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Patience and Understanding (October 18) 2009-10-15 by Becky Llewellyn Submit a Question | Submit an Article I, too, was struck by the patience of Jesus in this passage given his previous reactions to the disciples when they didn't get something ("How much longer must I be with you?" "Get behind me Satan") Instead, in this passage, he responds with a simple, "What is it you want me to do for you?" How do we discern Jesus' response to our requests? How do we respond to the requests of others? Are we patient or do we tell the person to get behind us as if he/she was Satan? (warrented or not) How do we discern the proper questions to ask Jesus in the first place? What is that we really need? How do we take a step back from our situation so that we can understand the big picture and what is best for God's Kingdom versus what would be best for us? How do we discern what is really needed for the good of all versus wanted for the good on one when people make requests of us? Leopard Spots (October 18) 2009-10-14 by John Roberts Submit a Question | Submit an Article Mark 10:35-45 Tell everyone the following: No matter how close we get to Jesus, we will not be able to forget the strengths or weaknesses of being a human. Desired Recognition (October 18) 2009-10-13 by Winola Green Submit a Question | Submit an Article It appears that James and John still dont get it, even after hearing the previous discourse by Jesus. They are still looking for an earthly rule by Jesus and want to be recognized for their devotion to him. This story makes more sense in Matthew's reading where their Mother makes this request. The other ten rightly so take offense, and where is Peter in this discussion. He surely had some abrupt remark to make. Jesus is once again very gentle and loving with his disciples, knowing as always their needs. I have in the past felt that I needed recognition for something I thought I had done well, only to find out that my work or devotion was all in the name of the work. My recognition was in the fact that it served my students and colleagues, and they were the ones to receive the benefits and I was to receive what I deserved as a servant. We never know what we are asking for in prayers; the same that James and John did not understand for what they were asking. Jesus does in his love for us treat up gently and reminds that God alone knows what is best for us and answers our prayers in that way. God gives us what we need in the kingdom and he gives it IN HIS OWN TIME. Perhaps in sermons, pastors can help us understand that.
In with the (October 18) 2009-10-13 by Tim Norton Submit a Question | Submit an Article The behavior of the disciples here seems rather amusing, or I would say even silly if I didn't see a younger version of myself in the request of James and John. A little over 25 years ago I joined the crew of hot air balloon pilots and loved to attend large ballooning events with them. Pilots were very charismatic and when several got together, they were a lot of fun to be around. I started hanging around with the inner "clique" of balloon pilots and festival organizers because it made me feel important to "sit at their right hand", to be in with the "in" crowd. In doing this however, I neglected mingling with prospective passengers and the general public, who always needed information and education, as ballooning was and is still a very misunderstood and confusing sport. In short, I was avoiding "ministering" to those who needed my help in order to be seen with those who didn't. Are James and John doing the same thing here? And don't we all answer the same as they when asked a question about our preparedness? We say we're "ready" when we haven't the faintest idea what the task entails, but are too embarrassed to admit it. Jesus is teaching about the kingdom of heaven while the disciples are still focused on "worldly things". If that were I, I'd probably be very tired of dealing with students who just don't get it, no matter how many ways I try to explain. Yet Jesus is able to turn what for me would be a totally frustrating situation, calmly and tenderly - as must be done with any "child", into another teaching moment. He, again, takes the opportunity to focus their attention away from themselves and onto the needy around them. Where does the money go? (October 11) 2009-10-10 by James Douglas Submit a Question | Submit an Article Many of the treatments of this passage make the assumption that the Kingdom of Heaven is future entity separated from the world in which we live. The rich young man (and almost all of us in the developed world) then grieve because our ticket to heaven is seen to rely on our giving away of wealth. In such a scenario, are we not, then, simply buying a place in heaven? How is God's transforming grace at work in such an act? There are also some logisitcal questions: is the ticket price a once-off fire sale or are we supposed to maintain a state of perpetual poverty? Once we have given away all we have, how are we to rely on God to provide? - manna from heaven, the welfare state or the kindness of strangers? Surely a large part of the point of this passage is the crucial importance of God's grace - for mortals it is impossible, but for God, nothing is impossible. The culture of self-reliance is indeed under attack in this passage but is the only answer abdicating all personal wealth? Are we not then in danger of doing what the disciples do, later in the passage, when they boast about having given up everything to follow Jesus? His reply is not 'you have done what is needed', but 'many who are first will be last and the last will be first'. Aren't the disciples already participating in the Kingdom of God, just by following Jesus around as he preaches, teaches, heals and restores? Isn't it this ongoing discipleship, the following rather than the leaving behind, to which Jesus calls Peter, James, John and eventually us? Of course, we all need to be challenged about the amount of our personal wealth we hang on to but we also need to be invited to join Jesus on the transformative journey of discipleship. On the way, we will encounter God in people in need and feel compelled, not by guilt over our wealth, but by love for God in our neighbour, to give not just our money but ourselves and be rewarded with a sense that we are a part of the kingdom of heaven. [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.) |
