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Many eyes to see Him (October 25) 2009-10-22 by Barbara L Switzer Submit a Question | Submit an Article This story seems so obvious, at first read. It tells us "your faith has led you from darkness to light; come and follow me". But Jesus is ministering from the road; what does this tell us? Jesus has been going from place to place, performing healings and otherwise confounding the disciples and all the locals. Most of the stories reported by the writer of Mark are of seemingly everyday occurrances in first century life. Disabled people are set by the road to fend for themselves, and their disabilities are assumed to be due to some Sin in their lives. Disciples are worried about "being first", like a Gentile. Jesus is beset by crowds, even though he cautions his followers to "not tell anyone". Why is the description of his journeying so important to tell? Is the travelling so unusual? Would the lessons have as much impact if he had just "set up shop" in Jerusalem or Nazareth? How does this help us understand the true breadth of God's love? Our culture shares information so easily. After all, you are reading this blog from a computer somewhere, possibly far from where I am writing. Do I see events in the same way you do? Would I recognize the miracles of Jesus if he only ministered to those who could make their way to him? Talk to me about how the ability to see isn't the only message. Help me to understand the experiences Jesus had in being "on the road again", showing others the love of God. Barbara Switzer Bartimaeus: Ideal Disciple (October 25) 2009-10-21 by John Roberts Submit a Question | Submit an Article Tell the people this: Bartimaeus displays the character of the ideal disciple. First being persistent, he was not deterred by his peers. Second was an immediate and eager response. Third, he knew precisely what he wanted. Fourth, when Jesus met his need, he followed Jesus rather than going his own way. The perfect disciple -- a need filled and accepted with gratitude followed by loyalty. A short resume that most of us can't claim. Opening Our Eyes (October 25) 2009-10-18 by Winola Green Submit a Question | Submit an Article First reactions to Mark 10:46-52; this is another healing of the blind. For the blind man it is a wonderful amazing thing to gain his sight. To gain sight after being blind is the prayer of many blind people today. As a retired teacher of the visually impaired and blind, from birth through age 21, I know of the millions of prayers of parents and family for the healing of their blind child. As do many people who pray earnestly for healing and see their prayers not being answered, they say "well, I must not have enough faith." Even though the blindness was caused by drug abuse during pregnancy, premature birth, accident or disease. So what about that question? An interesting note is that the man was ordered to keep quiet. That is not uncommon even today. The blind are quite often treated as if they can not be seen, which may be a way of not having to relate to them. Then when the blind demand to be noticed, they are considered to be rude and lacking in social skills. However, this story about healing of the man named Bartimaeus, in Chapter 10 and the first story of the blind man at Bethsaida, in Chapter 8, brings us to ask what is going on. Do we take them only as miracle stories or is there another message here? These miracle stories are found among the stories of the Rich Man, Blessing the Children, and the Request of James and John. It is as if Mark is pointing out that Jesus was saying something about what must happen before the disciples could understand. Are these attempts of teaching them that they "must open their eyes" to more completely understand what Jesus was teaching them? We are much like that, as we don't always "get it". This was Jesus final week in Jerusalem and during this time Jesus was telling them about what was going to happen. The disciples have not understood, as we say "they still don't get it". My understanding is that we need to focus not so much on this story as a physical mainifestation of healing, but as a spiritual and faith healing of "opening our eyes" to the truth and understanding of Jesus. We are to live our physical lives in faith and acceptance, because we know our lives are complete and whole spiritually in our understanding of our relationship with Jesus. Open our eyes and receive our sight and follow Jesus as did Bartimaeus. Other questions may be about the the different forms of healing in the two stories. Though the result was the same. Why was one man named and not the other? It seems that the people around knew who was the father of Bartimaeus. OPEN OUR EYES THAT WE MAY SEE
2009-10-18 by Winola Submit a Question | Submit an Article Whatever I ask you (October 18) 2009-10-16 by Andrea Hodges Submit a Question | Submit an Article I'm sorry to admit how often I've wanted to use Jesus like this, as a magic genie who grants whatever I wish. I know better now, but I still catch myself trying at it once-in-awhile! I wonder how many people in the pews do too? It seems people will also wonder, if Jesus is God, how come it's not his to grant their request? Can't he do whatever he wants? And by the way, just what does he want? I suspect there is quite a difference between "his mission to come serve us" and "granting our every genie request." Perhaps you can talk about this difference in your sermon? [First Page] [Prev] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 [Next] [Last Page] Login - (This login is for administrators and bloggers. Usernames and passwords for GoodPreacher subscribers will not work here.) |
