The picture is dawn from Mount Sinai.
For this week, I am continuing my post on my sermon for this last Sunday. Just for fun. So if you’ve joined in today, then read the text: Mark 9:14-29 [The story of the Father whose son has been gripped by terror.] And read the introduction: HERE.
I have but three reflections from Mark 9:
1. Jesus enters our lives as they really are.
2. Jesus powerfully speaks to our terrors and pains.
3. Jesus tenderly addresses our faithful doubts.
Today, I give you Reflection #1. Questions, comments, helpful critiques are welcome. [Thanks Rhea!]
1. Jesus enters our lives as they really are: Confused and complex and messy.
Look at V 14-16
What’s happening here? Jesus is entering an already existing moment. He is gate-crashing an argument. And the argument has been going on for enough time for Mark to note that a crowd has gathered. V14. ‘A great crowd’, in fact. And like many who wonder into a conversation, he says: V16 -- “What’s the argument about?” I’m up for debate. I’d like to know what’s going on.
In my research this week, I realized something that I’d not seen before: Mark places two events deliberately together: the transfiguration of Jesus and the story of the torment of this father. They are being overlapped. [Luke records that is was the next day, whereas Mark and Matthew more deliberately overlap the events.]
Here is what I think is happening: One extraordinary thing is happening up on a high mountain. And at the same time, one ordinary thing is happening at the foot of the mountain.
And one very ordinary argument is happening down at the foot of the Mountain. Just like
“Let me in on that argument.”
“Let me into your real life.”
“What’s the debate going on in your head?
“What’s the debate going on in your communities?”
“Let me speak to it.”
Love, Justin.
5 comments:
Entrigued and moved by what you've said/written so far. Interested to see what happens tomorrow.
thankyou.
No other comments at this point, but am eagerly awaiting the second instalment.
....can I put this in my NT exam?
http://newtownmission.org.au/ we are looking for a senior minister!!
R
jokes by the way! i am not suggesting you even think about it ... but one of your readers might! R
All I can really say at this point, as I sit intriguied, humbled, and ready for more, is two things:
1. thank you for posting this.
2. How AMAZING is this fact: Jesus enters our lives as they really are.
C.
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