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Mark: Whose Son Is the Messiah?

Read: Mark 12:35-37

Here’s a short passage that easily slips by on the Bible-in-a-year reading plan. I wonder if there are nuggets of wisdom for us to gain by slowing down and pondering why John Mark (along with Matthew 22:41-46 and Luke 20:41-44) chose this seemingly simple lesson to include among many taught in Jerusalem during Jesus’s last days on earth.

Jesus is teaching in the temple courts and poses a question that must have stopped everyone in their tracks:

David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”
The large crowd listened to him with delight. Mark 12:37

This is more like a riddle than a question. I imagine people wandering around testing each other with the answer, though only a few understood the significance of the One who was asking.

Matthew’s account adds an interesting detail:

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”
“The son of David,” they replied. Matthew 22:41-42

The Pharisees, along with many others (most likely), have to wonder why Jesus would pose such a riddle. Surely there are other lessons to teach. We’re stuck without a lot of details except to suggest that this

was to show that the Messiah was more than a descendant of David—he was David’s Lord. NIV Study Bible Notes

 

In the coming days, the tests will become harder, more complicated, and the Pharisees will ultimately fail miserably. It seems to me that Jesus is giving them a hint before their exam, all but declaring: I Am the Messiah! Read your scrolls!

The Pharisees are much too busy to see the significance. We know from our perspective that they, with few exceptions, miss the connection of Jesus as the long expectant savior, the one we get to sing about over the course of the next few weeks.

In this season of Advent, may we lose ourselves in the thought that Jesus is the fulfillment of hope for all generations, past, present, and future.

Lord, help us not to miss the point: Jesus is our redeemer.

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Mark: The Greatest Commandment

Read: Mark 12:28-34

Love God. Love neighbors. Love yourself.

There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31

Done. Publish.

Not quite so fast. Not because I’m trying to add words to Jesus’s very clear answer here, but because I want to step into the shoes of the man who had the opportunity to ask one question of Jesus face-to-face. What question would you ask? What would I ask?

In this case, the Jewish leader is a teacher of the law. He’s no doubt invested his life in understanding the Torah, searching his heart and mind to not only become the man he believed God wanted him to be, but to be a better teacher, the calling for his life.

Given the chance of a lifetime, he finds himself in the enviable position to ask Jesus the clarify something for him. We know the rabbis of the day had hundreds of laws and rules, so many that it was no doubt a challenge to rack and stack them, keep them in order, etc. Modern day lawyers can appreciate this much more than I can.

What’s really refreshing about this interaction is that this man sincerely wanted to know the answer. He wasn’t trying to be clever, or at least it seems that way from his response to Jesus. The snob in me has read this differently in the past. Verse 32 starts, “Well said, teacher…” and I puff up my chest and say, you’re ___ right, this is Jesus answering your silly question! But that is not what Jesus says, not the way our savior reacts.

Take a moment and breathe in the words of Jesus as He listened intently to the man’s response:

When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Mark 12:34

The man reiterated Jesus’s words while I believe Jesus looked into his eyes and focused all attention on his body language, his poise, letting go of his prominent position to move from knowledge to wisdom. Jesus sees his heart and approves with incredibly gracious words. In my imagination, I see Jesus grabbing him by the shoulders, smiling, looking directly in his eyes and saying, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Oh my, that scene is so surreal. Can you imagine? Linger there for a moment.

If you had one question, what would it be?

I pray that we would ask questions and listen like the man did in this passage, that we would receive the assurance that Jesus came and died for us to appreciate. Jesus has the answers for those far from the Kingdom and those who’ve been adopted for years. Lord, help us to listen to Your answers.

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Mark: Marriage at the Resurrection

Read: Mark 12:18-27

Let’s play Stump the Rabbi. Here we see a fictitious scenario dreamed up by some of the Sadducees for the true purpose of tripping up Jesus.

John Mark begins by reminding us that the Sadducees are a group that don’t believe in the resurrection, so we get the sense that their perspective is at least biased against Jesus’ teaching. The story they concoct involves a seven brothers who each marry one woman then die. Eventually, the woman dies.

At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” Mark 12:23

My first thought is the Sadducees are trying to gain support for their notion that there is no resurrection. The number of brothers, and therefore husbands, is not relevant to the answer, except to say that seven is chosen for its significance as a complete number. Obviously, even a second marriage to the widow would fit the question — if this entire discussion was really about marriage!

Marriage at the Resurrection

The Sadducees inadvertently ask a question that points to a modern day conundrum: What does marriage look like in heaven?

When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. Mark 12:25

Honestly, that doesn’t provide a lot of answers for me. While Jesus know what angels in heaven look like, I’m a bit shaky on the idea! What I do get from the discussion is that their is, in fact, a life in eternity that is guaranteed beyond this mortal trial of existence, that there is more. The whole scenario has little to do with marriage, so Jesus move onto the point of their actual debate.

Christianity offers a hope like no other, the promise of a resurrected life.

This is the source of great confusion, much controversy, and yet, ultimately one of the key distinctives which define Christ followers. We believe in the resurrection. I think it’s safe to say we don’t believe that the resurrected life is some sort of eternal existence as a continuation of our current mortal state. Beyond that, we have clues in scripture, but it seems to me, we don’t really know what it looks like.

That does not change the assertion that there is a resurrection.

Jesus points the Sadducees back to the Pentateuch that they use as the basis for their home-brewed religion. In typical form, He puts the question back in their court:

Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? Mark 12:26

The concept of “I am” is pretty clear, even if it’s difficult to understand: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all exist in eternity at the same time; i.e., something happens after death. Jesus has taught on several occasions, at this point, that there is a resurrection. Here He makes it clear as He sends the Sadducees away shaking their heads.

Historically, the Sadducees sect did not survive very long, kinda like their misplaced theology.

The key takeaway for me this morning: check your theology at the door and listen to what God has to say for us in His word, the inspired brief writings we call the Bible. It’s incredible that He would give us this gift. I pray that we will all learn one grain of sand more until the day we have a beach full of knowledge and wisdom. Until that day, I’ll take a grain.

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Mark: Paying the Imperial Tax to Caesar

Read: Mark 12:13-17

The battle between church and state has raged for centuries. Today we are reminded of how we should approach this classic face-off as we read John Mark’s account of the interaction.

Unholy Alliance

In light of several things I’ve learned through this present study, here is another example of an alliance that is significant, in a bad way:

Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. Mark 12:13

In this case, they, implies there are talks among the Jewish and Roman leaders in the region. The Jewish leaders are obviously desperate to get rid of Jesus, even to the point of conspiring with the oppression regime that governs with a whip. Remember, just 30 years before this time, Herod had all the boys two and under killed when Jesus was born. I’m sure not much has changed in their way of thinking as evidenced by the systematic torture and execution of prisoners through crucifixion.

This is an unholy alliance, one that is not endorsed by God, but Jesus, once again, demonstrates incredibly (to say the least) how we should handle such obvious attempts to subvert God’s authority.

Teacher’s Pet

You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are Mark 12:14

I hadn’t caught this concept before reading the NIV Application Commentary, but it is true, Jesus does show favoritism to those who sincerely seek the truth. This reminds me of days when I was teaching for the University of Maryland (long time ago!). I told my students that I most definitely had teacher’s pets. Those who did their homework and turned it in on time without complaint, those who prepared for class, those who did their best — these would be my favorites and I would unashamedly show them undue partiality. They got the point.

Jesus invites those who are willing to lay down their pride and follow Him to enter into his way of life. For those who have ulterior motives, He dismisses them with more questions than they had answers for. Just a few days ago we watched this unfold as Jesus ignored the questions from the religious leaders and sent them packing without an answer (The Authority of Jesus Challenged).

Thinly Veiled Trap

The grade-school challenge is laid before Jesus,

Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” Mark 12:14-15

I’m thankful that John Mark (and Matthew 22:15-22 and Luke 20:20-26!) captured the moment for us to appreciate the separation of church and state. The hotly contested legal relationship continues to burden established churches to this day as we witness legal battles constantly attacking organized religion.

The Answer

The answer is rather simple:

Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him. Mark 12:17

Simple, yes, but once again, Jesus sends His inquisitors home unsatisfied: they were amazed. Matthew’s version agrees with John Mark’s while Luke tells us they were astonished and had no response, “they were silent.”

There are many in the church world that live in fear of losing their tax-exempt status, the revered 501(c)(3) shelter for non-profit entities, in particular, religious organizations. The rationale behind the tax-exempt status has little to do with religion, which is why, so far, the code remains in place. The concept is simple: religious organizations, e.g., churches, exist for the common good of the public. This is the call for churches to remember their role in community outreach, but not merely for the sake of checking a box. Our role is to be a key part of our community. I fully believe that if we were to embody that role, we would be fine with or without the IRS Code exemption–the community would long to see us succeed.

I’m thankful for this clear cut example of how we are to balance church and state. We have so many privileges in this country, so many laws in our favor. Lord, help us to play the vital role in society as we draw people to You!

 

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Mark: The Parable of the Tenants

Read: Mark 12:1-12

In this powerful parable, Jesus speaks directly at the Pharisees, the teachers of the law, the leaders of the religious right. The words are so pointed and accurate that the crowd understood implicitly. And since the crowd understood, the religious leaders were unable to act publicly. Their plot thickened.

The Parable

“A man planted a vineyard. He fenced it, dug a winepress, erected a watchtower, turned it over to the farmhands, and went off on a trip. At the time for harvest, he sent a servant back to the farmhands to collect his profits. Mark 12:1-2

The farmhands (The Message) or Tenants were privileged to have control over the vineyard, they enjoyed the fruit of the man’s design, the choice property, the safety of the fence, and security afforded them as a result.

But they completely lost sight of an important fact: they were tenants.

Their actions were bold, brash, selfish — they beat the servants who were sent by the master to collect the profits that were due to him. Some the beat, some they killed. It’s interesting to note that the master only wanted to collect the profits, nothing more. In other words, the tenants were free to enjoy the benefits of the vineyard and were only asked to return the extra earnings from their labor.

Servant after servant the evil tenants boldness increased, until:

“He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ Mark 12:6

At this point, I imagine that Jesus paused and let the thought sink in. Everyone knows the master’s son is a person of importance, one who represents the master himself and is his heir. I can see the heads bobbing in agreement with this statement.

Then Jesus continues the story with the unthinkable:

“But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. Mark 12:7-8

First of all, they recognized who he was, make no mistake, they were aware of the authority with which he came back to the vineyard.

Secondly, their plan is misguided. Somehow in their minds they convinced themselves that by killing the master’s son, they would reap the inheritance.

Finally, they carried out their plan. The evil that filled their hearts was so intoxicating that they executed the owner’s son.

Another pause.

Coincidentally, Our Daily Bread today refers to Amos and reminds us the God is sovereign, that He will not be mocked:

“Therefore this is what I will do to you, Israel,
and because I will do this to you, Israel,
prepare to meet your God.”
He who forms the mountains,
who creates the wind,
and who reveals his thoughts to mankind,
who turns dawn to darkness,
and treads on the heights of the earth—
the Lord God Almighty is his name.
Amos 4:12-13

Prepare to meet your God.

“What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. Mark 12:9

The wrath of God is not something we refer to very often these days. It’s a concept misunderstood by those who are unfamiliar with the depth of love the Lord has for His created ones. The world views God’s wrath as that of a tyrant who maliciously judges people. This is not our God. He sends prophet after prophet, word after word. He is consistent.

Here’s the key phrase: “…and give the vineyard to others.”

The evil will be eradicated from the vineyard. Make no mistake, the religious leaders are not idiots, they get the point.

…they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away. Mark 12:12

I am reminded today that God is sovereign. His ways are far better than my ways. I hope I will learn that lesson once again!

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Mark: The Authority of Jesus Challenged

Read: Mark 11:27-33

As we finish chapter 11 today, we see Jesus and his disciples return to Jerusalem. As Jesus enters the temple courts, various religious leaders approach Him with malcontent on their minds:

…while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?” Mark 11:27-28

They are so confident in their wisdom, knowledge, and experience, that they approach Jesus with a question they have created as a means of quieting Him. In their minds, I believe, they somehow think Jesus will simply go away and stop causing trouble.

Jesus makes a wager:

Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!” Mark 11:29-30

The riddle leaves them puzzled and Jesus dismisses their feeble attempt to prevent Him from teaching in the temple courts and surrounding area.

They’re unable to answer His question because they are completely self-focused. Their systems simply promote themselves and feed a ritualistic method for artificial repentance.

Before we walk away from these few verses, consider that the group of men represented here represent the top leadership for the entire Jewish nation. Chief priests, not underlings; teachers of the law, not students; Elders, not junior members of society. Depending on your view of today’s contemporary Christian spokespeople, this might be Billy Graham, Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, or other renown Christian leaders of our day. They’re based in Jerusalem, so their credibility factor is high and their inability to solve the riddle is a major factor in their secret plans to kill Jesus.

None of that is news. We’ve thought about this lots of times, basically, every time we talk about Pharisees. What I hope to learn from this interaction is that Jesus is kind to them, even if He knows He’s asking a question they can’t answer.

His words are not aggressive. His desire is that all would come to the table, even those who should know better.

In this tense holiday season, I pray we will learn to be kind as we continue to be a beacon of hope for those who are far from Christ.

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Mark: Jesus Clears the Temple Courts

Read: Mark 11:15-19

Yesterday we read the bookends to this story as a way of understanding their meaning. Today we’ll look at Jesus direct actions in the temple courts and try to process the entire scene, so many details in just a few verses!

Prior to this chapter, we’ve read several times where Jesus performs a miracle then tells the recipient not to tell anyone about what happened, keep it secret. Of course that’s all but impossible, but the words are offered to minimize the possibility of a circus-act-style ministry. Jesus wants nothing to do with people coming to see a magic trick!

Here we see this all change. Jesus rides into Jerusalem, then walks into the temple courts to take direct action — no more hiding, the time has come.

Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. Mark 11:15-16

Why did the guards, either temple or Roman, not stop Jesus?

Seriously, this is a time and age where brutality reigns, where Roman guards could have been called in to forcibly (to say the least) remove Jesus and his band of followers, but no words to that affect are offered. No one fights back. The scene makes me think of catching a child red-handed, absolutely nothing can be said in defense. The people scatter, back away as Jesus “teaches” them lessons from the prophets of old, stories they remember all too well, even if they are ignoring them.

Why not stop Him? Fear. This is the man who has healed many, walked on water, fed thousands. He is one to be respected and feared. Listen to what He has to say.

The disciples have an advantage here because they just saw Jesus curse the fig tree, the precursor for announcing His Divine judgment on the temple. This place was set aside to be The place of worship, but is now nothing more than a self-righteous money making machine to feed the religious right.

Modern houses of worship beware. This might have happened 2,000 years ago, but we would do well to look introspectively at the systems we’ve created, whether we admit it or not!

Quote from Isaiah 56:6-7: My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.

All are welcome to God’s place of worship. Anyone who wants to commune with the Creator is welcome. Isaiah’s discourse boldly claims that even the eunuchs and the foreigners will be blessed for honoring The Lord:

to them I will give within my temple and its walls
a memorial and a name
better than sons and daughters
Isaiah 56:5

Yes, I believe the people took a few steps back to listen to Jesus, the prophet, as He referred back to words they simply could not refute.

Quote from Jeremiah 7:11: Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you?

These powerful words come from a powerful lament over Jerusalem that reveals false religion as worthless to the Lord. I encourage you to read Jeremiah 7:1-15 to see if we, the most educated and wealthy society of Christians, share some of the guilt.

For a fresh perspective, I found the NIV Application Commentary provided some great insight throughout this reading. In particular:

The reference to the “den of robbers” has nothing to do with the trade in the temple. Instead, it denounces the false security that the sacrificial cult breeds. In other words, the robbers are not swindlers but bandits, and they do not do their robbing in their den. The den is the place where robbers retreat after having committed their crimes. It is their hideout, a place of security and refuge.*

The temple courts have become a safe place for those stealing from widows, the fatherless, the least of society. Here they can fake their desire to serve the Lord while reaping a profit. Yesterday, I read this article in Christianity Today (October 2017) that might speak to this a bit.

Chief Priests and Teachers of the Law — Mad Enough to Kill

Though the teachers of the law and chief priests have no words to offer as a rebuttal, their secret desires are soon to be revealed. We’ll read more about their specific reaction to Jesus’s prophesy that the temple will be destroyed in the coming chapters as part of their accusations against Him, and even at the foot of the cross. John Mark once again makes note of their desire to have Jesus killed. Plans in the minds of men who are afraid to speak out publicly.

Jesus Leaves With His Disciples

The entire episode ends quite unsatisfactorily.

When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city. Mark 11:19

What? They just left? My guess is Jesus stood and taught many lessons that day, not just actions. He cleared the courts temporarily — both buyers and sellers — and spoke to those who remained. There were, in my view, many who came to the temple with good intentions, hearts set on serving God the way they’ve been taught.

This is why I’m a strong advocate for churches. My desire is to help them to get better, to realign themselves to Jesus’s mission and vision and turn from practices we read about in these few verses.

Many fill our churches each Sunday with hearts intent on praise. They’re doing what they’ve been told to do and will continue to follow the lead of those who teach. That’s why Paul reminds us that those who teach will be held to a higher standard. The sheep obey the shepherd.

Jesus will return to the temple court again, unafraid, undeterred by threats. The effective local church is God’s plan for reaching the lost. I pray we learn from these words today, that we seriously look at what we do as the church and respond as Jesus would. Perhaps we need to flip our own tables!

 

*Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland , David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 35593-35595). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Mark: Jesus and the Fig Tree

Read: Mark 11:12-14, 20-25

The cursing of the fig tree cannot be extracted from the surrounding text; otherwise, we simply walk away confused. There are two sections, bookends if you will, that encapsulate Jesus’s actions in the temple (see the next post). While difficult to appreciate by itself, I hope we can venture into this place and walk out with a better understanding of the events.

When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it. Mark 11:13-14

John Mark sets us up for failure if we approach this text as biology students. Jesus, and anyone in that time, clearly understands seasons for bearing fruit–he’s no fool–don’t read this like it’s some sort of revelation.

Jesus approached the fig tree that only had leaves, no fruit. In context, Jesus is entering Jerusalem that is full of splendor, but bears no fruit. The temple is not prepared to bear the fruit of Jesus now, nor will it ever be ready. There is only one possible recourse: the tree will not be cleansed or reformed, it will be destroyed. And so will the systems that man has embellished beyond God’s intention.

Admittedly, when I’ve read this in the past, I stopped too soon and didn’t look further to try and understand. I just read, Jesus was hungry, the fig tree had no figs, Jesus is ticked, so bam! Die tree! I’m embarrassed to type those words, but I was impatient and didn’t look for the rich meaning the gospels intended.

The fig tree has all the trappings of success, invites us to believe it will provide nourishment, but fails to satisfy the soul for it is out of season, unable to produce fruit. So it was with the temple system. Perhaps we could make this assertion for many houses of worship today where the concern is looking good, but bearing no fruit. Even further, let’s make it personal, how about myself? Am I just covered with leaves, but out of step with Jesus?

The next day:

In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” Mark 11:20-21

Withered from the roots, the effectiveness of the curse destroyed the tree from the system designed to be its source of nutrients. Now it’s visibly dead. The disciples are astonished. Jesus’s response provides some significant insight for us to appreciate the symbolism here: we need to have faith and we need to pray. Both make no sense if we think the fig tree episode is all about botany.

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. Mark 11:22

Four words contain the response to Peter’s observation. No longer will you need to put your faith in fruitless systems that are out of step with Christ, trust in God. Jesus further explains that faith plus prayer is the formula needed for advancing the kingdom:

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24

Lord, teach us to pray with this kind of faith. Help us to live with the complete belief that anything is possible with You. Let this be the season for bearing much fruit!

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Mark: Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

Read: Mark 11:1-11

As we turn the page from chapter 10 to 11, the story shifts dramatically. The words of prophecy and prediction begin to come into focus as we move into Passion Week. John Mark carefully weaves the narrative for us as he guides us along his perspective of these challenging, and ultimately most important days.

Today is Thanksgiving in the United States. A fitting day to remember the long-prophesied entry of the King of kings! Take a moment and put yourself in Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago. I know it’s hard, but the trip is worth the effort. That’s where I’m going.

Jesus and his disciples are leaving Jericho on their way to Jerusalem. The 18-mile journey includes an ascent of over 4,000 feet* — a 4.5% grade for the civil engineers in the audience. For the cyclists or runners, this kind of grade will wear you out in a hurry! The location of Jerusalem was no accident, it was chosen for its military vantage point. For those who are making the journey, the difficulty of the ascent is not insurmountable, but it slows you down, forces you to reflect as you walk.

Jesus sends His disciples out:

“Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” Mark 11:2-3

I’m not a rancher and have spent very little time around livestock, but it’s odd that the disciples can just walk up to someone’s animals, pick one, tip their hat, and walk away. Something like, “No worries, we’ll bring it back when we’re done.” Like borrowing someone’s car without asking–just not something I can comprehend. But there we have it.

The synoptic gospels all provide a slightly different perspective on this event, which is truly fantastic. Matthew includes the donkey and the colt (Matthew 21:2). Luke recalls just the colt (Luke 19:30). All agree that Jesus will return what He’s borrowed. No argument.

What is interesting is the entire episode is quite controversial. As recorded here, we’re pointed to the prophesy in Zechariah 9:9, which is fine, but the rest of the reference supports the disciples’ notion that Jesus is about to take over as King.

Excitement mounts. Could this be the moment? The hope of all these years, finally fulfilled. Yes! Shout hosanna! Lay your coats down! Here is the King of kings, the One we’ve waited for!!

Nope.

He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. Mark 11:11

What?

The band was ready to play, the music was building to a fantastic crescendo, then silence.

As a child, I remember Palm Sunday, the fun we had laying down palm branches and reenacting this particular scene. I never thought twice about the event, it’s just what you do before Easter.

Today I have a different perspective. I feel the weight of the events that are coming, I know the rest of the story. I believe John Mark wanted us to appreciate that Jesus was not going to fit into any cookie-cutter, simplistic version of a Messiah that we want. He is not bound by rules and not obligated to follow the path we’ve chosen.

His character embodies love and care for all people.

Somehow that was conveyed to the owner of the colt with simple words from His disciples. The scene is heavy, deep, surreal. The silence deafening. What now, Jesus?

Wait and see.

 

 

 

 

*From Jerusalem to Jericho

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Mark: Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight

Read: Mark 10:46-52

Today we’ll read the familiar story of another bold person that is miraculously healed by Jesus. This is the last healing recorded by John Mark as he is about to shift gears and focus on the final days of Jesus’s earthly ministry.

Passover is coming–the HUGE festival that attracts thousands of faithful followers as they make their pilgrimage to Jerusalem to honor God. It’s hard for me to appreciate what’s happening in the scene because I haven’t walked this particular route. From what I understand, the Jews would avoid Samaria as they made their way to Jerusalem. This meant they would pass through Jericho on this common route to make their way up to the great city.

It’s literally an uphill road from Jericho to Jerusalem. This means the people will have to slow down a bit as they make their journey. If you’re a street vendor, this is prime opportunity to take advantage of the crowds of people walking slowly along. If you’re a beggar, it’s a bonanza you don’t want to miss!

For Bartimaeus, this is his chance to get ahead and collect more money for the coming months of darkness that surround him.

With those thoughts in mind, let’s look at the story John Mark chose to share with us just before Jesus enters Jerusalem.

To begin with, John Mark provides the man’s name. He’s not just the blind or lame man or even a rich man who is previously unnamed–this man has a name: Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”). He’s not a nobody. There’s a certain level of dignity gained by calling someone by name. At The LOT Project, the friends who enter are given a simple name tag and we are encouraged to talk with them, calling them by name. It matters. You’re not just a nameless person, you’ve been adopted into a royal priesthood. You have a name.

Bartimaeus may not be able to see, but he has heard about this man, Jesus, and no doubt heard the marvelous works He has done. This is more than he ever hoped for. This day, Jesus of Nazareth is crossing his path. Excitement wells up inside him and he can’t contain himself:

When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:47

Images of crowded streets come to mind as the disciples try to manage those clambering to see Jesus or merely make their way along. As I’m writing this, I hear the noise, see faces of people caught up in their own personal business of being busy, making their way along, minding the children, watching their steps. It’s chaotic and it’s somewhat oppressing as more and more people make their way along. It’s uncomfortable, to say the least. I’m sure I would be thinking, it’s noisy enough, then this blind guy starts going bonkers. Someone get the safety team in place, we have a situation here!

Jesus, of course, sees through it all. We recall the words from Isaiah:

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.
Isaiah 42:16

Bartimaeus may have heard Isaiah 46 read in the temple for however many years he ambled around the villages. Could this be the day that his darkness is turned to light?

Jesus tells His disciples to call Bartimaeus. Hold everything, the Master will see you Bartimaeus, this is your lucky day! I’m really not exaggerating, look what they said:

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Mark 10:49

Bartimaeus leaves nothing behind as he leaps to his feet. I love the scene that’s playing in my head, I hope you have something similar running through your mind as he moves quickly to encounter Jesus.

The stage is set. Time stops for a moment and the noise of the crowd seems to quiet down when Jesus asks him a rather simple question: “What do you want me to do for you?”

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Mark 10:51

When confronted by the Messiah, Bartimaeus has one simple desire: he just wants to see.

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:52

Leaving everything behind, Bartimaeus is healed and follows Jesus. No warnings about telling people. No spit applied twice. Time begins again and the noise rises as they continue along their way to Jerusalem.

Here’s the thought: Are you clambering to see Jesus? Will you unashamedly move through the crowds of your day and make your way to Jesus?

When you seek Him and find Him, as He promised, what will you ask for? Do you have enough faith to receive it?

 

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