True Freedom

MARK 8:34-38 -- NRSV

MARK 8:34-38 -- The Message

* Deny yourself?

* Give up control?

* Take up your cross?

* Embrace suffering?

* Follow who?

* To save your life you must lose it?

* What would I trade my soul for?

Tough questions in what are some of the most impactful verses we've come across as of yet. Absolutely life-changing and challenging, as well as life-affirming and inspiring.

With the five verses in this section, I've chosen to include two translations for your reading pleasure from the New Revised Standard Version and The Message. Why? Because one of these versions may touch your heart and/or mind in a way that the other may not.

In listening to both translations, some first impressions by members of the study group follow:

* Norma (referring to the NRSV) -- "Why do I have to die? That's what I asked myself when I was younger. Losing (verse 35) meant dying. I still find this version troubling."

* Joe (in general) -- "This is a very blunt, honest delivery made by Jesus. You are challenged to do what he says in this world and not want for the next."

* Marc -- "When sharing this, Jesus was focused on his disciples. And what needed to happen to be a disciple."

* Pedro -- (also referring to the NRSV) -- "At 22 years-old, it was impossible for me (deny myself, take up my cross). How do I die? Later in life, I realized I receive grace. I need the Spirit to help me, to follow Jesus. Without the Spirit, I can't follow."

We have an advantage at this point in the gospel. We know how the story ends -- the death and resurrection of Jesus (as Jesus shared previously to his disciples). But that ending is incomprehensible to the disciples and will certainly be to anyone else. With this knowledge, separate it -- to be in the moment -- right there with Jesus and these people who want to follow him. Let that flavor your thinking as we move forward.

Deny Yourself

To deny yourself, that can be a really difficult task. That is saying "no" to what I want and "yes" to what Christ wants. Those can be two totally opposing views; a huge struggle can ensue. And what exactly does Christ want? That takes prayer and intentional thought; that takes being open to God; that takes allowing the Spirit to lead us. Who has time for that?!? Maybe that's what Christ wants. Hmmm.

Jesus is in the Driver's Seat

In these verses, does Jesus ask his followers to guide or protect him? Nope. He tells them if they'll follow him, he'll lead. The mark of a great leader is one who asks nothing of us that he himself isn't willing to face.

The Cross

The NRSV uses "the cross" but The Message skips it entirely. I can understand why. Does "the cross" really mean anything relevant or meaningful to anyone today? Nevertheless, "the cross" meant something -- terrifyingly so -- to those over 2,000 years ago. "The cross" related to Rome and what was a gut-wrenchingly daily occurrence (crucifixion) from the oppressor. Walking along the road, observers saw what "the cross" meant -- humiliation and excruciating death. They couldn't miss it; they couldn't avoid it.

Saving versus Losing

Jesus brings up the subject of saving versus losing, and what it means in the grand scheme of life eternal versus life temporary.

At this juncture, Brenda * made us ponder a great point. How many self-help books do you see in a bookstore -- the one in your neighborhood or the virtual one on the internet? As she said, "A plethora." Now,… how many books do we see on self-sacrifice?

Gene * shared, 'It's so easy to get caught up in the "me." Do I drive the right car? Am I wearing the right clothes? Am I being seen with the right people?" To which Norma * replied, "We shouldn't make these things primary in our life." To which I'm sure we might all agree. But… how often do we do it? How easy is it to get caught up in the "me" as Gene stated? Very easy, especially here in Hollywood.

Yet it's never enough. Never, ever, ever enough. One can spend their entire life spinning their wheels -- successful or not -- in the pursuit of Position, Power and Possession. How many times have you found the pursuit of the 3 P's to eventually be hollow and empty? How many times have you found ultimate, lasting satisfaction in any of the 3 P's?

If "saving your life" seems too extreme for you, then try this. Substitute different words in place of "life." How about time,… money,… energy,… love,…? Doing this may cause a shift in how you perceive Jesus' words. Personally, I find the use of "love" extremely powerful.

Forfeit/Gain

Jesus follows-up with… forfeiting our lives just to gain the whole world. Consider these questions:

* If we put little to no effort into thinking of others and their needs, what does that say about us?

* What does that say about our life?

* Is it a life worth living?

* Who am I saving by living?

As Brenda * honed in on this verse, she said, 'How provocative this is! "What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?" What Jesus is sharing is the real "Silver Linings Playbook."'

Adulterous/Sinful Generation

With verse 38, Jesus mentions "this adulterous and sinful generation." "Adultery, as in the Hebrew Bible, is a stand-in for sin generally, especially the sin of idolatry." [i] With these words, where were Jesus and the crowd? In the most idolatrous of places -- the Sanctuary of Pan. Point made!

In closing this post, these five verses and the impact of what Jesus shared have reverberated throughout centuries. How so? Because of the courage and wherewithal of Jesus and those who followed him, because of what he told those around him in this moment at the foot of Mount Hermon, the Good News continued and continues. Those who had power wanted to crush Jesus. If he were eliminated, they thought the same would hold true for his ministry; thereby retaining their own power.

Who would believe there would be a future for the Good News with the death of Jesus?

Here's my challenge to you as we approach Holy Week. Intentionally set aside time to reflect and meditate on sections of each of these verses. For example of sections:

* "If any want to become my followers"

* "Let them deny themselves"

* "Take up their cross"

* "You're not in the driver's seat; I am."

* "Don't run from suffering; embrace it."

You may truly be surprised by doing this. See what happens. See what happens not only for yourself but for others.

NEXT

Let's stay in the clouds!

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[i] Jewish Annotated New Testament, p. 78

* Member of the Study Group

Expectations -- "Yours" versus "Mine"

MARK 8:31-33

Expectations are a tricky thing -- especially when you've been expecting something in a certain way for a long time. The Jewish perspective and expectations of the mashiach (the Messiah) were no different.

When Jesus plainly tells his disciples that he will suffer, be rejected, killed and then resurrected, is it any wonder the one who had his eyes opened to the truth would be the first to confront Jesus? "You're wrong!!!" It doesn't match up with what anyone has been taught. For centuries. And for the Messiah to die on a cross (a death of humiliation) is inconceivable!

With all the precursor of "Messiahship" and what was expected -- a political-military deliverer to rid Israel of the yoke of Rome, Jesus' shared prediction that he would be a different type of King (the unexpected kind) references back to ISAIAH 53. These verses bring about frightening, cringe-worthy images:

* "Despised and rejected by others"

* "Man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity"

* "We accounted him stricken, struck down by God"

* "Oppressed,… afflicted"

* "Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter"

* "By a perversion of justice he was taken away"

Jesus' use of "must" two times -- must suffer and be rejected, must be killed -- with a substitute of "it is necessary" "offers no detailed theology of suffering, [though it] is a concise reference to collection of Old Testament texts cited to show that Jesus' suffering was willed by God." [i]

It makes one shudder. As Joe * stated upon his reflection of Peter's rebuke of Jesus, "Not only is this about Christ (a Messiah who will die which makes no sense), it's about them. What's going to happen to them if this prediction is going to happen to him?"

Bev * added, "They've invested a lot of time in Jesus. Years of time. They want results. And this is definitely not the result they want."

Peter's fear and heightened emotion has probably also run rampant through the other disciples. The fervor is at a high pitch; hence, Jesus' reply -- specifically at Peter but including all of them:

"Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns." [ii]

Why does Jesus use the word "Satan"? Is Peter being called Satan? Or is Jesus stating that through Peter (as a mouthpiece and a good, trusted friend) comes an adverse plea / appeal that can't be followed? Is this use of "Satan" a reference to a prior temptation that Jesus avoided -- MATTHEW 4:8-10?

As mentioned previously, "Satan" means "adversary." In this moment of expectations, Peter's human, instinctual concerns are diametrically opposed to God's concerns. He knows not of what he speaks. While Peter is not the devil-incarnate, he has crossed a line in front of the entire group that could cause everything to go into a tailspin -- everything that Jesus has done with the disciples (preparing them for ministry). Thus, the harsh rebuke.

Looking at this in a slightly different way… How much easier is it to play life safe? To avoid that to which you've been truly called? To take the seemingly smooth path that has no challenges or difficulties along the journey?

Who really wants to suffer? To go through rejection? To see anyone go through these things? And to the extreme, to put one's life (even our own) on the line which could mean death?

Best intentions are one thing, but when the appeal of avoidance comes from loved ones (those you trust), it only adds to the difficulty in doing what is "right." In that appeal, who is "right"? What happens when the expectations of loved ones don't match with those of God? At that point, to whom do you listen? Follow the advice, the wisdom, the guidance, the expectations of friends or family? Or follow the call, the expectations of God?

To live for yourself? To ultimately live for others? To live for God?

In the Jan/Feb 2012 issue of RELEVANT Magazine, there was an excellent article -- "Water Works" -- by Roxanne Wieman which focused on Scott Harrison who chose a completely different life path than he had traveled before. One of his quotes fits well with this blog post -- "I hadn't lost my faith, I just hadn't obeyed for 10 years. I hadn't become an atheist, I just didn't want to do what God was calling me to do." 

A recent article about Scott on the online publication of WIRED was written. I've included the link for your reading inspiration -- "Charity Startup". Scott decided, as crazy as it may seem, he had to do what God was calling him to do.

When Jesus told the disciples to not tell anyone about him being the Messiah, he was extremely wise. Look at the reaction of his trusted companions once he predicts his own death. They have much to learn.

So when it comes around to it… Do you have in mind the concerns of others? Do you have in mind the concerns of God?

Tough questions. Even tougher to follow the true call.

NEXT

Lose what to gain what; could someone please give a guarantee

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[i] HarperCollins Bible Commentary, p. 911

[ii] Mark 8:33 (NIV)

* Member of Study Group

Hush-Hush -- Part 2

MARK 8:27-30

"What's the big deal, Jesus? The people have been expecting a Messiah. You fit the mashiach bill, so let's shout it from the top of Mount Hermon. What do you think?!?"

Jesus thinks not so fast. Consider what Jesus knew people expected versus what Jesus knew God expected.

Jeremiah 23:5-8, 30:3, 33:15-18; Hosea 3:4-5; Isaiah 2:2-4, 9:7, 11:1-5, 11:10-12, 42:1

Here's a combined summary of what the people expected:

* From the line of King David will descend the Messiah.

* As a charismatic, political leader, he will be well-versed in Jewish law and observant of its commandments.

* He will win battles for Israel; will be a great judge, restore the religious court system of Israel, and establish a government in Israel that the world will follow.

* The Temple will be rebuilt and its worship shall be re-established.

* The Messiah will bring the Jewish people back to Israel, and there will be political and spiritual redemption.

Other basic ideas were in the mix of Messiahship thought.

Elijah would come "as the forerunner and herald of the Messiah. He was to heal the breaches and bring order into the chaos to prepare the way for the Messiah." [i]

That brings back one of the answers to Jesus' question, "Who do people say I am?" "…Elijah."

In addition, ancient Jewish religious works stated such things as:

* Nations would come together to fight against the Messiah. "It shall be that when all nations hear his (the Messiah's) voice, every man shall leave his own land and the warfare they have one against the other, and an innumerable multitude shall be gathered together desiring to fight against him." (4 Ezra 13:33-35)

* Those who fought against the Messiah would be destroyed. "And it shall come to pass in those days that none shall be saved, either by gold or by silver, and none shall be able to escape." (Enoch 52:7)

* The fate of the Gentiles would be utter destruction, and Israel would rejoice. "And he will appear to punish the Gentiles, and he will destroy all their idols. Then, thou, O Israel, shalt be happy. And thou shalt mount upon the necks and the wing of the eagle (i.e., Rome, the eagle, is to be destroyed) and they shalt be ended and God will exalt thee. …And thou shalt look from on high and see thine enemies in Gehenna, and thou shalt recognize them and rejoice." (Assumption of Moses 10:8-10)

Nationalism. Vengeance. Violence. Blood. Destruction. Conquest.

Do you think there would be room for a cross? A cross for a Messiah?

No wonder Jesus said "Ssshhhh. Don't tell anyone." Jesus had to teach his disciples what Messiahship really meant.

Now, I don't want to end this post on what may come across as a downer, so here are two things to share. First, remember in the last post that I included MATTHEW 16:17-19? The disciple, Peter -- whose given name was Simon -- is a focal point. Jesus said at this moment of enlightenment in Banias, "I tell you, you are Peter." Peter in Greek -- petros -- and the Latin -- petra -- means "rock." And upon this rock, "I will build my church."

Here is when the "where" meets the "why." Why did Jesus pick this place for the eyes of Peter to be opened -- "You are the Messiah"?

As previously mentioned, Caesarea Philippi was in the foothills of Mount Hermon. "Mount Hermon is the largest mountain in the whole area towering 2,814 meters above sea level. To get an idea of how high that is consider that the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is about 741 meters above sea level. In Arabic, Mount Hermon is called Jabal ash Shaykh which means Mountain of the Chief." [ii]

What better place than here to proclaim Jesus would build his church! What better place than here to state who is the true Chief! Here amidst the sacred precinct well-known for pagan activity and worship of Baal and Pan, among other gods. The most degenerate place possible. Jesus was placing a stake in this territory (upon this rock) to state who the true God is.

Second, and in closing this post, let us reflect upon Isaiah 52:7, which also provides insight into the Messiah -- in a much more hopeful way.

'How beautiful upon the mountain are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns."' [iii]

Here is to peace and goodness that indeed lasts forever.

NEXT

You’re going to what?!?; sometimes the best intentions = temptation

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[i] The Gospel of Mark, Barclay -- p. 195

[ii] www.defendingthebride.com

[iii] Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)

Hush-Hush -- Part 1

MARK 8:27-30

Well, folks, I'll be covering three and a half verses in two parts. There's just too much information to share -- given the research. And really… who wants to rush (writing with a smile)?

Now in Banias, on the outskirts of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do people say I am?" Replies range from a resurrected John the Baptist -- something haunting Herod Antipas -- to Elijah or one of the prophets. People are trying to figure him out.

Jesus then tests the waters with his trusted followers, who have been with him quite a long time and witnessed / heard much. "Who do you say I am?"

"You are the Messiah."

Bingo! It's Jesus reply though that seems rather odd. "Don't tell anyone." "Hush-hush; keep it under wraps." One would think Jesus would be ecstatic with high-five's, fist-pump's and a little bit of merriment. "All right! You get it! I was wondering if this band of misfits could actually comprehend what's happening. Let's all lift up a glass and celebrate!"

In MATTHEW 16:17-20, Jesus has a longer reply:

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” [i]

There's a nice tie-in to what Jesus says regarding Peter and the locale, but that'll be in "Part 2".

The replies to the "reveals" in both gospels, of Jesus being the Messiah, remains the same nonetheless. "Don't tell anyone." What in the world?!? Why not?

The best way to gain an understanding of his command is to see what the Jewish idea was of Messiahship. As a point of reference (past to present), traditional Judaism believed/believes in the eventual coming of the mashiach (the Messiah).

In Hebrew, mashiach means "the anointed one." "It refers to the ancient practice of anointing kings with oil when they took the throne. The mashiach is the one who will be anointed as king in the End of Days (acharit ha-yamim)." [ii]

DID YOU KNOW…?

As time has moved forwarded, the idea of a Messiah has not been generally accepted by those of Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism. Some believe "there may be some sort of world to come in the sense of a utopia, which all Jews are obligated to work towards." [iii]

For the sake of argument though, belief in a Messiah was part of Judaism back then. Case in point -- in the 5th century BCE, the 120 Men of the Great Assembly composed the basic form of the Shemoneh Esrei prayer. Shemoneh Esrei means "eighteen" as there were originally 18 blessings divided into three types: Praise, Petitions and Thanks. [iv] In this prayer, the elements of the coming of the mashiach exist:

* The gathering of the exiles;

* Restoration of the religious courts of justice;

* An end of wickedness, sin and heresy;

* Reward to the righteous;

* The rebuilding of Jerusalem;

* The restoration of the line of King David;

* The restoration of Temple service. [v]

I've included the link to a site that has this prayer, also known as the Amidah Prayer -- sometimes called this because it is recited when standing and facing the Aron Kodesh (the ark that houses the Torah scrolls). [vi]

Blessing 15 is for the Messianic King: "Speedily cause the offspring of Your servant David to flourish, and let him be exalted by Your saving power, for we wait all day long for Your salvation. Blessed are You, O Lord, who causes salvation to flourish."

What really captured my attention was the divided blessings. Among the listed are: the God of History, Sanctification of God, Prayer for Understanding, Prayer for Forgiveness, Prayer for Deliverance from Affliction, Prayer for Deliverance from Want.

Anything look familiar? Here are statements within the blessings. "Great, might and revered God," "sanctified in the highest heavens," "cause us to return to You in perfect repentance," "pardon us, O our King, for we have transgressed," "look upon our affliction and plead our cause," "bless this year for us, O Lord our God."  

When sharing these with the study group, many caught the correlation. "Some scholars surmise that the Lord's Prayer of Jesus is a concise restatement of the Amidah." [vii]

Also, the Shemoneh Esrei prayer (blessings) meshes into the high regard for King David. "The Jews always regarded the greatest days in their history as the days of David; and they dreamed of a day when there would arise another king of David's line, a king who would make them great in righteousness and in power." [viii]

Think about it. At this moment in time with Jesus, somewhere in the vicinity of 1,000 years have passed since King David's death. "How long, O Lord, how long?" How much anguish has happened over 10 centuries? The people long for the coming of the mashiach.

All of this is leading to why Jesus wants Peter's declaration "You are the Messiah" kept on the down-low -- King David, the history of 1,000 years past, the Shemoneh Esrei, the mashiach and what it means. But… good things come to those who wait. Until the next post.

NEXT

Expectations -- "yours" versus "mine"

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[i] Matthew 16:17-20, RSV

[ii] Mashiach: The Messiah -- Tracey R Rich

[iii] Jewish Messiahism -- Wikipedia.org

[iv] The Shemoneh Esrei -- www.hebrew4christians.com

[v] Mashiach: The Messiah -- Tracey R Rich

[vi] The Shemoneh Esrei -- www.hebrew4christians.com

[vii] The Shemoneh Esrei -- www.hebrew4christians.com

[viii] The Gospel of Mark, Barclay -- p. 193