Good morning and welcome back! I hope you all had a relaxing weekend and had an opportunity to bask in the limited sunshine that we had!
There are some tough stories in this chapter with some difficult outcomes! Hope you're ready!
First story- Jesus left Nazareth as a carpenter and returns a while later as a rabbi with his own disciples and preaching about God's kingdom and healing! No wonder people were talking about him! The comment (v 3), "He is just a carpenter..." illustrates the people are really wondering how he got his theological training! Many people, especially in Rome, point to Jesus' occupation as a discredit to the message Jesus was teaching. Does it matter that Jesus was a carpenter or not? How do you feel about the statement of discrediting his message? They way I see it-- God was a builder, a creator, and so was Jesus!"The son of Mary" (v 3) is also a slam against Jesus; men were never referenced as the son or their mother- they were always referenced as the son of their father; plus, the rumor mill had been active that Joseph wasn't really the father, so she must have had an affair! There is then a listing of brothers and the comment of sisters; the author of Mark definitely puts out the question of Mary's permanent virgin status. Some denominations hold this (perpetual virginity) to high standards. Does the fact that Mary had other children bother you? Should it?
The town basically rejects Jesus and Jesus comments with (v4), A prophet is welcomed every where except his hometown." Jesus accepts the rejection as the price a prophet must pay. Look back at other prophets from the Hebrew texts- many of them were rejected for their words' people don't want to hear what God has to say! A surprising comment for me was that Jesus was unable to perform miracles- and only was able to do a few healings! The final statement (v 6) is that Jesus was amazed (some translations say marveled) at their lack of faith. Would Jesus marvel at your faith or your "un-faith"?
Jesus picks up and doesn't let this incident bother him. He goes to others towns to teach and heal. He has a mission and that mission is very obvious in Mark's gospel.
Jesus sends out the twelve in pairs, reminding them to take nothing. There was a rule for rabbis that when they entered the temple or synagogue, they were to have nothing with them. The idea was to avoid the appearance of being pre-occupied with anything other than God. I know the feeling. When I am at church prepping for the beginning of worship, I like to have just my Bible and notes out, so that when people come in, they see me working for God, not for something else. The disciples were told to take nothing and be dependent on God for provisions (v 8). How would it look if even the preachers doubted God would provide! The goal of the disciples was persuasive teaching, and if people listened, the disciples would stay and teach more. If the people didn't listen, they would leave-- no harm, no foul. How does that settle with you? Would you expect them to try harder? How do you respond when people don't agree or people don't listen to your witness of God?
The next story (vv 14-29), about the death of John the Baptist- is a great story, although it seems odd to have it in this sequence other than to bring up Herod and the mystery of Jesus! Jesus is becoming well known, but people are confused as to who Jesus is-- Elijah, just a prophet, John resurrected. Herod is surprised that hey say John, because Herod had John beheaded!
The disciples come back (we don't know how long they were gone) and they are excited to talk with Jesus but the crowds are too extensive. Jesus invites them to go to a quiet place with him so they can eat and rest and talk, but the people ran after them (vv 30- 34). I like this commentary about how Jesus cared for his disciples and wanted them to rest. What does that say to us about rest? Jesus recognizes the people were like sheep without a shepherd (v 34) so he begins to care for them as a shepherd would care for sheep. It was late and the disciples said we should send these people away (v 35- 36). How many times do we hear that when we have a ministry/ mission idea! Does that bother you that the disciples wanted to send the people away? Does it bother you when people in the church want to send others away? I like Jesus' response- "You do something about it!" (v 37). You do it! How many times have you heard this from Jesus? From others? The disciples questions Jesus' request (I don't know if it was a snarky response or a legitimate question, v 37b). Jesus asks them to gather the bread and fish that are in the crowd and have the people sit in the grass (like sheep waiting to be fed). Jesus then looks to God (as in our communion liturgy) and blesses the food and gives it out to all the people. And they were fed until they were satisfied (v 42, some translations say full). Not just a snack, not just something to hold you over until you get home- but satisfied! That's how Jesus is- fills us until we are full or satisfied, Jesus doesn't leave us hungry!
Jesus ultimately sends the crowds home and the disciples to the boat to start their journey to Bethsaida (v 45). Jesus then goes to a quiet place to pray (v 46); a busy, exhausting day with thousands of people, and Jesus takes time to pray. I know I have had days that are so exhausting that I don't feel like reading the Bible or praying! Jesus' exhaustion sent him to pray not away from prayer! The disciples are struggling to get across the sea because of the winds. How many times have you struggled because of the "winds" going against you? Jesus comes to the rescue as He walks across the sea and gets into the boat with them (in Matthew 14:28-31 we know Peter walks out to Jesus). Jesus will come to the rescue!
Back in Gennesaret, people recognize Jesus (from the demons named Legion in chapter 5). Their response seems different now. They bring people to be healed, just to touch Jesus. How has our interpretation/ understanding of Jesus changed throughout your years?
Some really great stories! Glad we are doing this.
I hope you have a good day and find peace.
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
ReplyDeleteafter just one week of reading in this format (rather than hearing "quotes" here and there) the stories and Jesus' intent is more complete.
That is one "purpose" of the writer of Mark...to highlight the important aspects of Jesus' ministry and really have people see what Jesus' intent is. We do miss out on much when we only hear bits and pieces (as in lectionary readings or messages), and we gain much more by reading complete volumes! Great point!
DeleteHappy Monday! I think this is the first time that I read where it was stated that Jesus was actually a carpenter. I think the comment “Is not this the carpenter” is referring to the question - where did he get his knowledge? And maybe Mary was mentioned here because everyone knew who Mary was??? I love that Jesus’ brothers are actually listed and that it mentions that Jesus had sisters. As far back as I can remember, I have known that Jesus had siblings and was taught that He probably did. And, as you mentioned, many denominations are agreeing with that. It actually makes sense to me that Jesus would have siblings. (Does that mean that Jesus has half-nephews and nieces?) I agree that sometimes those that know you best are your biggest critics - like a prophet in his hometown. And I think that’s the reason why Jesus could only heal a “few sick folk” - they had no faith in Him. So far, everyone else that Jesus healed He always mentions their great faith. Or maybe they didn’t even come to Him. But I wonder - were all those people that Jesus did miracles on healed because of their faith that Jesus was the Son of God or their faith in the fact that Jesus could heal? Like the disciples could. And when the disciples did heal, did the people give the credit to Jesus (a person they did not know) as the Son of God? I was also told that we can talk to people about our Faith and about God but only the Holy Spirit and that person can accept it. ????? I think vs. 11 says that if we hear and do not accept our judgment will be worse then that of Sodom and Gomorrah. Goes along with - those who are given much, much will be expected? Maybe the mission of the twelve was more like informative teaching and not persuasive? The same for us? I would be curious as to how Judas Iscariot did. I also like that Jesus showed compassion not only to his disciples but to the people who came to Him - in vs. 34 says that He “was moved with compassion toward them”. I love that word about Jesus’ feeling toward us - compassion. It bothers me a LOT that people may want to send people away from church - or not invite them - or not want certain groups to use the church. Did the people of Genesaret react differently to Jesus because they heard of His healing powers or because they wanted to hear more and repent? My understanding of Jesus, my mission, teachings in the Bible have all changed through the years - and I hope it always does!
ReplyDeleteI think everyone assumed Jesus was a carpenter, because Joseph was- and boys usually followed in their father's footprints- but I think, like you said, this is the only place this is stated!
DeleteYour question on siblings, nieces, nephews opens a whole new ball of wax! DaVinci Code- I know it is fiction, but Dan Brown opens the possibilities of descendants of Jesus!
I like the point of little/ no faith in his hometown people- and those that had faith- like you said- did they have faith because he could do it or because he was God's son?!
It is comforting to hear about Jesus' compassion- we know he is supposed to have it- but this story shows it!
Great commentary! Thanks Donna
Jesus goes back to Nazareth but people do not believe him probably because he was raised there and they knew him as a child and young man raised up among them. He was a carpenter and son of a carpenter so how could he be anything else? Also mentioned are his brothers and sisters leading us to believe that Mary his mother is not a virgin however does it say anywhere that Mary remained a virgin after Jesus's birth The important thing to me is she was at the time of Jesus birth. It must have been disappointing to Jesus that his own family and friends didn't believe even as he healed some people there.
ReplyDeleteHow sad that Herod killed John the Baptist(esp reading that Herod actually liked John the Baptist) because he wanted to save face. it is often that we do things that we know is wrong because we want to save face we say something and because we have said it we do something wrong because we don't want people to criticize us and we can be embarrassed.
What a marvelous story of feeding 5000plus people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes. Jesus prayed, blessed broke bread the same as we do for communion. God provided as Jesus prayed he would and there were even leftovers, The disciples Im sure pondered this and wondered how this was able to be Do they even realize with this who Jesus is Do they know him to be the Son of God? Probably not as they are now in a boat that is floundering in the wind and waves and see Jesus walking on water and think he is a ghost . There faith was floundering just as the boat was. Who is this Man who Can walk on water I'm sure the wondered. As would I had I been there. Hindsight is always so much better. If we put ourselves in the disciples place what would we have done?
The stories of Jesus teaching and healing had spread and people came in droves to see him and be healed Just to touch is robes brought healing What wouldn't I give to have been there and able to touch his robe! The question is would i have believed? I hope I would have.
Right- once a carpenter always a carpenter!
DeleteThere is no written evidence that Mary remained a virgin her entire life. In fact, we have stories like this one, that lead us to believe she did have children. Some denominations (maybe Catholic?) have Mary's perpetual virginity in their theology though.
I like the John the Baptist story- it would make a great movie! But, you're right - how sad that Herod "needed" to do this to save face!
You pose an interesting comment- what I wouldn't have done to touch Jesus' robe- but would I have believed? Hmmm....
Great thoughts Clara!
One day last week we read that sinning against the Holy Spirit would not be forgiven. This has bothered me because I wondered how you even would sin against the Holy Spirit so I looked it up on line. I think it refers to not recognizing that God heals through Jesus and not accepting that Jesus is God’s son.
ReplyDeleteI guess this is troubling to me in the way that some other things are about organized religion. I believe that Jesus is Gods son but what about people of other religions? I believe that God is “bigger” than denominations. I believe that God forgives all who ask for forgiveness no matter what faith they believe in.
What does anybody else think?
Sorry to get off track. The stories in this chapter are so familiar and wonderful. One of my favorite parts is where Jesus says if people don’t want to hear what you have to say, shake the dust off your feet and move on. I like the idea that through our free will we all have a personal faith journey to make. We can tell others what we believe but it’s up to them to accept it.
Rest is so very important. Resting your body and your mind. Giving yourself grace during difficult times is something I’m trying to learn. I want to develop my “Mary” side a little more. A New Years goal.
Thanks for investigating Cathy! Makes a little more sense now!
DeleteWow- great comment- God is bigger than denominations. I think the same! God is God and accepts all who are honest. God doesn't care about the color of your skin, who you are, where you are, etc/..God wants people to love and accept God and have faith!
I hope Mary is successful in you! It is tough to rest!
Great thoughts Cathy!
I agree with you Cathy. I believe God forgives all who ask for forgiveness no matter what faith they believe in! But since I believe we have to repent and ask for forgiveness from God, then only faiths that believe in God would have followers that would ask God. I hope that makes sense! 😃
ReplyDeleteIt does and I see what you’re saying. In my mind, I just think that God is so awesome that He would save say, mentally ill people or special needs people, or people who haven’t had the opportunity to learn about God. Just my ideas. Thanks for responding to my post!
DeleteHmmmm - good point. It does say in our readings in vs. 11 that those that hear but do not accept will be judged harsher then Sodom and Gomorrah so I think He does, maybe not exactly forgive, but He gives everyone grace so I am thinking love and affection as well? Something to definitely think about.
DeleteNo it doesn't bother me that Mary and Joseph had other children, that's what family do. It's a shame that Jesus was rejected by his own town, and that has little faith. It also shocked me to know that the feeding of the 5000, didn't include woman and children, so many more people. I can see why Jesus was exhausted and wanted to rest and pray. Being mobbed by people all the time , teaching,healing,his disciples seeing him walk on water were afraid. Jesus said take courage! It is I Don't be afraid. All these things that Jesus did and we still don't get it makes me feel sad
ReplyDeleteGreat comment- That's what families do!
ReplyDeleteYou are correct- the women and children were not counted in the 5000, they were not "important enough" to count. But I am sure they were there- so this puts the number well into the 10,000 range- or more!
Great thoughts Rose Marie!