What a crazy day yesterday- again! Sitting doing some church work and the power goes out. I was about ready to cry- but held it in and did some reading (The Good Girl by Mary Kubica). Power came on after just a few hours, but there was no internet until about dinner time. How did we work prior to technology?! And now the flooding all over the place, especially PA. I hope you are all making it through this weather and strange phenomenon we have been having! Our fun yesterday was playing in the puddles with Finn and Sully!
This chapter deals with three big stories- the death of John the Baptist, the feeding of the 500, and Jesus walking on water.
The Herod we are introduced here (v 1), is Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great- the ruler during the birth of Jesus. It is likely Herod's guilt and superstition led Herod to believe that John had been resurrected. Historical accounts say that John the Baptist and Jesus looked very similar, so they could be mistaken for each other. Herod had John the Baptist killed at the request of the daughter of Herodias. John had spoken out about the marriage between Herod and Herodias; Herod illegally divorced his first wife and then seduced and married Herodias, his brother Phillip's wife! Who sys the Bible is boring and dull! Her daughter danced (likely scantily clad and very seductively) for Herod and his party goers. She requests the head of John the Baptist as her "payment" (obviously at the direction of Herodias). Fear of Herodias made Herod kill John. John's disciples came to bury John's body.
Jesus tries to get some quiet time to grieve the death of his beloved cousin (v 13), but the crowd continued to press in on him. The feeding of the multitudes is in all four gospels- so it must be an important story! We see Jesus' compassion, though, as he "feels sorry for them and heals them" (v 14) even despite his need to grieve and be alone. Do we have that ability to forget about our needs and look at the needs of others? The day is getting late and the disciples come to have Jesus ask the crowds to go home and get their own food. I love Jesus' response, "You feed them!" (v 16). How many times have we told people to "go home" or denied them "feeding"? Did the disciples not remember the wedding at Cana? Do we not remember the wedding at Cana? From John's Gospel, we hear that a boy donated the bread and fish, we don't hear that in Matthew (v 17). It was someone small and insignificant that provided for others. How do we interpret the actions of others that we feel are less than us? Jesus blesses the bread and then gives it to the disciples to pass out- they were originally the ones who wanted the people to go away. God provides in unexpected ways! There are 12 baskets left over- 12: the number of disciples, the number of tribes of Israel. Who are we in this story: in the crowd, the disciples, the little boy donating his food?
Immediately (v 22) Jesus and the disciples leave. Why immediately? Jesus did get some away time and finally had prayer time with God. It is important for us to see that even as connected as Jesus and God were- Jesus needed prayer time. What does that say about prayer time for us? A storm comes up suddenly (not uncommon in the sea of Galilee) and the disciples are alone in the boat. The disciples are exhausted from rowing and fighting the storm and Jesus comes out, walking on water. Imagine the fear and questions they must have had! Jesus comforts them with words, "It is me." Do we ever hear Jesus say those words to us? Then Jesus says "those words" 'If it really is You' Why did Peter doubt? Why do we doubt? Peter begins to make progress- walking across the water as he kept his eyes on Jesus, but then when he realized what was happening and that the storm was still violent, he lost control and began to sink. Has that happened to you? Human nature- we get caught up in the small things that we lose sight of the big picture. Jesus talks with Peter about Peter's "little faith." How little (or big) is your faith? Does it match the faith of Peter or the faith of the people on the shores of Gennesaret (where they land after the storm) that only needed to touch Jesus garment to be healed?
Some tough thoughts and questions to struggle with in today's reading! Keep the faith and keep up the good work!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
Yes, how many times have we told people to "go home' or denied them "feeding"? And even locked the doors of God's house. Yes, how many times did we interpret the actions of others that we feel are less than us? Good questions in light of past events.
ReplyDeleteThe stories in this chapter are familiar to us all but always need to read again and again to remember how good God is to us.
BTW, I was at the church of Cana where "traditionally" Jesus turned water into wine - it was awful (smile)
Loved the pictures! If only we could remember to play in the puddles when we get the chance!!!
Enjoy the day
Good questions is right. I have been struggling with those questions!
DeleteIt is good to go back and re-read familiar stories. We do need to remember the presence of God!
Jump in those puddles!
Thanks Donna!
I like your question, Do we have that ability to forget about our needs and look at the needs of others? This is a question that I struggle with every day. I have a job in which I need to help others. I have a mother and sister who are very dependent on me. I want to help my children with various things. And on and on.
ReplyDeleteIs that famous airplane analogy true; put your own O2 mask on first so you can be in good shape to help someone else?
Sometimes I wonder if I'm really called to help others or is it possibly my own arrogance that I think I have what it takes to help others.
Is it really OK to say "no" if we have a way to help?
The Bible shows us over and over that Jesus helped others constantly. Was it always convenient to heal, teach, be patient, explain parables, etc. And how many times do you think he was judged for what he did. (I guess we know the answer to that!).
Jesus said "Love others as you love yourself". Doesn't that mean that in order to love (and help) other you have to take care of yourself?
I'm hoping that Jesus did take time to grieve. Sometimes you have to let others help shoulder the burden When the disciples came to Jesus and told him about the hungry crowd Jesus said "You feed them." He gave up total control and delegated.
Well, I guess we all struggle with these issues in our lives. It's hard to see people suffering and not help but it's hard to be exhausted and overwrought too. Food for thought.
It is hard, at times, to put away our needs and think of others. Sometimes I just want to focus on myself...but then someone will call asking for help or I will see something that needs to be done. We all have the ability to help others- some probably have more of an ability, but we can all do it.
ReplyDeleteSelf-care is important. Many of us "helpers" get burned out- is it because people know they can ask us and we do it? Is it because we are guilty when it comes to self care?
I like those words from Jesus- You do it! I have said that a few times at my church- you want something done- then you do it!
Good comments to struggle with Cathy- thanks