Mark 2

 I love the first story of this chapter- the paralyzed man and his four friends. I have read this a few times, but V 5 really sticks out to me. It was the faith of the friends that Jesus noticed first. and the author uses the words "When Jesus saw their faith..." Do we live our faith bold enough that people can SEE it? Do you have friends like the man had...ones that would lift you through a roof for healing? Are you a good friend like the men mentioned? Willing to do something great for another? And the other words Jesus said were to the man, "Your sins are forgiven." Jesus knew that the sins of the man were in greater need of "repair" and forgiveness than his inability to walk. The man's real problem was the sin, not the inability to walk. The Pharisees have a fit (v 6-7) and ask, "Who is this guy- only God can forgive sin!" Umm...yah...that's the point here! Only the second chapter and the Pharisees are already starting to question Jesus!

Jesus selects Levi/Matthew as his next disciple (vv 13-14). Levi was a tax collector and for him to follow Jesus was a big deal. Tax collector positions were very difficult to obtain, they paid good money (although many people disliked you and didn't trust you), and you had the backing of the Roman government. Compare to Peter, James, and John-- they were "just" fishermen- a job they could easily regain if Jesus failed. How much are you willing to give up (or did you give up) to follow Jesus? Have you ever thought of following Jesus in these terms?

Jesus really upsets that apple cart by eating with the tax collectors and sinners (vv 15-16). I mean, really? How could Jesus do that?! I love Jesus' response (v 17)...the healthy people don't need the doctor! I have had several people in my time at Little Meadows respond to me (after I invite them to join us), "I could never go to church- I am too bad!" My response is usually something like, "The church is full of sinners!" What do you think about Jesus' response to the Pharisees? Jesus eating with the tax collectors and sinners is a signal for us to build friendships and relationships with "those people." Have you done that? Can you do that?

The story of the wedding guests and the feast (vv 18- 20) has so many levels to dig through. Traditional wedding feast were up to a week long (or more). Lots of food, dancing, wine, fun. For Jews, joy during this week was more important than following the law, so rabbis would exclude wedding guests from fasting and other dietary laws during their celebration. That is what Jesus is talking about in v 19. This is also a reference to the next story about new cloth and old cloth. Jesus will establish a new covenant with people (more on that in a bit). On a second level, Jesus is talking about himself and the church. Jesus is referred to as the bridegroom and the church is often referred to as the bride. So, in v 20, when Jesus talks about he bridegroom being gone- the reference is to himself at the crucifixion. I assume the people didn't understand the second deeper meaning of this story- but do you think they may have reflected on it after Jesus' death?

The nest brief story, about new cloth and old cloth (vv 21-22) is similar to the story in Luke we read. Again, this is a reference by Jesus to the new covenant that will be established. The old Levitical and Mosaic laws will no longer be important; the new covenant will take priority. People wouldn't understand that, so Jesus uses the clothing/ wineskin repair example. If anyone has patched clothing, you know you never use new material because it will shrink and change shape as it is washed- in comparison to the old material it is attached to. This will be my message on January 17- "Something New" Part of a series I am doing called "What I learned from Luke."

The last set of verses in the chapter are a common theme that we will see throughout the Gospels. The Sabbath was a holy and sacred day of rest and recovery. Jesus will be called out several times, by the Pharisees, for healing and helping people on the Sabbath. Jesus will always respond (my translation), "Help people when they need help- show mercy at all times."

Enjoy the day and the readings. Thanks for joining me on this journey!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Mark 1

 No birth narrative! No family history! No deep philosophy about the Word and the Light! Mark starts immediately with Jesus' baptism (history suggests Jesus was about 30 when he was baptized). Baptism was a ritual performed by Jews, typically when Gentiles converted to Judaism; when a Jew was baptized, in essence they were saying "I am as far away from God as a Gentile is and I need to get right with God." The Jewish faith has many ceremonial washings, so this baptism was not unique to this story. The uniqueness is when the dove descends form heaven and God's booming voice says "This is my Son, whom I love!" (1:11) Jesus was baptized not because he was a sinful many, but because he was identifying with the sins of man. Christians have adopted the act of baptism as we invite members to be part of the body of Christ and the redemption that Christ has to offer. I have had the opportunity to baptize many people in my tenure at Little Meadows; I cant begin to explain the feelings I have when I perform the baptism liturgy-- warmth, God, peace, calm, love-- it is such a great feeling. Do  you remember your baptism? How do you feel when you witness a baptism? When is the last time you looked at the baptismal covenant in the UMH (or whatever book of worship you use)?

After Jesus' baptism, the Spirit drives Jesus into the desert (v 12), but there is no story about what happened (typical of Mark- we are left to think about what may have happened). Jesus was in the desert 40 days (40 symbolic of testing or judgement- Noah's flood was 40 day and 40 nights, Moses kept sheep for 40 years, Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years...). If you didn't know of the temptation story in the three other Gospels, what would you assume happened to Jesus with just Mark's commentary?

John is imprisoned (v14), again no story why, and Jesus goes into Galilee to preach (also v 14)! We don't often hear Jesus as preacher- we hear him (in the other Gospels) as healer and as teacher, but not as preacher. Have you ever thought of Jesus as preacher? The people were looking for a kingdom (v 15) to replace the Roman empire, but that wasn't the kingdom Jesus was preaching about- Mark says that Jesus was preaching about "the Good News!" The people had to change their ways (repent) to be admitted to this kingdom. How might the people have responded to Jesus saying this? How do we respond when we hear this?!

Jesus selects Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, and John to be the first disciples (vv 16- 20). Common people, hard working, ordinary-- and then Jesus comments, "I will make you fish for people." Jesus equips those selected; Jesus didn't pick the best, those that already knew how to fish for people-- Jesus picked the people and then taught. We use the same statement often "God equips the chosen." You have been chosen- do you feel equipped? How has God equipped you to do ministry?

The men move to Capernaum and Jesus "amazes" the people by his teaching-- he taught like he had authority (v 22)! Jesus did have the authority to teach! He knew what he was talking about  and he believed in what he was talking about-- not like the teachers of the day! Examine your "teachers of the day"-- do they teach with authority or conviction? Do they seem to be dedicated and committed to their teachings?

Immediately (typical of Mark...and then this happened...), Jesus heals a demon possessed man, and the people were amazed (vv 23- 28). The demons knew Jesus, they even called him out by name (v 24) calling Jesus "God's Holy One" (New Century Version). Do we recognize Jesus as God's Holy One? All Jesus has to say is "Be quiet and get out of the man." No elaborate rituals, no hocus-pocus like the exorcists of the day, no long liturgy, no magic- just "Get out!" People were beginning to see something different about Jesus that they hadn't seen in other religious leaders of their time. 

"As soon as Jesus left the synagogue...(v 29)" (again, immediacy in Mark), Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law. The words used in my Bible (New Century Version) describe basic, simple mechanics: 
walked to her, took her hand, helped her up-- and the fever left" (v 31). Jesus cares about the individual and doesn't need the crowds around to promote himself. She then begins serving him. Do we do that when we are healed by Jesus-- immediately begin serving Him-- or do we just go on with our life?

Early the next morning (v 35) Jesus goes to a solitary (or lonely) place to pray. Even Jesus needs time with God. What does this verse say to us? How often do we start our days with prayer? Real prayer? Do we do it in a solitary (lonely) place or is it in the middle of our chaotic world?

The disciples come looking for Jesus; the crowds want more. Jesus responds- "let us go to another town so I can preach there." (v 38) Two points here-- Jesus cares about getting the word out and cares about others, and Jesus didn't want to ride the tide of popularity. He could have well stayed there and did lots more work, but decided to go somewhere else and spread the news of God's kingdom. Why do people like to ride on the tide of popularity? 

Leprosy is an awful disease, basically starting out as small red spots that turn white as your skin starts to slough off, followed by hair loss, followed by rotting away of skin, muscle, teeth, etc.. The man begs Jesus for healing, with the honest statement- "If you will." (v 40). People avoided lepers as much as possible, ignoring them and shunning them to the outer gates of the towns. Jesus, with compassion, reaches out and touches the man and he is healed (vv 41- 42). What does this say about Jesus? He could have just used words, but he touched this hideous man. Touch is an important sensation, and with the advancement of the man's leprosy, he probably hadn't been touched in a long time. With all our COVID restrictions, can you begin to feel how the man must have felt, to have a simple touch from Jesus! Jesus has the man go to the priest a present himself. The priest would have had to look up the ritual from cleansing a leper, as they were never healed from leprosy. This would have been a great witness to the authority of Jesus. How do we witness to the authority of Jesus? Jesus requests that the man not tell anyone of this, but of course he goes out and starts telling. What might be called "Well-intentioned disobedience" really was a hindrance to Jesus as he was now becoming overwhelmed with people! Have you ever thought of Jesus becoming overwhelmed?

So, to recap chapter one of Mark. John, Jesus' baptism, temptation from Satan, picking disciples, preaching in the synagogue, an exorcism, healing Simon's mother-in-law, healing may others, time for prayer and then healing the leper! I am exhausted just from this-- but very typical of Mark's style!

Have a great day, enjoy the beauty of the snow we received last night and enjoy the beauty of God's words to us!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Some Background on Mark

 Good Morning and welcome to our new and exciting journey-- reading the New Testament in a year! I am looking forward to this and I hope you are too. I will provide some background information for each of the books we will be reading; that may help understand why certain material was written- or why some material was not written! Remember, especially with the Gospels, each of these manuscripts were written with a specific purpose to a specific audience at a specific time. The events of the day and the culture of the time was very important to the authors and we need to try to understand that as well.

Mark was probably the first written Gospel, around 65 to 70AD; the Jews were at war with the Romans; Roman persecution of "Christians" was rampant and Peter, Paul, and several other prominent leaders had been executed. We are not really sure who wrote this Gospel; Mark was a very common name, but there is some strong indication that the author was a Mark that associated with Peter and much of these writings are actually interpretations of Peter's account. There are some indications that the author was a good friend of Paul, as much of the verbiage used is similar to many of the Pauline epistles.

Regardless, what we do know is Mark was a devout "Christian" and is writing to people who already know the basic message of Jesus and Christianity. His audience is probably Roman Christians. Mark probably didn't know Jesus personally, but wasn't too far removed from those who did know Jesus. 

Mark's Gospel reads like an evening newscast-- many stories, told very quickly, with a great sense of urgency. Mark's writing is quite simplistic and not very detailed, unlike Matthew and Luke, and certainly not as philosophical as John's Gospel. Much of Mark is duplicated in Matthew and Luke.

A great deal of Mark is the account of Jesus' passion. The 19th century scholar Martin Kahler described Mark's Gospel as "a passion narrative with an extended introduction."The cross is central to the work of Mark and this seems to be a central underlying theme to the book. Jesus was active in ministry, but Mark's ultimate goal for Jesus is to give His life as ransom. 

Let's get started!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

(Reference: Introducing the New Testament, Mark Allan Powell; Baker Academics, 2009)

Plans for Reading!!

 Good morning and thanks for the input!

Following the advice from a few people, I have decided that the best plan for now may be the "5 Day Reading Program" with a focus on the New Testament. The link to the plan is below (it is a downloadable PDF).

Our plan- read just the New Testament readings (those in italics). Begin on Monday, January 4. Only 5 days a week. I will do Monday through Friday and post questions/comment each day on the blog- but you can do whenever you get the chance. Comment as you feel you need to. It is a big task- so take the time you need, stop if you need, read ahead if you can...its for your journey! If you think something might be "preachable" then please let me know in your response! When we get to Luke readings- we can either take time off or just skip ahead since most of us have done Luke's Gospel in December! 

For a super challenge- do all the readings and finish the Bible in a year. That is a huge undertaking! 

Feel free to invite friends (or enemies) to join us in the conversation. I am excited to continue this journey with you!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Link to reading plan:

Bible Reading Schedule 2021.pdf (fivedaybiblereading.com)

Bible Reading Challenge

 Good Morning- 

I am hoping to get some people interested in a Bible reading challenge for the year. Maybe the New Testament, maybe the Hebrew Scriptures, maybe the prophets, maybe the entire Bible?

Here are some links to various plans; take a look and if you're interested in joining us, let me know that plan you are interested in. We will likely start Monday, January 4.

21 Bible Reading Plans for 2021 - Read the Hard Parts

2021 Bible Reading Plans — Sharon RP Church

Bible Reading Schedule 2021.pdf (fivedaybiblereading.com)

(as a disclaimer- I do not support nor oppose any of the web links, they are just references for us to start with)

We can have discussion here on the blog and do some learning as we journey together!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Luke 24

 This is a great chapter to have on Christmas Eve!We get to hear about he resurrection of Jesus the day before we celebrate his birth in Bethlehem!

The resurrection events are never described- so it will always be a mystery- but we have several stories of the discovery of the empty tomb. I like that women were the first to witness to Jesus' resurrection. Women are often downplayed in the church- but this puts them high on the list! The women come to the tomb to embalm Jesus, but angels announce that he is gone. It is interesting to note that angels announce the birth and the resurrection! In v 4, the women "wonder" where Jesus is; some translations say that they were "greatly perplexed" The women (and the men) obviously didn't expect resurrection-- even after all  the times Jesus spoke of it! Would you have believed it? When the angles announce Jesus is one, I'd like to imagine them saying it in a somewhat snarky voice- "Did you expect to find a living body in a place for the dead?!" I don't know if the angels talked that way, but one can imagine! And then in v 8, "the women remembered!" How must that have felt to the women?! Imagine their excitement! Are you as excited about Jesus' resurrection?

The women runt o tell the others, but they didn't believe them. Although Peter, the one who denied even knowing Jesus, ran to the tomb just to make sure the women weren't talking crazy. The text says he went home, not back to the others, and he wondered. What thoughts were going through Peter's mind at that point?What thoughts would you have had?

Still Sunday, still reeling from disaster and lost, some of Jesus followers start walking to Emmaus (about 7 miles away from Jerusalem). They run into a stranger, and begin to tell him the stories of what has gone on, surprised that he didn't know! I like v 19, Jesus says (in a somewhat surprised yet knowing voice), "What are you guys talking about?!" But, he let us down as we were hoping he was the Messiah, the one to come and free us (v 21). The men are let down and sounding somewhat upset. How often do we feel "let down" by Jesus? Jesus continues to chat and finally says (v 25), "You are slow to believe..." (some translation say slow of heart). Why do you think the disciples and others were slow to believe? How slow are we to believe? Then the epiphany comes in v 30 when Jesus sits and eats, reenacting the Last Supper. They were allowed to recognize Jesus! What block us from fully seeing Jesus?  The men mention it felt like there was a fire burning inside them (v 32). Do you feel that fire? The men go back to Jerusalem (probably running the seven miles) and tell the disciples, probably still in the upper room. It is still the Sunday of Resurrection.

As they are all together, Jesus comes in and says "Peace" (v 36), giving an entirely new meaning to these words! Jesus then says, "Why do you doubt?" (v 38) Do we doubt? Why do we doubt? I love v 44, and I want Jesus to say this in a dad voice- you know the kind- "I told you so!" their minds were opened. Are our minds opened? Really? 

Jesus talk about the coming Pentecost celebration when the Holy Spirit will be given to them all (v 49)(read more in Acts 2-3). Jesus ascends to heaven and the people were very happy (v 52).  Imagine the discussion and thoughts they were having!

This has been a great opportunity to learn and discuss. I hope you have enjoyed the discipline of daily reading and conversation. I wish we could have been together to talk- maybe next year!

I will do some regular posts (Maybe Monday and Thursday) and we can continue these discussions if you'd like. No pressure. Invite others to join us!

May you have a great and now more meaningful Christmas day. 

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Luke 23

 This is probably the toughest chapter for me to read. I have read these stories many times, but now that I am sitting and really reading to understand rather than to prepare a message- it seems different!

Jews couldn't pronounce a death sentence, so Jesus was taken to the Roman authority, Pilate. Pilate, the governor of the area, was a cruel, insensitive, and immoral person, yet he had no power of authority to condemn Jesus, as Jesus was from Galilee. Herod, the governor of Galilee, had the authority to condemn Jesus, yet he couldn't find anything wrong. Isn't it sad that Pilate and Herod, they really hated each other, yet they became friends at their mutual hate for Jesus! The author says that Herod was "glad to see Jesus" (v 8) yet he shows his gladness by requesting miracles and entertainment in the form of beating!

I am always confused and taken back by the words in vv 18- 25; the people that originally heralded Jesus as king on Palm Sunday yelled and screamed "Crucify him!" Do we do that at times?  Pilate tried several times to save Jesus, but the people insisted. Crowd mentality is a powerful beast. A few rebels in the crowd can incite the entire group. Maybe the people were angry at Jesus-- he came in on Sunday, like a king; the people were ready for the Messiah to take action- and nothing happened! Do we get angry at Jesus for not taking action at times? We say that Jesus died for all, but Barabbas definitely knows and understands that statement.

Typically a crucifix cross bar weighs 75# to 125# and the victims are to carry their own cross bar (the uprights are permanently in the ground at the execution site (Calvary, Golgotha "The Skull")- Jesus probably walked passed them several times in his ministry). Jesus was so weak after his beatings that Simon of Cyrene was called to take over. Cyrene is in North Africa where current Libya is. He was likely there for the Passover and knew of Jesus the healer and preacher, not Jesus the criminal. Jesus said (Luke 9:23-24) to "take up your cross" and Simon definitely understands this. How did Simon feel- angry at Jesus? Angry at the crowd? Did he see Jesus as criminal or Messiah? How do we see Jesus at this point? Would you have carried Jesus' cross?

In "typical" Jesus manners, Jesus asks God to forgive the people that are doing this (v 34). Even minutes before his excruciating death, Jesus shows compassion and love for his enemies. While hanging on the cross, Jesus comments to the one criminal (v 43), "Today you will be with me in Paradise." I wonder how the criminal felt now? And what about the other one? I wonder what happened to him?

Jesus dies. Jesus comments (v 46) "I give you my life." In John 10:18, we hear Jesus say, "No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my won accord." Jesus dedicates his life to God. How does that make you feel in the context of the Christmas season? The curtain in the temple is torn in half (v 45b). The symbolism is that people now have free, unhindered access to God. God is no longer contained in the Temple but is free to move about. At Christmas, we sing "O come, O come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel...rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel has come to you, O Israel." Do those words have different meaning to you know that we have done this reading in the context of Christmas? I can remember one Christmas Eve worship I officiated, part of the message was that the baby we place in the manger today will be the man we hang on a cross on Good Friday. Some of my people were upset? confused? at that statement. After all, it is Christmas not Easter! May we look at this Christmas through slightly different eyes!

The people leave the crucifixion sad (maybe angry or mad too). They may have been expecting something different from their Messiah, yet He is dead, just another prophet! They had forgotten Jesus' promise...do we sometimes forget?

My these words we read stew around for the next many hours of our life; may these words help us understand differently the Christmas that we will celebrate in a few days. 

Shalom+
Pastor Paul