless.  “Faith without works is dead.” James,2:14  

Actions are hollow, unless undergirded by the profound guidance of the spiritual life (1 Cor. 13:1-3).  Humankind is created in the  “the image of God” (Genesis 1:27). We are spiritual and physical beings.  From birth to death, we are on a spiritual quest to “know” God.  Acknowledging his own quest, St. Augustine stated in his Confessions, “You have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in thee.”  This is why Paul appealed to the Roman communities to put first things first:     

 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12:1-2.

 Conforming to the Trends of This World

It is the most natural thing to do what is the most comfortable and the least disruptive.  We avoid conflict, controversy and change. The creation of God, is in constant flux and transformation.  From the beginning to this day, the universe continues to expand, as new galaxies and planets are born and the old ones implode and are no more.

All Creation, Including Humanity Must Change, or Else They Would Cease to Exist (Albert Einstein's  E=mc2).

List as many examples as you and your congregation can find  ways God has changed world.

Conforming to this world means that we acquiesce to the trends that come along without considering their consequences in our lives and in our Christian testimony.  That is why the writer of Ephesians admonishes the church in Ephesus not to be influenced by every spiritual fad that comes down the pike (Eph. 4:14-16).  We are living sacrifices, witnessing to the power and presence of Jesus Christ in all that we are and do.

The writer of 2 Timothy says it more concretely:

For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound teaching, but, having their ears tickled, (“itching ears,” KJV) they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, be sober in everything, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully. 2 Timothy 4:3-5

When was there a time when you or someone you know became a “living sacrifice”, witnessing to the power and presence of Jesus Christ in word and/or deed. 

Day Two

Read Mark 11:1-11

Before we get into the stories of Triumphal Entry and the Cleansing of the Temple, we need to understand who were his enemies?

Jesus’ Adversaries 

Jesus knew from the beginning of his ministry, who is adversaries were and who were conspiring to kill him. 

1. The Roman Empire 

The Roman Empire was the most powerful and ruthless political system in the ancient world. There was no democracy, no civil rights, and no courts. Dissent was crushed. 90% of the population was the labor force and did all the work by enriching the wealthy 10%. Many were slaves for life. Others were indentured servants and tenant farmers. The 90% paid exorbitant taxes while the 10%  paid none. To get ahead, the privileged bought titles and paid bribes for status and power. Rome maintained order for the empire to function. Jesus’ teachings and acts were considered seditious, intended to overthrow of the state. “For the sake of the nation, this Jesus must die.” (“Jesus Christ Superstar”)

2. The Pharisees

The Pharisees were an influential Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Torah, (the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures) and its many moral and pious restrictions. They separated themselves from other Jews to defending their spiritual purity. They expected the people to fulfill 613 laws. When the people failed  they were sinners and were rejected by God. 

To win God’s favor, they had to atone for their sins at the Temple by purchasing sacrificial animals at high prices, in order to sacrifice them to get right with God. The Pharisees ran the animal markets and managed the funds, which they often stole from.

3. The Sadducees

The Sadducees were an aristocratic priestly sect who controlled the Temple in Jerusalem. They also skimmed the money collected from the purchases of sacrificial animals. They were politically influential with the Romans. The Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection of the dead as the Pharisees did. They squabbled with each other with esoteric arguments.

 4. The Herodians

The Herodians were a Jewish political faction who supported the Herodian dynasty, favoring collaboration with Rome for political stability and power. They opposed Jesus, viewing him as a threat to their interests, and twice conspired with the Pharisees to kill him. They followed the legacy of Herod the Great who tried to kill Jesus in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16-18) but instead slaughtered the innocents. Herod Agrippa, his son, beheaded John the Baptist (Mark 6:27-28), and handed Jesus over to Pilate to be executed).

The Triumphal Entry

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, (where he stayed with Mary, Marha, and Lazarus, John 12) near the Mount of Olives,… Then they brought the colt to Jesus… and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches…. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! (“Save us. Please deliver us”).  Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!  Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Mark 11-9-10

"Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple, and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve." Mark 11:11

 Jesus Curses the Fig Tree

“On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see whether perhaps he would find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.” Mark 11:12-14

 Jesus Cleanses the Temple

“Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves, and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He was teaching and saying, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’ But you have made it a den of robbers,”

"And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him, for they were afraid of him because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city." Mark 11:15-19

 The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree

In the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. Then Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”  Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God., Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and if you do not doubt in your heart but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ‘Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses’, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:20-25

 The political and religious authorities were threatened by what Jesus had done. They feared Rome would take away their privileges. In 161 BCE, Rome agreed to the Jews that they would ninterfere in their worship, their traditions, and to pray and sacrifice Temple, as long as they would nor rebel to the empire, and keep the people in line. They feared that the mere existence of Jesus, his teachings, and acts would provoke the Romans to remove their privileges. The consequences would destroy the Jewish nation and their the practice of their religion.

Thirty years later, a Jewish Revolt broke out in 66 CE. Rome had had enough with these rebellious upstarts. The brutal and deranged Emperor Nero was on the throne . Emperor Vespasian succeeded him. The Temple was demolished in 70 CE. The massive stones of the Temple were reduced to the size of stpnes. The pillaged treasure from the Temple financed the construction of the Coliseum in Rome in 72 CE. Temple leaders were slaughtered and the survivors fled North to Galilee, and Antioch in Syria. Judaism survived with synagogues, local prayer houses. Rabbis became the local teachers and the was decentralized. Instead of Temple, synagogues became the places where God and His laws were taught. God was no longer the only present in the Holy of Holies in the Temple.

 Jesus prophesized the destruction of the Temple

As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” Mark 13:1-2 

John' gospel records the same prophecy about 20 to 40 years after the destruction of the Temple.

“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.” John 2:19-22

 However, we Easter people know how this drama is going to play out. The Triumphal entry is the beginning of Passion week and only Jesus knew what was coming. 

Now, with the Triumphal Entry in mind let’s look at the parable of the fig tree.  Mark brackets the parable of fig tree with the cleansing of the Temple with first half (Mark 11:12-14) and after the cleansing with the second half (Mark 11:20-25). What is Jesus’ message? What is He trying to say to us?

The condemning of the fig tree is an allegory. The fig tree represents Israel as the chosen people as long as they remain faithful to God. In the New Age, God establishes a New Covenant and chose the Church, as body of  Christ on earth.

“I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations,” Isaiah 42:6

 Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree, as Israel is chastened by God for their disobedience. Israel being chosen by God was no arbitrary decision. Ever since the rebellion in the desert following the flight from Egypt, God had been patient for centuries with Israel. Time and again God confronted the nation for sinning against God. He punished them and exiled them twice. He loved them and restored them once they repented of their sin. 

In what ways is the fig tree like the nation of Israel or like ours? With the cursing of the fig tree, what was Jesus trying to say?

In what ways do you think the Church today is like the fig tree and like the nation of Israel?  In what ways do you think the Church is different?

Day Three 

Kairos vs Chronos

As in everyone’s life, there always comes a time when there is a moment in time!  A time is a sgnificant moment. It is Kairos, a moment of great significance. Chronos is linear time, one we measure on our watches.  

“….you know what time it is, how it is already the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; 12 the night is far gone; the day is near. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light;…” Romans 13:11-12

 IT WAS TIME! There was no time for repentance and new beginning. There was no time to wait on the fig tree to bear fruit.  There was no time to wait on the keepers of the temple to decide to get their act together, clean up the Court of the Gentiles and make it ready for newcomers.  God’s offer of transformation had come. God’s kingdom was NOW! The urgency of God’s Kingdom had superseded all time from the past.   

Congregations need to take this warning seriously.  God will not abandon His plan.  As this scripture so disturbingly illustrates, God will chasten an unfaithful people and choose another to convey His truth and grace.

 It is folly to think that God’s kingdom will come with our part-time, half-hearted efforts.  The time is now (Kairos)! God’s transforming power is at hand. Let the church lose its life to self and gain Christ.

What does an unfaithful people or church look like? 

Day Four

Read Mark 12

To be Transformed, One must Turn Around - Metanoia

Jesus Christ is our change-agent. He is the model, the first prototype.   He redeems and restores us.  Daily we die to ourselves as we are born again in Christ (Rom. 14:7-8; 1 Cor. 15:31).  John Wesley’s theology of grace hinges on the notion that as God's image, you and I reflect that image as a mirror to the world in order to redeem it.  According to Wesley, through God’s grace, we become co-participants in the redemption and creation of the world.  How great is God’s confidence in us! 

 The Works of Piety

Over 250 years ago, the Wesley brothers organized the Holy Club at Oxford University and encouraged its members to be accountable to one another.  They prayed, led in Bible study, and met for Christian conferencing or conversation.  The corresponding action was mission ministry.  The disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and meditation practiced works of piety.  To be pious, meant that one was to be holy, or separated for the performance of special acts for God and humanity.

The Works of Mercy

Ionas an expression of their faith.  They visited the physically and mentally ill. They prayed with the condemned and accompanied them to the gallows.  As the Methodist revival took root, new mission institutions were founded and funded with “apportionments” from the societies.  Sunday Schools, orphanages, women’s shelters, health clinics, and senior homes were established as an outgrowth of the works of piety.  They uttered the prophetic call to eliminate slavery and alcohol abuse. John Wesley took seriously James’ admonition,  

“For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead (James 2:26).

The genius of the Wesley brother's theology of practical Christianity was the intentional balance in the faith and practice of the Gospel.  The laity were encouraged and trained for ministry through evangelization and mission.  Wesley knew that this balance for the individual Christian and the church must be maintained, if the mission was to succeed. 

Jesus’ adversaries try to trick him into making a political choice with Caesar's coin

Mixing religion and politics can have combustible consequences, in our time as it was during Passover in Jerusalem during Jesus’ time. The city was choked with thousands of pilgrims from all over the Roman Empire. As a precaution, of possible outbreaks,  Governor Pontious Pilate increased the number of soldiers in the Antonia Fortress, built by Herod the Great. Pilate’s orders were to maintain order, at any cost.

Since the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, his message and actions provoked the status quo of his adversaries. Early in Jesus’ ministry found in, in Mark’s third chapter (Mark 3:6), Jesus is threatened for the first of many times with death. And the threats increased as Jesus “set his face towards Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). 

Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere and show deference to no one, for you do not regard people with partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. 

Jesus’ adversaries try to trick him to commit treason against Rome

Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Mark 12:14

"Bring me a denarius and let me see it.” And they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this and whose title?” Mark 12:15

They answered, “Caesar’s.” Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him. Mark 12:16-17

Jesus turns the tables on his adversaries making them believe that he is neutral, when in fact he does give a definitive answers. Because the Hebrew scriptures and the tradition of the Jews makes it clear that, God is the Creator of the world, and thus owns everything in Creation.

"The earth is the LORD’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it, ... Psalms 24:1

What are the first and second commandments?

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31 

In a few brief words, Jesus reduced the 613 of the Pharisaic laws into two. So when he responds to his adversaries that he came to fulfill the law, not to destroy it, these two that were to be fulfilled by his disciples, across the ages to follow. The first one, he quoted from Deuteronomy 6:4-5: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone.,You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 

The second law is found in Leviticus 19:18: "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD."

Jesus wasn't saying anything new. He was quoting from the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures. He was quoting laws that his hearers already knew. The first one is the Shema, the creed that all Jews declare at their mother's breast.

The difference between belief and unbelief in relation to Jesus and the Kingdom has now become clearer because of the Jesus’ acts and teachings before and including the cleansing of the Temple. It is about love – love for God and love for neighbors.  It is about a love, which involves soul, mind, and strength.  It is about Jesus and the transformation, which he offers to us. He offers us Metanoia. He wants us to "turn around," the literal Greek meaning of the word. He wants to turn from our old ways to our new ways in Christ. He is offering us Salvation from our sins. This is what his purpose was, when he came to earth

 Read Mark 12:38-40.  Jesus warns religious hypocrites who say one thing but do another.  What is that warning?

“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces 39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40 They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” Mark 12:38-40 

 The Widow's Mite 

"He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums."Mark 12:41

"A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:42-44

Jesus' skill as a teacher was to contrast people between the genuine and the hypocritical; the true and the false. Those who gave out of their showy abundance were hypocritical because they gave making sure that the public saw what they gave. By doing so, they believed that they were favored by God. 

In contrast, the poor widow, gave two copper coins to God, worth a day's wage. She made the ultimate sacrifice, denying herself her daily bread.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:5-6

How much are you willing to give where it hurts? 

There are times when it’s important to get things absolutely right. (Mark 12:28-34).  God was doing a new thing. Therefore the question was very appropriate. Which commandment of the 613 commandments in the Torah is first of all?  As the church lives toward God’s dream of a kingdom come “on earth as it is in heaven,” what is absolutely essential for living as a Christian community?  Love God, says Jesus, and love your neighbor as yourself.  

What does it mean to you to give all you have to give and hold nothing back for the sake of the Kingdom of God?

 Day Five

Read Mark 13

Teaching about the end of the age

Mark 13 is known as “the little apocalypse," "the little revelation" a brief description which is later recorded in the book of Revelation. Mark was written during this time. New Testament scholars believe the "little apocalypse" is Mark's narrative of the  events of the faithful, suffering great persecution when the Roman army sacked Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple.  

Jesus feels a sense of urgency as his time is running out.

Everything Jesus does early in Holy Week is calculated to invite the nation to believe in him and his mission.  They choose not to! It is always chilling to realize that religious people were in the forefront of the ranks of Jesus’ enemies.  You can image the Roman authorities set against him and even the politicians.  But Jesus’ enemies were able to win the day because of the support of the religious community. 

This chapter can be seen in terms of Jesus’ instruction to his disciples to not let their guard down.  He is also specific about what they should guard against. They should, for instance, guard against undue trust in the trappings of religion.  

They were also warned against trusting religious leaders just because they were religious leaders. They are not to trust everyone who claims to be the Messiah. (Mark 13:5-13). 

Sometimes in the church those who are appointed to lead are not those whom God anoints to lead!  Be alert, we are told.  Be alert and be discerning is the message of Mark 13. 

 In all times, however, witnessing to the transforming power of God through Jesus Christ is essential and required of those who will be faithful. In all times we are to trust God to use us so long as we are totally surrendered. 

“When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak but the Holy Spirit.” Mark 13:11

Mark, chapters 13 and 14 do not hold out great encouragement for “triumphalism” or for “prosperity” Christianity. The descriptions sends chills up our spine. The “urgency” of the Kingdom of God supercedes all else: be ready – there are no excuses. This is why Mark mentions immediately 41 times in his gospel.

We should remember that something of what Jesus is describing has happened and is happening to Christians today. Persecutions, false teachers, and natural disasters are not elements of some future age.  They are happening now.  Any serious understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus must take account of these possibilities occurring in our walk with the Lord.  We are not immune from any of this.

Yet the situation is not hopeless.  Our calling as Christians is to be faithful and by staying alert.  There are no “quick fixes” for us.  There are no charismatic leaders who will solve the world’s problems without struggle and suffering.  To be on our guard and to be faithful in all things is the most important testimony to the transforming power of the gospel that there is. What we are called to do is to follow Jesus, to take up our cross and follow him day by day.  Through faith we know that God will raise us to new life in Christ Jesus.  As we die to all to which he died, we shall live to all to which he rose!  In the meantime, stay alert and to God be the glory!

 The task before the church today is to be apostolic to be a missionary church, focusing on Christ and in her outreach to the lost. That outreach will need to take notice of changes that the church must enact to win a hearing from contemporary people and alleviate suffering for those in need. 

What kind of changes does your congregation need to make to attract our contemporary people.

Navigating Life's Storms with the Gospel of Mark, Week Six, Mark 14-16

Day One

Read Mark 14

The Holy Spirit Birthed the Church

On the day of Pentecost, faithful Jews from across the world were in Jerusalem celebrating God’s giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai.  Jesus’ disciples were together.  They had prayed since Jesus’ resurrection and the Passover: “And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

 The motivating force that changed the disciples of Jesus into apostles for Christ was Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven.  He reminded Andrew and Philip “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:22b). 

Jesus died on the Cross and was resurrected to redeem humankind, yet he died so that the Holy Spirit could come in power for humankind. “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will be done”  (Matthew 21:20b).

 The mighty wind and tongues of fire, followed by the utterance of unknown tongues, signaled the arrival of the Holy Spirit. On that day the disciples took to the streets proclaiming Christ crucified and resurrected in languages they could not normally speak to people they did not know from all over the known world – and the people understood what was said!  Indeed, Peter was empowered to preach a sermon that added 3000 disciples to their number in one day! The Holy Spirit radically transformed the way the disciples understood Jesus’ ministry among them and transformed the disciples into apostles – those sent to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:1-36 

 “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” Acts 2:1-4

 Only seven weeks prior to Peter’s powerful sermon, when 3,000 pilgrims accepted the resurrected Lord. They were the Feast Pentecost, remembering when Moses delivered the Ten Commandments to the children of Israel. Then, Peter had huddled before a fire in a courtyard unwilling to even admit that he knew Jesus, let alone follow and die for him as a disciple for three years.

Preparation for Death

Read Mark 14: 1-9.  It is Tuesday evening – two days before the beginning of the eighth day of the Passover celebration, and Jesus is in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper sitting at a table with Simon and Jesus’ disciples.

 A woman come in the door with a very expensive alabaster jar of ointment. Jesus’ anoints head. The men expressed indignation because her actions were wasteful. She could have sold the ointment and given the money to the poor.  

 Jesus understood this woman’s act as devotion and love. “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? ”She has preformed a good service for me.”  Mark 14:6,  “She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.” Mark 14-8-9  The disciples still did not understand. Soon they will understand. 

 Now read Mark 14:12–26.  The day has come when preparations are made for the traditional Passover meal, the seder, of lamb, bitter herbs, unleavened bread, and wine. This would be the last time Jesus would eat with his disciples. This hallowed meal is a time of looking back, as a time of remembering, and what was to come.    Passover is recorded in Exodus 12.  It is the story of the liberation of the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt. 

 In Mark’s gospel, Jesus speaks of the Covenant God had with the Jewish people in which God promised to love them.  Now Jesus is telling his disciples that his life’s blood replaces the Old Covenant with a New Covenant for everyone (not just the Jews).  Do the disciples understand? Will they remember?  Do we understand the significance of this for the Church today? Do we remember when we observe Holy Communion?   

Too often, when we “remember,” it is not the new thing that God is creating that we remember.  Instead, we remember the “good old days” when the church was filled to overflowing, when the church was stronger, when all we had to do was open the doors and people would come streaming in because Rev. So-and-so was the pastor and the church was flourishing because of him/her. 

Rather, it is during Holy Communion when we are asked to remember the love Christ has for all people, those inside and outside the church walls.  It is when we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us and the world, to redeem us and free us from the slavery of sin and death.  

“While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it.  He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Mark 14:22-25

 “Do not remember the former things or consider the things of  old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:18-19

 What does it mean to remember Christ when we celebrate Holy Communion (the Eucharist, which means the Lord’s supper) with our Community of Faith? 

 What does this “remembering” have to do with your congregation becoming a healthy, effective, thriving church?

Day Two

Committed to God’s Will

Read Mark 14: 32 – 42. “When they had sung a hymn they went to the Mount of Olives.” Mark 14:26-27. Sorrow and grief encompassed the scene, as Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus is deeply grieved. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (NIV) or “My soul is exceedingly sad (overwhelmed with grief) so that it almost kills me!”  (Amplified Bible) Mark 14:34.

Jesus cries out to God, “Abba,” “Daddy”. It will not be what Jesus wants, but what his Father wants. Jesus who once stood high on the mountain in the light of his transfiguration is now thrown to the ground in the night. He is committed to doing his Father’s will but it is not going to be easy. How hard it is for Jesus! Do you think he might understand why it is sometimes hard for us? 

 Jesus asks three disciples to come with him, to stay awake and to watch. Jesus asks for prayer and spiritual support. What do they do? They fall asleep. Not once, but three times Jesus finds them sleeping! Humanly, it is easy to understand – after all, it is about 2:00 a.m.  But Jesus is struggling. He is wrestling and his closest friends are sleeping. 

 Jesus understands his disciples very well. He says, “Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38.   They were speechless and by their actions show they are clueless as to what is to happen to their master.  The third time he returns to find them sleeping, he tells them that “the hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.” Mark 14:41 

 Disciples of all times and places are challenged to be watching, waiting, and praying so that when the hour comes they are ready.  His commands, “Enough!” and “Get up,” are wake up calls to us as well as to the disciples.  

 What would “Enough!” and “Get up!” mean in the context of your congregation?  

 Read Mark 14:53–65. Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot, captured, and taken to a late-night illegal trial of the religious court, the Sanhedrin. There was conflicting testimony. The false witnesses do not agree to what Jesus had said. According to the law, Jesus could be set free. “A single witness shall not suffice to convict a person of any crime or wrongdoing . . . Only on evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge be sustained.” (Deuteronomy 19:15) There should have been no condemnation! 

 Then the high priest asks, “Are you the Messiah?” He answers, “I AM and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power’ and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’” Mark 14:62. Jesus’ declaration to the Sanhedrin could not have been clearer. Up to that point, Jesus kept his true identity secret. This was the Kairos moment. His true mission and purpose for coming to earth is revealed.

 Jesus could have chosen to remain silent and he would have been set free. However, on his own testimony, he is condemned.

 The leaders react to this blasphemy by tearing their clothes.  No man can make these claims without offending God, they said. There is no need for a witness, as the accused has witnessed against himself.  The call for the decision is made.  The vote for recommending the death penalty is unanimous.  Tomorrow, Jesus will be handed over to the Roman governor execute the condemned. Only could the Romans could.

 Now read Mark 14:29–31 andMark 14: 66–72. Many of us can relate to Peter—the first disciple called, the first disciple to proclaim Jesus as Messiah, and the one who assures Jesus he will never deny him. And what does Peter do? For starters, he sleeps in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus even calls him by name—Simon! We can almost hear Jesus saying, “Not you, Peter. You just told me to count on you!” Again, Peter snores with the other two. 

 Contrast Jesus before the court with Peter standing in the courtyard. Peter denies knowing Jesus, not once, but three times! Even as Jesus is being accused of being a false prophet, one of his prophecies is being realized. How quick are we to deny our discipleship when we are threatened? How many of us are willing to deny our discipleship when issues of justice challenge the privileged life we enjoy?

 Think about Jesus’ commitment to follow his Father’s will.

Why did Jesus choose to obey God, even at great personal sacrifice?

Who are we in these passages? When do we sleep when God calls upon us to be awake? When do we deny Jesus?

·Are we always in all circumstances willing to be identified as a follower of Jesus Christ?

Day Three

Read Mark 15

The Cost of Commitment

Focus on Mark 15:16 – 37.     After confirming the decision of the previous evening, Jesus is handed over to the Roman procurator, Pontious Pilate, who served in the province of Judea under the imperial legate of Syria from 26 to 36 A.D.  Mark never refers to Pilate as governor, and yet his role is understood as such.  His reputation for cruelty and mercilessness is recorded in history because of his methods of putting down a number of rebellions.  Yet Mark paints Pilate in a more compassionate light than Jesus’ accusers.

 Jesus is put through a second trial. “As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.” Mark 15:1-5 

Pilate’s question is different from the one asked by the High Priest Caiaphas. Was Jesus revealing his true identity here, while veiling it to unbelievers? The chief priests confront Pilate with many accusations without substantiating evidence that Jesus was subverting the state.  When asked again, Jesus is silent.  Pilate reminds Jesus of the many charges against him. He refuses to defend himself.  The governor is amazed at Jesus’ silence. Pilate does not understand this and wonders why this man will not attempt to save his own life. 

Pilate condemns Jesus to be crucified, even though he knew he was innocent according to Roman law. Yet, his top priority as the Roman governor was to maintain order.

Jesus is sent outside of the Jerusalem walls, to Golgotha, the “place of the skull.” It was the city’s smoldering dump. It was Gehenna, to hell. What a contrast of Jesus’ triumphal entry a week ago. 

Throughout Mark, Jesus cast out demons, healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and hearing and speech to the deaf. He raised people from the dead. He used his power over nature to calm the seas and feed the multitude. Jesus did these things because of people’s faith. Will they at the cross now believe?

Jesus is mocked by the mob and the soldiers. His disciples had deserted him. It seemed that his Father had also. He is totally abandoned and alone. Except for the women:

“There were also women looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome, who followed him when he was in Galilee and ministered to him, and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.” Mark 15:40-41

It seemed that even his Father had abandoned him. Jesus on the cross is fully human and experiences human suffering like other humans. He could have avoided going to Jerusalem. He could have left the Garden of Gethsemane and never return. He could have saved himself at the trial before the council. He could have saved himself at the trial before Pilate. 

But he didn’t. Why? That is the mystery of our faith.

Paul gives us several answers:

 “I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:19b-20

“We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, so we might no longer be enslaved to sin.” Romans 6:6

 “…when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2:13b-14

 Is this a cry of abandonment? Persons who were sick and suffering had recited this psalm for centuries. Jesus is now claiming this same Psalm. The psalm begins as a cry of anguish, moves to a psalm of remembering God’s help in former times, continues with a prayer for healing and deliverance, and concludes with a hymn of praise. Jesus knows human pain! His disciples and followers are gone. In agony, alone, and using a psalm of hope, in spite of current circumstances, he continues to remain connected to God. 

 Read Mark 15:38 – 39. You may recall that Mark described the heavens being torn open at Jesus’ baptism the same way the temple curtain is now torn at Jesus’ death. The Temple was seen as the place where God dwells on earth and a copy of God’s heavenly temple. Mark’s vision is that the boundary of heaven and earth is like a curtain. The tearing of the heavens and the tearing of the Temple curtain are connected in Mark’s vision. The tearing of the heavens occurs at the beginning and at the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

 Jesus has replaced the high priest of the old religious order. In the old order, only the high priest could enter the most sacred place behind the curtain where God resided, the Holy of Holies. Now there is no boundary. The curtain is torn. God is with us. We are not separated from God.

What was proclaimed in both the beginning and the end? Jesus Christ is the Son of God!  Mark proclaims this in his introduction to the gospel and it is proclaimed at Jesus’ baptism by the voice from heaven.  And then the centurion proclaims this at the cross. The baptism is the foreshadowing of the cross. 

The cross confirms the baptism. Paul understood this in his letter to the church in Rome. Paul writes, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” (Romans 6:3) Just as God claims us at our baptism, so God claims us and restores us to right relationship through the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross.

At the foot of the cross the centurion, a Roman soldier, recognizes that something unusual has happened. We can assume he has seen many crucifixions in his service to Rome. Finally someone understands—not the disciples, not the women standing at a distance—but a Roman soldier. The truth has been told throughout Mark but now it can be understood. Not until Jesus dies does the soldier truly understand who Jesus is.

Now when the centurion who stood facing him saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” Mark 15:39

Jesus died about 3:00 in the afternoon, having hung on the cross only 6 hours.  Jesus is buried on Friday afternoon at around 4:30 in a stone cript, by Joseph pf Arimathea, just prior to sundown and the start of the Sabbath.  Joseph is a respected member of the Sanhedrin, and one who waited expectantly for the kingdom of God.   John 19:38-39 reveals that Joseph and Nicodemus (another Sanhedrin member) are secret followers of Jesus.  Luke 23:50-51 records that Joseph had not consented to Jesus’ death.  Because the Sabbath was arriving, Jesus’ body must be buried according to the Law.  Knowing this, Joseph made his urgent appeal to Pilate.  The governor was surprised that Jesus died so soon.  He was skeptical, and wanted proof against the possibility that Joseph was rescuing a condemned man.  Once a centurion confirmed that Jesus was dead, Pilate released the body to Joseph.

Consider what the suffering and dying of Jesus on the cross means to you.

Do you really understand what it means to be loved by God? 

Do you really grasp this love that is so strong that nothing can separate us from it? 

Do you really experience this love of a relentless God who pursues us into all our hiding places? 

What is it that holds us back from committing to this love? 

 Day Four

Read Mark 16

Is This the End or the Beginning?

Read Mark 16: 1 – 8.  Two of the women, who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion and saw where Jesus was buried, return early Sunday, just as the sun was dawning, with spices and oils to properly prepare Jesus’ body.  Normally, after death, a body was anointed with oils such as myrrh and nard as a part of the burial rites. Remember the woman who anointed Jesus’ head with expensive oils in Mark 14:1 – 9. Jesus remarked, “… she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial.” Having no knowledge of a resurrection, they expect to see Jesus as they had seen him last — dead. They are concerned about moving the heavy granite stone sealing the tomb, only to discover that the stone has already been rolled back.

At the entrance of the tomb, there is a young man wearing a white robe, presumably an angel (messenger).  They are “alarmed.”  The young man identifies the one who was buried here, and announces he is raised and not here.  And if there is any doubt, he tells the women to look and see that the shelf where they laid him is empty.  Then he commands the women to tell the disciples and Peter, their leader, that he will go ahead of them and meet them in Galilee.  There he will be seen, just as Jesus has promised.  

Mark’s focus is not on who is in the tomb, but on who is not in the tomb. Jesus is not there. Still not seeing Jesus dead or resurrected, … they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark 16:8.

They are afraid. But it is not the kind of fear we associate with terror, but with awe, amazement, and the unexplainable.  Their fear, their overwhelming awe resulted in flight and silence.  

And that is the end of Mark’s story. 

 “Wait a minute!  Hold on! What kind of ending is that?” The message that Jesus is raised and is truly the Son of God is finally ready to be told to the world. What do the women do with the message? They run away in fear! Do they tell anyone?  What happens next?  That is not much of an ending. As far as Mark is concerned, he told the story. Everything is wrapped up — Jesus is the Son of God. This was revealed from the beginning of the gospel. Mark let us in on the news, but the people in the gospel did not understand this. It was hidden, but now all is revealed at the cross and the empty tomb. What we do with the story is up to us. Do we proclaim it by living it, or do we run away in fear?

 This unresolved end challenges us. Bible scholars argue that Mark’s gospel ends at 16:8.  Two additions are added later, a shorter and longer one.  Jesus appears to his disciples in the shorter addition (16:8b).  The longer addition includes three more appearances (vs. 9-20).  Language syntax and rough editing indicate these additions were written by manuscript copiers and editors.  What does your Bible notes say about the additional endings? 

 We do not like unresolved endings. Mark may have deliberately chosen to close his story with verse 8. What happens next is your story of faith and belief. What happens next is the Church’s story of commitment and faithfulness.  Will you stand with the centurion at the cross and proclaim the truth? Or will you stand in the distance in fear and disbelief? Will you commit yourself to follow Jesus, looking forward to what is to come or will you look back at what once was?

Consider how to end Mark’s story.

What will you do with the news that Jesus is the Son of God?How will you choose to live your life, knowing what has been revealed about Jesus?

During all of our lives as believers and actors with Jesus, we have never seen him, yet we believe in Him. How do we confirm that Jesus is Resurrected Eternal Lord, from the past, the present and into the future—forever?

How do those who don’t know Him discover Him? 

Today, there are about 2.26 billion Christians, 32% of 7.3 billion people in the world. How did they find out that, “Jesus is Lord?”

Day Five

What Difference Will Commitment Make?

 Commitment is a tough word. It isn’t always comfortable to be tied down or obligated.  But throughout our lives, we do make commitments to belong to something or someone.  At some point we commit to a career path and sometimes that involves committing to attend the appropriate school for training. We may commit resources to buying a car or a house. Most commit themselves to another person in marriage and to children that are born to that union.  

There are different ways to understand commitment.  Commitment can be thought of as an obligation or duty.  Or we can use words like dedicated, steadfast, or faithful – words that apply to Jesus’ understanding of his mission to do the will of his Father. The one we follow – the one we are called to emulate – was the very embodiment of God’s Grace.  

What do think you might regret if you took up Jesus’ call to “Follow me”? What do you think your congregation would miss out on if, corporately, she faithfully gave herself to being a missional church?  

On the other hand, what would be easier to bear if you were able to commit to living under the authority of Christ? What difference will this commitment make in your life? 

Jesus knows how very difficult this commitment will be for us. Think back over this study. Jesus knew how hard the road would be from the River Jordan to Golgotha. There would be high moments on the mountain and low moments in the garden. Through it all Jesus found his strength in God’s presence. 

The cost of following Jesus is high (Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship). You may have to rethink your priorities or rearrange your schedule.  Your congregation may have to live through the difficulty of change (metanoia, transformation). You may even have to suffer.  However, in both the joy and the suffering is a promise, one that God will never break¾the promise of God’s love and God’s presence with us. 

Why is Mark such an urgent gospel?

What is God urgently calling you and/or your congregation to do right now? 

Church historians refer to the growth of the church during the first three centuries as the Apostolic Era.   They claim it ended when Christianity was legalized in 313 AD by Emperor Constantine. The simplicity and inclusiveness of the early Christians, men and women ministers, was replaced by an imperial, autocratic Church whose power was controlled by a priestly, hierarchical, male clergy, teaching autocratic doctrines. 

Nevertheless, the Church has nurtured saints, martyrs, missionaries, and prophets across the centuries. When believers have allowed themselves to be empowered by the Holy Spirit and motivated to do the mighty works of God. Even when the church succumbed to  anti-Christian acts, such as the  abuses of the European Inquisition, the many religious wars between Christians, and the burning of the “witches” in Massachusetts, God raised up reformers and prophets. Consider  Martin Luther, John and Charles Wesley, Martin Luther King, Jr,  Dietrich Bonhoeffer, St. Oscar Romero, and Maria Cristina Gozalez, as Sermon of the Mount Christians. 

And Catholic mystics such as Francis of Assisi, St. Theresa of Avila, Julian of Norwich, and St. John of the Cross. 

The power of renewal comes when courageous people of faith listen and follow that “still small voice,” and go out to renew the faith and offer Christ who saves the world, again and again. Thus, the Church shall live, even until the end of the age.

Hope resides in the Church of Jesus Christ because of his people. As the communion liturgy sums it: 

We live in a time when Christianity in America is experiencing the renewal and revival. We also live in a time when the way of Christ is being challenged by oppressive forces.  Non-churched people are seeking to express  their spirituality in search of the Divine.  What will they find when they come knocking on your church’s door?  What do you think you will find when you go knocking on their door?  Make no mistake; the question is not, Is God calling me and our church to be missional?  The question for you and your church to answer is; How will I and how will we respond to God’s call?

In closing, we come back to where Mark began—Mark pointedly directs disciples, us included, to see the Risen Messiah in the place he lives  in his gospel, as a response to “chaos in the wilderness” .  It is here that we begin the path and we will continue the walk through the wilderness and over the stormy chaos of the sea, that we claim for Christ “the world as our parish” (Wesley).

The liturgy of the holy communion summarizes our call and the call of the church:

 “Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here,
and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.”

Consider where God is calling you or your church (or both).  What step of commitment do you need to make?

Jesus, the Provoker, Mark 1:14-15

 “The Jesus the Provoker”

Mark 1:14-15

I. Introduction

In order to understand the life and ministry of Jesus we must know the context in which he lived in. It was a time when powerful political and religious forces abused the people of Israel, especially the poor and defenseless. Jesus came to free them from their oppression by announcing the presence of the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. His Kingdom was for all humanity, not just a few chosen ones. 

His Kingdom was a direct challenge to the Roman Empire and the Temple authorities because the Kingdom of God would vanquish their kingdoms. 

Jesus’ message was liberating, but its practice was risky. 

 “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” Mark 1:14-15 

His Kingdom offered eternal and earthly salvation to all who received it. You could suffer and be killed for following it.

            1. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

            2. “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow                     me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my                         sake will find it. Matthew 16:24-25

Jesus’ message was such threat to the powerful that eventually he was executed on a Roman cross. He gave his life to vanquish the powers and save humanity. Death was not the victor. He chose to die and live again for all humanity.

Before I go any further, remember when were in Sunday school we saw the image of a white European man carrying a lost and found lamb, returning her to the fold. That impression was that this Jesus was sweet, mild, and impotent to change the world. He only came to save us from our personal sins. Yes, But his practice was much, much more. The image is different than what he taught and the purpose of his mission. 

Let’s find out.

Jesus had a plan action to provoke the powerful, while defending the  poor the marginalized, the ignored, and the invisible. His provoking was intentional because every act and every word prompted a political response from the powers. 

II. Jesus Had Four Adversaries to Deal With

    A. The Political Authorities 

            1. The Roman Empire 

The Roman Empire was the most powerful and ruthless political system in the ancient world.  There was no democracy, no civil rights, and no courts. Dissent was crushed. 90% of the population was the labor force and did all the work by enriching the wealthy 10%. Many were slaves for life. Others were indentured servants and tenant farmers. 90% paid exorbitant taxes while the 10%  paid none. To get ahead, officials bought titles and paid bribes for status and power. 

            2. The Herodians

The Herodians were a Jewish political faction who supported the Herodian dynasty, favoring collaboration with Rome for political stability and power. They opposed Jesus, viewing him as a threat to their interests, and twice conspired with the Pharisees to kill him. They followed the legacy of Herod the Great who tried to kill Jesus in Bethlehem but instead slaughtered the innocents. Herod Agrippa, his son, beheaded John the Baptist, and handed Jesus over to Pilate to be executed.

      B. The religious authorities

            1. Pharisees

The Pharisees were an influential Jewish religious sect during the time of Jesus known for their strict adherence to the Torah, (the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures) and its many moral and pious restrictions. They separated themselves from other Jews for spiritual purity. The Pharisees expected the people to fulfill 704 laws. When they failed, they were sinners, never to be accepted by God. To win God’s favor, they had to atone for their           sins at the Temple by purchasing sacrificial animals at high prices, in order to get right with God. The Pharisees ran the animal markets and managed the funds, which the often stole from.

Jesus said: They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others, but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. Matthew 23:4 Instead, Jesus reduced the 704 laws into two. 

‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

And to answer those who accused him for abolishing the laws,

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Matthew 5:17

Here is one example to what Jesus was up against with his adversaries:

One Sabbath he was going through the grain fields, and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”…Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for humankind and not humankind for the Sabbath, so the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” Mark 3:23-27 

Jesus’ claim that he was Lord the Sabbath made it clear that he was to overthrow the powers and usher in his Kingdom, a provocative challenge to the powers. 

            2. Sadducees

The Sadducees were an aristocratic priestly sect who controlled the Temple in Jerusalem. They also skimmed the money collected from the purchases of sacrificial animals. They were politically influential with the Romans.

The political and religious authorities maintained their status quo for power. 

III. Jesus’ Very Existence was a Threat to the Powerful

      A. It was they who made Jesus into a political figure, because this was the only way that they                      understood his teachings, miracles, and healings. 

     B. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit . Mary, proclaimed that her son would turn the world up             side down for justice and righteousness.

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,… He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.. Luke 1:46-53

    C. Josepthj and Mary were forced to travel from Nazaeth to Bethlehem to pay  exorbitant taxes                     without their consent to Caesar Augustus

            1. King Herod the Great feared this child would steal his throne. When Herod didn’t find Jesus,                 he slaughtered the innocents. 

        The Holy family, fled for their lives and became a political,  undocumented and impoverished                 refugees, living with uncertainty 

III.  Jesus was on a Dangerous Mission

       A. John the Baptist was arrested and executed by Herod Agrippa, a warning that Jesus would be                 next.

        B. The Kingdom of God’s aim was invite the people to turn around and believe the Good News                 and to overthrow the kingdoms of this world

        C. To the religious authorities

“Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They were watching him to see whether he would cure him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3 And he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come forward.” 4 Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save life or to kill?” 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.” Mark 3:1-4,6

        D. To the political authorities

Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.” And they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this and whose title?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him. Mark 12:14-17

IV. On the way to Jerusalem to meet his fate, he announced to his disciples 

“that the Son of Man must under go great suffering and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes and be killed and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."Mark 8:31-33

    A. But the disciples didn’t get it until Jesus was resurrected. Peter implored  him not to go. Angrily,             he rebukes Peter for blocking him like Satan to not fulfill his destiny.

    B. His death sentence

Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves... “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers. “and when the chief priests and the scribes…kept looking for a way to kill him, for they were afraid of him because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. Mark 11:15-18

     C. Jesus is captured, tried, and sentenced to death

So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them, and after flogging Jesus he handed him over to be crucified. Mark 15:15

V. He arose

    A.   The greatest motivation for the early Christians to risk their lives and follow Jesus and face their             death was because of Christ’s resurrection. His resurrection is available for all.                                           

   B. Christian discipleship has its price. “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and             take up their cross and follow me" Mark 8:34

   C.    Two young men knew what was at stake when they decided to follow Jesus. They were Sermon               on the Mount Christians, who lived it by the letter. That’s why they were killed.                                       

          1. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and pastor lost his life for conspiring to kill Hitler.                 He said, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him to die.”

          2. Martin Luther King preached on that night before he was slain: 

“Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned                     about that now. I just want to do God's will." 

   D.  Now there are many ways that we can die with Jesus and not paying the     ultimate price. We                 can die to personal sin. But we can also die when we have we do nothing to be like him and                     change the world. 

   E. Provoke! Stir the pot! Muddy the waters! Make good trouble! Get mad! Speak truth to power!               Stand up, don’t sit down! March! Take risks! Change the world!

Faithful Resistance 2,000 Strong

This Wednesday, February 25th, over 2,000 inter-religious clergy and laity came to Washington DC on a “Faithful Resistance Witness” walk to the Capitol. The focus was to confront the powers over the brutal policies of immigration and deportations. I was among them. After a rousing celebration at the Capitol City United Methodist Church, we walked down Pennsylvania and Independence avenues to Capitol Hill. After a worship benediction, and a "sending forth," we divided into small delegations and visited our congress persons plus the senators. Prior to the event, each legislator was contacted. Most of the republicans refused to meet the delegations. My delegation had fruitful conversation with Max Price, Chief Legislative Assistant of US Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida's 25th District. We were on the same page as the congress. told us that  Rep Wasserman Schultz was fighting to defund ICE and DHS. When I asked if she knew about RCMA, Price answered in the affirmative. When we asked how we could support her efforts, Price chastened us that the congresswoman doesn't get enough contacts from the faith community. She also would appreciate more support from faith leaders so that the use their support as ammunition to confront the powers.

 

Martin Niemoller: A Living Martyr

Martin Niemöller was born in the Westphalian town of Lippstadt, Germany, on January 14, 1892. In 1910 he became a cadet in the Imperial German Navy. With the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Niemöller was assigned to a U-Boat, of which he was eventually appointed the commander. Under the stipulations of the armistice of November 11, 1918, that ended hostilities in World War I, Niemöller and other commanders were ordered to turn over their U-Boats to England. Along with many others, Niemöller refused to obey this order, and was, as a consequence, discharged from the Navy.

In 1920, he decided to follow the path of his father and began seminary training at the University of Münster.

Niemöller enthusiastically welcomed the Third Reich. But a turning point in Niemöller's political sympathies came with a January 1934 meeting of Adolf Hitler, Niemöller, and two prominent Protestant bishops to discuss state pressures on churches. At the meeting it became clear that Niemöller's phone had been tapped by the Gestapo (German Secret State Police). It was also clear that the Pastors Emergency League (PEL), which Niemöller had helped found, was under close state surveillance. Following the meeting, Niemöller would come to see the Nazi state as a dictatorship, one which he would oppose.

The Quotation

Niemöller is perhaps best remembered for the quotation¹ :

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

 

The quotation stems from Niemöller's lectures during the early postwar period. Different versions of the quotation exist. These can be attributed to the fact that Niemöller spoke extemporaneously and in a number of settings. Much controversy surrounds the content of the poem as it has been printed in varying forms, referring to diverse groups such as Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, Trade Unionists, or Communists depending upon the version. Nonetheless his point was that Germans had been complicit through their silence in the Nazi imprisonment, persecution, and murder of millions of people. He felt this was true in particular of the leaders of the Protestant churches (of which the Lutheran church was one denomination).

A Controversial Figure

In the wake of Nazism, Niemöller's prominence as an opposition figure gave him international stature though he remained controversial. Not until 1963, in a West German television interview, did Niemöller acknowledge and make a statement of regret about his own antisemitism.²  He was nonetheless one of the earliest Germans to talk publicly about broader complicity in the Holocaust and guilt for what had happened to the Jews. In his book Über die deutsche Schuld, Not und Hoffnung (published in English as Of Guilt and Hope)—which appeared in January 1946—Niemöller wrote:

"Thus, whenever I chance to meet a Jew known to me before, then, as a Christian, I cannot but tell him: 'Dear Friend, I stand in front of you, but we cannot get together, for there is guilt between us. I have sinned and my people have sinned against thy people and against thyself.'" 

Last Edited: Mar 30, 2012

Author(s): United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, DC

 “What is the Will of God in my Life?”

“Your Will be Done; on Earth as it is in Heaven.” Matthew: 6:10

 

I don’t know about you, but for me, I have often wondered what the will of God is in my life. For most of my life, I have wrestled with this question and often have frozen up, and I don’t have a clue. I get caught up in the mire of indecision, worry, anxiety and distress. Inevitably, I decide to do something and most of the time, it is not God’s will.

 

I often have struggled with trying to determine God’s will when making important decisions. For example, what should I do when I confront my boss on an ethical question fearing that I might lose my job? Should I marry this girl, or not? Do I follow my convictions and join a protest march over the innocent death of an African American boy at the hands of the police or be afraid that my conservative friends will cease to be my friends? I am afraid that I may be arrested while practicing non-violent civil disobedience? Do I follow my selfish tendencies and want my comatose husband to continue “living” and instead of let him go?

 

Last summer, while a teaching a class, we were discussing the same topic. We concluded that knowing the will of God is not based on specific situations, such as the questions from the previous paragraph. Rather, God’s will is my decision to follow the Way of the Christ. We decide to follow Him, no matter where He leads us.

 

We have the faith to live with Him by trusting Him. Faith is belief in Him. Trusting is acting in faith for Him. Trusting Him is putting our “boots on the ground,” and following him.

 

This is what the Apostle Paul means when he exhorts his house churches:

 

“If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:1-3

 

What Paul means is that we align our mind with Christ. We live into the “mind of Christ.” It takes a lifetime to achieve this. Fortunately, God is patient with us, because He “first loved us,” offering is extravagant Grace. 

 

Why? Because Paul time and time again reminds his first century churches what became the earliest creed, which we repeat at Sunday worship. Christ lives. He is condemned. He is crucified. He is resurrected. He will come again.”  

 

Paul writes again and again that we are the Church, the koinonia. We are the saints as the “body of Christ” on earth. Christ is present with us when we gather with Him, especially when we celebrate Holy communion. When we eat His body and drink His blood it is more than “in remembrance of me,” as is often carved on communion tables. He is present now. 

 

Yet, Christ invites us to follow him, if we are to discover God’s will in our life 

 

“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Mark 8:34-36

 

That is radical stuff. It is costly because Jesus forces us to be transformed into His image, or “metanoia.” This is radical stuff because we are transformed from the way we are in our brokenness into the way He wants us to be. Is this what Jesus means when we live into the will of God?  

 

We walk the way of Christ; living in His will. We have the “blessed assurance” that “all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” (14^th century mystic Julian of Norwich)