Tag: leader

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Luke: Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit, Heals Many

Read: Luke 4:31-44

Rejected by His hometown, Jesus goes to Capernaum, some 40 miles (a 9-hour walk according to Google Maps). Luke surrounds these two miraculous interventions with observations about the spreading of Jesus’ ministry. Don’t miss the detail that Jesus is not only teaching on the Sabbath, but He is also “working” by casting out demons and healing people. Somehow the religious leaders have outlawed such activity. Strange.

It seems Jesus is recognized by the rabbis in the area since we find He is teaching on the Sabbath he taught the people (Luke 4:31) in the synagogues. Interesting. It doesn’t take long for His fame to rise as He begins to demonstrate His authority over impure spirits, sickness, etc.

And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area. Luke 4:37

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit

“Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. Luke 4:35

I wish I could say I understood this passage, and other references to Jesus’ ability to see impure spirits, to command them, and at least for the moment, set people free. Those from the cessations camp suggest that all miracles cease to exist today. Other suggest this still happens, but we are blinded to the power of the Spirit because of our own shortcomings.

Rebuking demons:

Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah. Luke 4:41

From my perspective, we must not limit God in any way. I’m caught up in this world as much as anyone in society, so there’s no doubt in my mind as to why I seem to be unable to speak and command demons, but I would not conclude this is impossible. To suggest such would put God in a box. I’m not about to do that! Nor would I want to hear stern words from Jesus!!

Jesus Heals Many

Moving on to Peter’s home, we see his mother-in-law is sick, something that Luke (the doctor) tells us includes a high fever.

So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. Luke 4:39

Her reaction is to turn and serve Jesus and the others present — perhaps it’s her love language!

Side-note: Don’t miss the mother-in-law title. This means that Peter is married and likely has a family to consider as his call to ministry begins as well.

At sunset, many are brought to Jesus and He heals them all. What an amazing, miraculous sequence of events!

Jesus knows His time on earth is limited, so he tells the people:

“I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” Luke 4:43

Why were you sent? What is your main purpose for the brief time on this planet? What if your time were limited? Would you make different choices if you knew you only had 3 years to minister to those you see in your path?

Lots of unanswered questions to consider. Here’s my advice: Ask God. Ask your closest friends. Pray about it, but don’t be obsessed by it because you are not Jesus! I am not Jesus, but I am His adopted heir. He cares about my ministry and understands that I am fully human. The key difference is the Spirit lives within me. The more attune I am to the Spirit, the more effective my ministry.

The song, So Will I, is constantly playing in the background as I type this.

If the stars were made to worship so will I
If the mountains bow in reverence so will I
If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I
For if everything exists to lift You high so will I

Thanks Beth for sharing the song, for tilling the soil and leading us on this journey to Christ, with Christ, and His desire for our lives. May we grow and learn to say, So Will I.

 

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Luke: Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

Read: Luke 4:14-30

Back from the desert temptation experience, Jesus’ ministry is now set for launch. Not surprising, His teaching is exceptional and people are amazed. They were amazed when He taught as a 12-year old (Luke 2:47), I can’t even fathom what another 18 years of life on earth added to His sermon archive!

In this passage, Jesus quotes Isaiah and declares He has come to fulfill the prophesies that begin with five specific proclamations:

  1. proclaim good news to the poor.
  2. proclaim freedom for the prisoners
  3. recovery of sight for the blind,
  4. set the oppressed free,
  5. proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

He does a lot more than that! This is just the beginning.

Soapbox Begins

Forgive me for getting on my soapbox to preach this lesson once again, but I can’t help myself! One thing I want to specifically draw your attention to is #1 on the list. We often think about poor as those who are homeless, financially challenged, etc., but I hope you will consider the term poor in a much broader sense. Those who have not been adopted into the family of Christ are all poor. They might have great earthly wealth, but we all know that passes in a blink. Yes, those who have no earthly possessions, those who struggle day to day for a meal or a place to stay warm know that they are poor. We are obligated to care for the fatherless, the downcast, those who can’t care for themselves.

Somehow we have to learn to look beyond outward appearances and see people the way Jesus sees them. Those who are the pious poor are probably much more challenging to minister to, but that doesn’t let us off the hook. Lord, I pray for discerning eyes and ears to see and hear people they way You see them. Open doors that we might minister to them in ways that please You.

End of Soapbox

You would think that people would hear His teaching and get excited, right?

He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. Luke 4:15

The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:20-21

Everyone praised Him, eyes and ears glued to His teaching. Then some of the pious rich make the observation:

“Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Luke 4:22

Hold everything! The people remember this was the little boy that grew up down the street. Surely He cannot be who He claims.

“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. John 1:46

Jesus selects a few examples for the self-righteous to hear. He picks two of the all-time favorite prophets of old: Elijah and Elisha. Those hearing these words would know of the references and we are privileged to have the Old Testament to understand their significance. Here are a few main points to consider:

  • Prophets were rarely welcome in their home towns; their ministry was consistently harsh and not welcomed
  • The examples of Elijah and Elisha pointed to helping Gentiles, not Jews
  • Elijah and Elisha prophesied during some of the worst times in Israel’s horrible history

Their reaction:

They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. Luke 4:29

Miraculously, Jesus simply walked away from the crowd and went on to continue His ministry.

This is a rather troubling text to consider. Those who wanted to throw Jesus off the cliff were the established church of their time. They couldn’t hear His message, though it was obviously presented in a compelling and exciting manner. People got the message. Religious leaders wanted to kill Him.

Jesus was not affected by their misgivings. He walked away and sought those who wanted to learn about adoption into the royal family — His kingdom. Lord, help us to do likewise!

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Temptation to be Relevant, Popular, and Powerful

Read: Luke 1:5-25, 57-80

As I continue to ponder what Zechariah did during his 9+ months of silence as Elizabeth managed her high-risk pregnancy, I read this incredible section in the NIVAC (NIV Application Commentary).

I hope you’ll read this and consider your leadership role in the church. Whether you’re on staff or occasionally attend a gathering of people led by someone with the title of pastor (i.e., church), you play a part in the continuing story of the Creator and His desire to reconcile with His creation.

By the way, if you participate in any activity that represents a church, you are in a leadership position for that local body of Christ, whether or not that is explicitly stated. You don’t have to be a seminary professor, or even know what seminary is for that matter! As soon as we accepted Christ as Lord, we became heirs with Jesus and were given a leadership position.

I hope this extract from the NIVAC will encourage and inspire you to consider your next steps in your personal walk with Christ and your effective ministry.

NIVAC Excerpt 1:

An interesting work to ponder comes from the pen of Henri Nouwen 2. His autobiography relates a fascinating journey from teaching pastoral psychology and theology at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard for twenty years to burnout. From there he undertook a ministry in the home of the mentally challenged. There he learned that “service” given even to those whom the world does not see taught him as much as or more than his learning in seminary.  

Sometimes God is able to teach us in the midst of surprising circumstances. Ministry is not power and prestige, but humble service and trust.

Those who seek God’s deliverance and pursue it in holiness and service sometimes find themselves in places they never imagined ministering and in ways they never contemplated.

Here is his own testimony:

Let me summarize. My movement from Harvard to L’Arche made me aware in a new way how much my own thinking about Christian leadership had been affected by the desire to be relevant, the desire for popularity, and the desire for power. Too often I looked at being relevant, popular, and powerful as ingredients of an effective ministry.

The truth, however, is that these are not vocations but temptations.

Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” Jesus sends us out to be shepherds, and Jesus promises a life in which we increasingly have to stretch out our hands and be led to places where we would rather not go. He asks us to move from a concern for relevance to a life of prayer, from worries about popularity to communal and mutual ministry, and from a leadership built on power to a leadership in which we critically discern where God is leading us and our people.

The people of L’Arche are showing me new ways. I am a slow learner. Old patterns that have proved quite effective are not easy to give up. But as I think about the Christian leader of the next century, I do believe that those from whom I least expected to learn are showing me the way.

I hope and pray that what I am learning in my new life is something that is not just good for me to learn, but something that helps you, as well, to catch a glimpse of the Christian leader of the future.

End of Excerpt.

The definition of “church” is changing more rapidly than any of us want to accept, especially those of us who’ve been around a while—we don’t want to give up our hard-earned status and reputation! I speak in inclusive terms that are somewhat hyperbolic, ok, downright exaggerated, but this is an important conversation to have at every level of church organization if we want to be an effective part of this society. Yes, the gates of Hell will not prevail against Christ’s church, but that doesn’t mean that our definition of the modern church will survive. Don’t get too comfortable. Multi-million-dollar church incorporated budgets do not guarantee success for Jesus, they merely perpetuate power and position or organizations that are well intended, but not necessarily effective.

In making this observation, it’s important to confess that I don’t have any special insight into this issue. There are many voices in this argument that have credentials to support their theses, such as Nouwen above. I’d love to invest the time to present a bibliography for consideration, but then again, I think I’d rather invest time in the 20-year old that wants to learn how to be a better disciple (or the 30-something, 40-something, etc.). I shouldn’t have to convince anyone that the local church is struggling, but this is not a topic that is discussed as we (church staffs) seek to deliver the goods on Sunday morning—that event that most people equate with church.

We need churches more than ever. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting we close churches, far from it! My prayer is we would learn from Zechariah. Instead of demanding God show us a sign, that we would get to work doing that which He requires of us.

Maybe what we need is some Zechariah time, a period of silence that demands our attention. What would it be like if we stopped trying to be relevant, popular, and powerful and started listening to those around us – really listening – then doing.

References:

  1. 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 45779-45795). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
  2. Reference: In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership (New York: Crossroads, 1994). Pp 71-72

Note:

Here’s an excellent article from Christianity Today (Jan 2017) that provides a background about Nouwen. I’m thankful to note that as we focus on serving the local community, I’m beginning to make Catholic connections. We really need to be more intentional about working together! One body of Christ. Unity.

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Luke: The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

Read: Luke 1:5-25

Luke takes some time to introduce Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of John the Baptist, as they are blessed by a visit from the angel Gabriel. This is a story of devotion to service that is rewarded far beyond expectation. Zechariah’s immediate reaction results in losing his ability to speak while Elizabeth quickly figures out this is a sign from God. It’s most interesting to read that John will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he’s born. What an amazing child he must have been!

Zechariah and Elizabeth

John’s parents are shown here as honorable, righteous servants of God, devout followers of His commands. Since we know Jesus has many harsh words for the Jewish leadership, it’s significant to note that all are not bad, there are those among the masses that truly follow the Lord.

Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. Luke 1:6-7

Zechariah’s Service & Gabriel’s Announcement

One day while Zechariah was simply performing his honorable service, he’s visited by the angel Gabriel. But before we skip ahead, consider that he had no idea this day was going to be the day.  He and Elizabeth are very old, so they’ve seen hundreds, if not thousands of days in the service of God in various ways at the temple. It’s simply what they do and apparently they do it well.

Gabriel appears on the scene and as we come to expect, the visitation is frightening!

the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John…he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. Luke 1:15-16

The announcement is amazing! The angel knows his desire for a son, but the sense I get from the testimony is that Zechariah and Elizabeth are not bitter about their predicament; rather, they’ve accepted their positions and chose to serve the Lord faithfully. This is a great example for us to follow as we pray, as we serve the Lord.

Gabriel tells him John will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. Seriously! What kind of baby will this be? Their devoted lives will be blessed by a very special child, one who will prepare the way for Jesus.

Zechariah’s Not So Sure, Wants a Sign

Perhaps the visitation was too much for Zechariah, or maybe the years of unanswered prayer put him in a defensive posture. I truly appreciate his attitude. How often do we pray for something that seems to go unanswered? How would I react if an angel visited and not only answered my prayer, but went on to explain the result would change the world? I guess I would slip just like Zechariah:

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” Luke 1:18-20

Oops! Not a good plan to question one who dwells in the presence of God! Gabriel takes his voice. Zechariah will be silent until John is born. He won’t be able to say the required words of blessing, nor explain what he saw. Instead, he will spend months listening to what others say. Interesting. I wonder how much I could learn if I listened more.

Elizabeth Becomes Pregnant

His silence is significant and in a matter of weeks, Elizabeth puts the pieces of the puzzle together:

“The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” Luke 1:25

She’s no fool. At a very old age she becomes pregnant–that’s not normal! Zechariah’s silence and their answer to prayer mean that there is something significant at play here. She’ll have to wait for the verbal explanation, but for now, at her age, she goes into seclusion, a high-risk pregnancy for sure.

Zechariah and Elizabeth wanted a son, just to be blessed with a family. What they received was a visitation from the throne room of God and a soon-to-be prophet that would rock their world!

Lord, we know that there are no guarantees for rewards on earth, even for those who are completely faithful and committed to Your ways. It’s wonderful to read this story that gives us hope, not necessarily a visit by an angel, but the assurance that You hear our prayers. May we be faithful to our calling, to that which you place before us each day. May that be enough.

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Reflections of 2017

A year ago I set out to blog through the Bible again, this time with an emphasis on deeper understanding and a desire to leave a legacy for my girls. It started when I was looking at some material I had sitting around: the Old Testament Challenge. That seemed like enough structure to get started, so the journey began. At some point in the year I invited you to join in the adventure, to read along with me, and walk through Scripture together.

I know it’s kinda weird publishing a journal in public. Yes, there are things I might say if this were written completely in private, but we are not islands, we are a community of believers. We are doing life together, making mistakes and holding onto each other as we work our way through pain and sorrow, joy and excitement.

After reading A.D. 30 and A.D. 33 by Ted Dekker, I walked away with a fresh perspective on studying the Bible. Dekker’s portrayal of Jesus of Nazareth in these books helped me rethink how I approach Scripture. In 2018, I hope to publish a video that evokes the imagery I started to write about in Why Study the Bible? It’s important to read and study, to learn about our heritage, mistakes made, successes achieved, to discern the voice of God, but the Bible is not to be idolized and worshipped. It really is the highlight reel, enough words to help us make the leap of faith.

The Bible gives us a set of core principles and beliefs, a common lexicon. Without it, we would all be starting our own religions–something The Tempter would love! I’m absolutely NOT advocating we avoid Bible studies, far from it! I’m merely suggesting we look at why and how we study the Bible.

Jesus did not say, go lock yourself in academic halls and study the scrolls. What He did say was to go and make disciples.

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

I hope 2018 will reinvigorate your Bible study approach, that it would infect those around you, those you are discipling and others who are just curious!

My approach to the church is changing as well. For years I’ve looked for a place to gather on Sundays to celebrate the joy and struggles of the previous week of working in the fields, trying to advance the Gospel, helping the poor, etc. For the most part, church has become the focus of the week. Church staffs around this country invest most of their efforts on the Sunday production because, “this Sunday could be that Sunday” for someone. That Sunday when the people come to hear words that bring them to redemption. I hope that happens, truly I do, but to spread the thought that you come to a building at a prescribed time in order to be saved is ridiculous.

Our lives should be centered on making disciples, of being Christ to all we meet, and teaching others to do the same. When we do that, the Sunday gathering will become a wonderful celebration of kindred spirits, of brothers and sisters coming together to embrace, to laugh, to cry, to sing unrestrained, to hear a message, to share communion, to pray for each other. Sundays might not be so organized and polished because we would be too busy during the week meeting with others to talk about Jesus, to bear each others burdens, praying with our neighbors, having coffee on a whim, or taking kids to school for a friend. Our pretty production schedules might just get messed up when Sunday is not the focus of the week, but the Gospel might get preached by every minister, every believer, everyone, if we stopped insisting that Sunday was the focal point.

In 2018, please join me in praying that we become the church Jesus intended for us to become. As Healthy Growing Churches and Healthy Growing Leaders embraces those who’ve been given a vision, I pray we will spur on others to make a difference for Christ and for His church.

The 139 Collaborative begins in 2018. We’re still building the structure, but the foundation is on Psalm 139, we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. We will praise God through serving others in many ways. It’ll be messy as two creatives work together to love on our community, but it is our prayer that it will be helpful to Anderson, South Carolina as a place to start. What happens beyond that is completely a God-thing. Our focus is here at home. Nothing too lofty. We will remember Psalm 131. Pray for insightful music, challenging videos, thought-provoking writing, and mostly that disciples would be multiplied in 2018 through this collaborative.

Thanks for joining me on the journey. I hope and pray that some words were useful.

We’re not done yet! Not too surprising, but I found that I can’t just fly through the Bible on a schedule. In 2018, we’ll finish blogging through the Bible, then who knows, maybe we’ll just start again!

Rest in peace 2017.

Love God. Love Others. Love Yourself.

–dave

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Mark: Peter Disowns Jesus

Read: Mark 14:66-72

The NIV heading for this section is exceptional: Peter Disowns Jesus. Ouch! Such a poignant word. In the wild sequence of events that happens in this narrative, Peter is lost and shows us he is completely human, too human perhaps, at this moment.

Denial One – Servant Girl

When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
“You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.
But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway. Mark 14:67-68

In a most humiliating way, we read this girl, this servant girl, calls Peter out. In my mind, I see this hulk of a man versus this relatively small girl politely pointing and offering a rather convicting statement: You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus. For some strange reason she has a British accent–I need to work on my imagination!

She’s the servant of the high priest, so there’s no doubt she is well trained and I suspect quite articulate. I’m also confident that Peter at least recognizes this young lady as one who is connected to the ring-leader who is part of those convicting Jesus in their mock trial.

Denial Two – Servant Girl to those gathered

She’s not done yet!

When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” Again he denied it. Mark 14:69-70a

I’m reminded that this is super early in the morning…the rooster has only crowed once (my guess); he has yet to announce the day. What is she doing up and wandering around? Perhaps she’s on breakfast duty, preparing for the day. Suffice it to say, no one is complaining that she’s around–except Peter! Those gathered are listening to her and taking notes, but apparently, not engaging in the conversation at this point. Time for coffee I guess.

Denial Three – Those Gathered Draw Curses

After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” Mark 14:70b-71

Peter’s accent betrays him, you are a Galilean. You’re not from around here are you? Nope! And in typical sailor fashion, Peter’s language turns sour, calling down curses and swearing at those who are finally starting to wake up.

Disowned

At this point, the cement hardens around Peter’s feet and he’s ready to jump in.

Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept. Mark 14:72

John Mark’s treatment of Peter’s denial makes me pause and consider the year we are about to conclude. How did 2017 go for you? How many times did I deny Christ? Were there points in time when I disowned Jesus?

Sadly, I’m sure the truth is there like the servant girl pointing out my guilt. No doubt. Peter’s example reminds us we can, and probably will, all fail at some point–perhaps many points. But here’s the thing: this is not the end of the story.

The overwhelmingly amazing part of the narrative is that we know it doesn’t end this way. Peter doesn’t know that at this point in time. He, like me, would just as well put on the cement shoes and jump in the deepest part of the sea. Guilt is a horrible ally. One of the many lessons we learn through reading these passages is to know that we are not to clothe ourselves in pity or shame. Christ died and rose from the grave to remedy this predicament.

There is more to the story. Pause and reflect, but please, keep reading!

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Mark: Jesus Before the Sanhedrin

Read: Mark 14:53-65

Betrayal complete, now the leaders have their work cut out for them as they prepare their case against Jesus. Meanwhile, Peter is doing his very best not to be the one Jesus called out a few hours earlier:

Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. Mark 14:54

We’ll cover the rest of Peter’s story tomorrow.

Testimony after testimony was brought before them as they did their very best to convict Jesus.

Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. Mark 14:56

There’s no indication of how long the parade of witnesses continued, nor is there any indication that someone provided any defense for Jesus, but in just a few short verses we get to the crux of the matter:

But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:61-62

The direct question with an absolute response, plus a qualifier. Yes, earthly council of men, Jesus is the Messiah, the One you’ve been waiting for, preaching about, teaching others to get excited about. Yes, He is right before your eyes, right in front of you. You’ve heard the stories, but chose not to believe. You know people who have been healed, touched, felt, heard, and seen; yet you chose to turn away.

It’s about choice, isn’t it? If there is a God above others, why is there so much pain and suffering? If this is the Messiah, why not end all of this? Why are we in such a hurry? There are so many opportunities to serve and make disciples of Jesus, I’m no longer in a hurry to see it end so quickly. Instead of gloom and doom, perhaps the question should be: why are we allowed to feel true joy? What makes a person laugh? Even in the hardest of times, in the darkest of places, we see images of children playing. Sure, we can focus on the suffering, but there is another side to the story. This doesn’t erase difficulties in the world, but it’s there to remind us that there is suffering, but there is joy as well.

Yes, Jesus is the Messiah, but more than that, you will see Him again! Jesus doesn’t just break the silences with a short answer the question, He expands it to include His future Second Coming. He knows where this will lead. No doubt.

One day, we will see the Son returning in all His glory. For now, we wait, but that doesn’t imply sitting around and watching the sky light up.

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Mark: Jesus Arrested

Read: Mark 14:43-52

Christmas 2017 was celebrated yesterday. Lots of gifts were exchanged as a reminder of the incredible gift that Jesus is to our world. Today is Boxing Day, a day to reflect on the crescendo of the Christmas season (and pack-up stuff). We don’t really celebrate Boxing Day here, but I like the idea. Instead, however, we go back to work. The calendar calls. Time keeps moving.

For Jesus and His disciples, we read about this pivotal moment: Judas follows through on his end of the bargain with the Jewish leaders.

Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Mark 14:43

John Mark reminds us of the completeness of the betrayal scene. There is a crowd, swords, clubs, anger, defiance, tempers flare as Judas Iscariot breaches the personal space of his friend, mentor, and savior and provides the signal that could not be misunderstood: a kiss.

Peter, always being Peter:

Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Mark 14:47

The servant (John tells us the servant’s name was Malchus) wasn’t fast enough to get out of the way! Peter’s reaction is classic, but Jesus will have nothing to do with igniting a rebellion on human terms. He quickly regains control of the scene, miraculously heals the servant and quiets the crowd.

“Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted him and fled. Mark 14:48-49

Jerusalem was on alert. Those who were responsible for keeping civil rest during the Passover celebration were no doubt poised to squelch any sign of trouble. In my mind, they didn’t know all the details about this particular trouble-maker, they were just following orders to go along to maintain control when Jesus is arrested.

Then everyone deserted him and fled. Mark 14:50

Interesting.

They scatter–the disciples that is. Just as Jesus told them just a few hours earlier.

The scene before dawn, late in the night, unfolds as Jesus foretold many times.

Fleeing Naked

John Mark provides a footnote to the event that I found interesting today:

A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. Mark 14:51-52

The other gospel writes add their observations, but here alone we read about one of the would-be followers of Jesus was also on the scene. This anonymous young man, like the disciples themselves, shows up on the scene in a costly garment.

Forgive me as I go out on a limb and imagine John Mark’s reason for including this footnote. Clothed with the riches of the world, he’s a fan of Jesus–like me perhaps. On the outside everything looks fine, but when you look closely, there is nothing underneath. When the pressure is on, the true character is revealed and the robes are stripped away. Perhaps this is John Mark’s reminder of Amos’ prophecy about the judgment of Israel in Amos 2:6-16. Amos caps his prophetic sermon with this note:

Even the bravest warriors
will flee naked on that day,”
declares the Lord.
Amos 2:16

They run away naked because they have nothing to offer. I have nothing to offer. The scene is embarrassing, humiliating, socially unacceptable (to say the least), but let’s be real:  only through the blood of Jesus’ sacrifice am I able to stand. I can’t be good enough, kind and gentle enough to earn salvation. It’s good to be good, but in the end, our robes of worldly goodness will be stripped away and there we are: naked.

Even the bravest will not win that day.

Lord, clothe me in your righteousness today. The birth of Jesus in such a humble manner reminds me of His greatness today. Happy Boxing Day. Remember the gifts.

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Mark: Institution of the Lord’s Supper

Read: Mark 14:22-25

We come to the point where Jesus institutes a new tradition: The Lord’s Supper. This is a significant event among many during this period we refer to as Passion Week. It’s interesting that we only have a few verses to record this huge shift during the Passover feast.

For hundreds of years, the Passover meal has been shaped and molded, a most honored tradition, that all Jews kept in strict compliance and with great joy. This was a great time for all!

Then Jesus enters the scene and changes everything–literally.

The Sacrament

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. Mark 14:22-24

Our understanding of the details of the Passover meal is unimportant to the Gospel writers. I guess they figured out we could get that information elsewhere! The focus here is on this entirely new idea: Jesus gives us His body and blood.

Jesus gets their attention, prays over the bread, breaks it, then tells His disciples this is His body: take it. He willingly offers Himself for us all.

Then he offers the wine as His blood, a new covenant, poured out for the world. Drinking blood was forbidden for Jews anytime, especially during Passover, so this must have been a difficult notion to consider. Yet the lack of dialogue at this point gives me the impression that they got it, this was a simple way of remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection.

No longer will we need to sacrifice animals, the old system is done, enter a completely new season. Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice. Done.

The Assurance

“Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Mark 14:25

I can imagine that Jesus looks around the room and notices His friends are rather gloomy at this point. Just a few verses ago, Jesus announced His betrayer is in their midst, now He’s just explained His body will be broken and His blood shed. It seems He wants to assure them (and us) that His is coming again, that the new tradition is here just as a reminder of better days yet to come. Finally, a bit of good news on a rather difficult night.

Next Steps

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:26

Recently, I attended a Catholic memorial service to honor the life of Friar Aubrey McNeil. It was a beautiful gathering of saints paying tribute to their fallen leader. It’s been many years since I’ve been to a Catholic service, so this is probably routine, but I was amazed at the number of hymns and singing that was included, especially in response to reading scripture or something the leader prompted. As protestants, non-denominational on top of that, we tend to shy away from all these traditions for fear of getting lost in the routine dogma that someone else invented. I’m not advocating hymnals in place of praise and worship time, but I was impressed by their reverence and cooperative spirit. There’s something about being dignified that’s refreshing.

Jesus and His disciples probably sung several psalms during the evening. This was their tradition and it was a beautiful thing. We tend to pride ourselves on individualism to the point that each family carves out its own traditions. This sounds great, but misses the point of unity that Paul talks about in reference to the church.

Traditions

My hope and prayer is that we will hold fast to the breaking of bread and passing the cup of wine in remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. When we pray before every meal, may we pause for a moment and remember. May we, the big WE, join in this prayer together each and every time we stop to eat. Everyone eats. Wouldn’t it be cool if everyone remembered?

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Mark: Judas to Betray Jesus

Read: Mark 14:10-11

The emotional scene of the preceding verses leaves us with a sense of wonder about this woman who anointed Jesus and His proclamation that she is the one we will remember wherever the gospel is preached. Though unnamed, she symbolizes what it means to honor the Savior.

John Mark is careful to point out that not all see it that way. This reminds me of The Chronicles of Narnia where C.S. Lewis so eloquently writes:

At the name of Aslan each one of the children felt something jump in its inside. Edmund felt a sensation of mysterious horror. Peter felt suddenly brave and adventurous. Susan felt as if some delicious smell or some delightful strain of music had just floated by her. And Lucy got the feeling you have when you wake up in the morning and realize that it is the beginning of the holidays or the beginning of summer. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Chapter 7

It seems the men in the room experienced a similar range of emotional responses when the perfume filled the room. Judas’ reaction was particularly horrible:

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Mark 14:10-11

Then.

Up to that point, Judas has been taking notes, handling the treasury, paying bills, etc. Then this woman walks in and, in his mind, wastes perfume. Judas’s perspective on Jesus’s reaction was obviously one of contempt. Enough. Time to set the record straight.

Has Judas been secretly listening to the Pharisees? Perhaps one or two got to him early, planted seeds of doubt, watered them by pointing out how Jesus wasn’t following their traditions that were steeped in Mosaic law. Something added up to Judas to the point that this episode was the event that finally won him over.

They were delighted.

Yes, Judas, well done, you finally see the light. Just in time for the latest Star Wars saga to appear. One of the trusted few, he had complete access to Jesus.

Why Judas? Why not a spy, someone in the crowd, a person that came out of nowhere. I think it was Judas to make a point for us to consider–any of us can become a Judas. Maybe not in such a huge way that would change the course of human history, but in subtle ways that shift our focus off of Jesus, our ministry, our calling. Not so bold as to sell out completely, but perhaps just slip enough that we make someone else fall.

I’m grateful it was Judas, in a warped sort of way.
It lets me know it could be me on any given day.
I’ve walked with Jesus more years than I can say.
At times I wonder if Judas is in me, even in a small way.

This is the gift: the nagging thought that I could betray,
that helps me guard my heart to watch the words I say.

Lord keep us safe, so
when we are tempted,
no matter how sweet the sound,
we would remember Judas
and instead in You be found.

Love God. Love others. Love yourself.

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