Day 7: Exit Strategy

Read John 13:31-35; 14:15-31

It is my hope that over the past week you have truly enjoyed digging in to the scriptures and that God has revealed, through the stories of Jesus' life and ministry, the love and grace of God. We have seen how Jesus truly loved all people and how he gave us an example of how to live. In today's reading we find Jesus preparing to be arrested, face trial, and be crucified. Jesus knew what God's plan was and that he had very little time. Jesus takes time with the disciples to share last minute wisdom, instruction, and encouragement.

Jesus knew the challenges the disciples were going to face in both the short and long term. In the days ahead, the disciples would face: the threat of similar arrest and persecution, sorting out the meaning of Jesus death and resurrection, and begin deciding what to do next. Their challenge for the long term would be continuing the ministry of Jesus, by sharing the good news with all people and starting the Christian church. Jesus knew these challenges could overwhelm the disciples, so he wanted to share two key nuggets of wisdom: love and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus gives the ultimate reminder of what his ministry was all about when we offers a "new" commandment:

"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

Jesus wants the disciples to not only love one another, but to love each other as he loved them. In addition, this love is not a private love but a public love which would be seen by others. Jesus wants them to love to the extent that they become known by their love. To be a disciple we must learn to love as Jesus loved, we must love who Jesus loved. Jesus loved everyone everywhere and loved from the center of his being. Jesus gave his whole self to loving others, without holding back. If we truly want to be followers of Jesus, we must love, without holding back, all people. What is holding you back?

Jesus also knew that the disciples would face challenges from both within their community and from outside. Loving others is the mandate, but Jesus also provided the Holy Spirit to empower their work, provide guidance, comfort, and truth.

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you...I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you." John 14:15-17, 25-26

The work that God called the disciples to do would be challenging, difficult, and dangerous. Jesus reminds them that, although he won't be physically present, the Holy Spirit will lead them, guide them, remind them, and comfort them. The Holy Spirit will provide everything they need. So it is with us as well. God has called us to participate in God's mission in the world. It can be challegning and difficult, but we are equipped to do so and empowered by the Holy Spirit. May God continue to inspire, enlighten, and support in our journey of discipleship!

Day 6: Identity Crisis

Read John 10:22-42

As Jesus became more and more popular with the people, and his healings and teachings began to be made known, he was increasingly viewed as a threat to the religious leaders. The “Jews” as John refers to Jesus’ opponents is really a description of the religious elites (Pharisees, priests, and scribes) not the Jewish people themselves (remember Jesus and his disciples were all Jewish). As Jesus grew in notoriety, more and more people came to believe that he was the Messiah. The confrontation in this story between Jesus and the religious leaders is fundamentally about who Jesus really is.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus performed miracles and signs that were interpreted as acts of God. He brought sight to the blind, helped the lame walk, fed the multitudes, and brought the dead back to life. For Jesus, his signs were evidence that he was doing the work of the Father and that he was the Son of God.

So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:24-30

Despite the skepticism and lack of faith of the leaders, Jesus tells them the truth. He is the long awaited and promised Messiah and that he and the Father are one. For the religious leaders this is blasphemy. No one could claim to be God and Jesus was clearly making this point. Jesus uses the signs and miracles he performed as evidence of his identity as the Messiah. The religious leaders are forced to renounce their religious traditions (by believing that God had taken on human form) and believe Jesus, or renounce Jesus and try to discredit him. We know of course the path the leaders chose, and their rejection of Jesus leads him to the cross.

Ultimately the question Jesus asks the religious leaders is the same question he asks each of us: who do you say I am? Who is Jesus to you and what difference does it make? The leaders were either unwilling or unable to believe that Jesus was the Messiah and God incarnate. They had too much invested in their religion and their place of power to receive the truth. Believing in Jesus would have meant contradicting their long-held religious beliefs, which they had built a career sharing with the people and defending. Jesus was asking them to believe despite the high cost.

For us the question is just as pressing. Do we really believe that Jesus was the Messiah? Are we willing to order our life around this truth? What is the cost to us for living our life with a robust Christian faith? Many people claim to be Christian but their lives don’t reflect it. To be a disciple of Christ means that each day we are learning to be more and more like Jesus. It means we are willing to risk for our faith and stand up for God even when it is unpopular and inconvenient. It means placing God at the center of our lives and that all our decisions are filtered through our faith. As Christians we know that Jesus paid the highest cost for us and for the world. Jesus is calling us into a life-changing relationship which asks us to put God first. Are we willing to take the risk and pay the cost? Are we willing to say who Jesus is for us?

Day 5: Judgement and Grace

Read John 8:1-11

It is in the gospel stories that we learn who Jesus is most clearly. Throughout his life and ministry he interacts with all sorts of people from all walks of life. Jesus did not confine himself to relating to those who were like him, he did not follow the rules that governed social interaction. Instead Jesus, time and time again, goes out his way to relate to those outside of his social network in order to show that God's love and grace is for everyone, everywhere. The story of the woman caught in adultery exemplifies how Jesus breaks through barriers to share the love and grace of God in a profound and transformational way.

As Jesus is teaching in the temple, the Pharisees bring before him a "woman caught in adultery." The Pharisees ask Jesus if the woman ought to be stoned to death as Hebrew law required (see Deut. 22:22, Lev. 20:10). They asked Jesus, not because they were confused on the law itself, but because they wanted to "test" him. If Jesus allows the woman to be stoned his popularity with the people and the compassion he so frequently demonstrated would be compromised. If he bars the stoning he is violating the law. The Pharisees were trying to discredit Jesus' authority because he was becoming more and more popular as religious leader, thus jeopardizing the Pharisees position of power and influence in Jewish society.

Jesus responds to the trick question as he so often does, by turning it back to the questioner. Jesus tells the Pharisees and the crowd: "let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." The judgment, anger, and blood lust of the crowd is turned away from the woman and back toward themselves. Jesus refused to validate the question about the law, and instead focuses on the judgmental anger of the Pharisees. In doing so, he offers a tremendous gift of grace for the woman and a valuable lesson for us all.

To be a disciple of Jesus we must learn more and more to think and act like Jesus. In this situation while the majority of people were filled with judgment, Jesus was filled with love, grace, and compassion. After each of the people depart, leaving Jesus and the woman standing alone, he says to her:

“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, sir.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.”

John 8:10-11

In a situation where it would be incredibly easy to judge the woman, Jesus refuses to do so. There is no question in the story about whether or not the woman is guilty, as she was caught in the "very act" of adultery. Jesus is not at all interested in determining what actually happened or where blame deserved to be placed (notice however that the man who was caught in the act is no where to be seen--this seems a bit unfair doesn't it?). Jesus wants this woman to know that she is not condemned, that she remains a person of value and dignity. He tells her to go and sin no more. Jesus offers the gift of grace, a gift which transforms people at their very core. No doubt she left this encounter with Jesus a changed person, fully aware of the amazing and life-changing gift of God's love and grace.

As I reflect on this powerful story of Jesus, I cannot help but place myself in the story. If I am honest, I realize that sometimes I am just like the Pharisees. I can easily cast judgment on others and become focused on determining who is right and who is wrong in a situation. We rarely want to see ourselves as the judgers, but most of us are rather judgmental (whether we admit it or not). Jesus is calling us to move beyond such judgments, even when those judgments seems fully justified. After all, Jesus stands in our place so that we are not judged. We ought to be so grateful that judgment doesn't come our way that we steadfastly refuse to judge others. Imagine what our lives could be like if judging of others didn't take place....

Similarly, I can easily see myself as the woman in this situation. I have sinned and fallen short in life again and again. I deserve judgment and condemnation for all I have done and left undone. And yet, Christ comes to me, comes to us, and refuses to condemn. Instead of judgment, Jesus offers us an invitation to a new way of life. In Christ we no longer are defined by what we have done well or poorly, we are no longer defined by our ability or inability to live perfectly. In Christ we are defined by the life-giving and awesome gift of God's grace. Through Christ I am forgiven, through Christ I am transformed, through Christ I am free.

So let us receive anew the gift of grace and let God give us the strength and courage to be gracious to one another.

Day 4: Salty Light

Read Matthew 5:1-48

The fifth chapter of Matthew marks the beginning of what is called “The Sermon on the Mount” and contains some of the key teachings of Jesus. If we want to become followers of Jesus, this chapter is absolutely pivotal to not only understand, but to live out. In this sermon, Jesus offers us: the Beatitudes which give us a vision of who is blessed in God’s kingdom, ethical teachings, biblical instruction, advice on how to live faithfully, and much more. I would go so far as to suggest that this one chapter of scripture is the most important in terms of learning to become a disciple.

Matthew 5 has so many powerful teachings about discipleship that I cannot reflect on it all. Rather, I want to pick up on a key theme which woven throughout this important chapter. Jesus wants the crowd (and us) to understand that when we are in relationship to God it should make a profound difference in how we live our lives. In other words, if you are a person of faith you should behave differently in the world. Jesus calls us to be salt and light in world, to live among others but through our actions give witness to the transforming power of God’s love (Matthew 5:13-16). In order to live this out, Jesus reminds us that it is not enough to follow the letter of the law (think 10 commandments), we must also live up to the spirit of the law. The life of faith is not simply about believing Jesus is Lord, it is about placing God at the center of our lives and living life accordingly.

Jesus uses salt and light as metaphors for living the faithful life.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16

When we think about salt we sometimes think in negative terms. Too much salt in your diet can indeed be unhealthy. Nonetheless, we need salt both in the food we eat and our bodies themselves. The key is having the right amount of salt. Think about a meal that is overly bland and how the addition of salt can make all the difference. Salt makes a difference and is noticed, but salt is also among things that are not salt. We wouldn’t eat salt on it s own—unless it was a dare—it is always mixed in with other ingredients. Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the world, but to be wary of losing our saltiness.

To be salt means we must live the life of faith in the world, among those who are not following Jesus. To be salt means that others will “see our good works” and the way we live our lives and want to be part of it. A person of faith doesn’t have the option of retreating from the world or only associating with other Christians. We must share our life and share our faith, and let our “salty” actions bear witness to the love and grace of God. Jesus also warns us that as salt we cannot lose our saltiness or we become useless. If we are living among those who are not in relationship with God, but we lose our faithfulness and people cannot tell the difference God makes, then we have lost our saltiness.

Later in chapter 5, Jesus goes on to re-interpret the classic teachings and understandings of the commandments. In a series of “you have heard it said, but now I tell you” statements, Jesus demonstrates what it means to be salt and light in the world. It is easy not to murder, anyone can restrain themselves from murder, but Jesus tells us that anger in our heart is what we must extinguish. Similarly, Jesus doesn’t simply affirm the prohibition against adultery; he also tells us that lust in our heart is the real issue. On several key issues, Jesus raises the expectations of what it means to be faithful. In essence he is calling us to live life with love in our hearts for all people. When someone wrongs you, don’t take revenge, pray for them. If someone takes your coat, give them your cloak as well. Jesus raises the expectations not only because it will be noticeable, but more importantly because the world desperately needs the love of God.

The life Jesus is calling us to live is truly radical and counter cultural. If we take him seriously, if we work on our relationship with God, we can begin more and more to live life differently. We can be in the world but not of it. We can be salt and light. Being a disciple means following Jesus and he is leading us to the cross, where true transformation happens. Jesus is calling you to be salty and be a light to a dark troubled world. I pray God gives us the strength and courage to be salty light.

Day 3: The Transformational Power of Healing

Read Mark 5:1-20

I love this scripture in Mark because it so powerfully demonstrates the love that Jesus has for all people. This scripture involves Jesus healing a man who has been possessed by a demon. Jesus specifically seeks out this man in order to restore him to health. It was no accident that Jesus went to the "other side" of the Sea of Galilee. He went there to find this strange and troubled man, and to restore him to health and wholeness. In healing this demon possessed man, Jesus not only saves a life he also shows us that no one is beyond redemption, no one is forgotten by God, all people matter and are deserving respect and dignity.

I also love this scripture because it is so strange, and it is one of many examples of Jesus interacting with demons. Until I really began to take seriously the power of darkness in the world, I would quickly dismiss stories in scripture about demons. But the reality is that each of us, at some level, must deal with the darkness in our own lives. And if our life isn't centered in Christ, we are vulnerable to over taken by it. For Jesus, the powers of darkness were very real and he constantly fought against them. In our modern world, with science, technology, and psychology are we too quick to dismiss demons? What are the demons that are present in our life? I believe Jesus has a lot to tell us in this scripture.

In chapter 5 of Mark, Jesus and his disciples travel by boat to the country of the Gerasenes, a great distance from their normal travels. When they arrive the text says:

And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he had said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” Mark 5:2-8

A significant detail here is that demon possessed man lives among the tombs. In Jewish culture, associating with the dead in any way was a major taboo and to live among the dead would be a guaranteed way to both be left alone and raise significant questions within the community. The demoniac has either been pushed out of the community or voluntarily removed himself. The text implies that this man was well known to be demon possessed, and no doubt stories, rumors, and legends of this man with demons were well known. Yet, Jesus seems to seek out intentionally this man. He specifically comes to this strange land to met and heal this strange man. A man who has been left for dead and forgotten by the world.

It is no accident that Jesus has come to this place and is meeting with this man. In Mark however, it is part of a theme where Jesus consistently interacts with demons (cf. 1:21-28; 3:7-12; 7:24-30; 9:14-29). Jesus has power and authority over the demons and they seem to know exactly who he really is. This is quite remarkable because in Mark there is a continual theme of people not understanding who Jesus really is. Yet the demons know Jesus and they are scared of his power. In this episode, the demons have fully taken over the man. Jesus does not address the man because the man doesn't exist in his demon possessed state. When demons are allowed to take over and become powerful, the person hosting the demons for all practical purposes ceases to exist. In the end, Jesus confronts the demons and casts them out, into a herd of pigs which are cast into the sea (vv. 10-13), restoring the man to health and wholeness. The demoniac has been restored and his transformation is so dramatic that the crowds are in disbelief and fear. (vv. 14-16) The man asks Jesus if he can become a follower and assist in his ministry. Jesus refuses, telling the man to tell his story of transformation and healing to all of his friends.

For me, this strange and bizarre story of demons exemplifies Jesus' earthly ministry. Time and time again Jesus searches out the most vulnerable, forgotten, and marginalized members of society. He spends time with the blind, the deaf, the lame, the lepers, the prostitutes, the tax collectors, and demon possessed. He seeks out the forgotten and acknowledges their humanity, giving them dignity and respect. Jesus never gives up on anyone, no one is ever beyond the miraculous healing power of God.

What would our world look like if we took this example seriously? Who are the forgotten ones in our world today and what are we doing to acknowledge their humanity?

Today we might label a demon possessed person as mentally ill, epileptic, addicted, or eccentric. These labels may give us some level of understanding, but there are whole segments of our world that are forgotten and marginalized. Jesus' ministry calls us to love and serve all people, with particular emphasis and passion for the forgotten.What would this mean for us? How can we actualize this in our life today?

Day 2: Let's Get it Started!

Read Mark 1:16-28

As Jesus began his public ministry he traveled throughout Galilee proclaiming the good news of God: "the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe the good news." (Mark 1:15) Jesus was saying that now was the time to turn back to God, now was the time to change your life because the promises of God were about to be fulfilled. No doubt this was a powerful message which inspired hope and transformation. And as Jesus traveled, sharing the good news, more and more people received the message and began to follow. But perhaps evenmore powerful than the message of Jesus, was who he shared the message with and who he included as his followers.

When Jesus comes to the Sea of Galilee he sees a group of fishermen and immediately calls his first disciples: "follow me and I will make you fish for people." (1:17) Simon, Andrew, James, and John all abandon their boats and begin to be Jesus' disciples. Perhaps we have heard this story so many times that we fail to see how revolutionary Jesus' actions truly were. Most rabbis spent years working with the absolute best students to cultivate a group of dedicated disciples. Jesus simply walks up to a group of strangers and says "follow me." It is the most bizzare and powerful recruiting speech ever! Jesus doesn't tell them about the benefits of being a disciple, or warn them of their impending hardships, he simply invites a group of fishermen to leave their life behind and follow him.

Now fishermen were not an educated group. Most likely they had long prior dropped out of school and were never even considered by their teachers to be candidates as disciples. In their culture, the expectation was working the family business, starting a family, and being part of society. Jesus calls them out of the life they knew and they all willingly and immediately left it behind. Jesus called together the most unlikely group of disciples and for three years they followed Jesus, were taught by Jesus, mentored by Jesus, and empowered by Jesus. This unlikely group went on, after Jesus' death and resurrection, to start the Christian church and change the world. Where others saw deficiency, Jesus saw potential. Where others saw the uneducated, Jesus saw faith. Jesus, time after time, saw potential and value in the most unlikely people. He sees it in you. What do you see?

Just has powerful and unorthodox was Jesus' next stop. After gathering a group of disciples, Jesus heads to the local synagogue to teach the Word of God. The people are amazed at his teachings, as he taught "as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (1:22) In other words, Jesus was not simply offering the same old interpretation of the scriptures, he was bringing something new, something challenging, and something radical. Nonetheless, the people received Jesus' teaching and were beginning perhaps to understand what the kingdom of God was all about.

While at the synagogue, and while teaching, a man with an unclean spirit (demon possessed) proclaims "what have you to do with Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are the Holy One of God." (1:24) Jesus then casts out the demon and restores the man to health and wholeness. While it is quite fascinating that over and over, the demons recognize Jesus for who is really is (this is another topic for another day), what is truly remarkable is that Jesus even takes the time. To be a man with an unclean spirit meant that everyone would be afraid and unwilling to associate with you. Not only is the man considered unclean, he is also possessed by a demon and potentially dangerous. It is no mistake that this is the first healing story of Jesus. He restores and renews a man his society had deemed untouchable and invisible. In doing so, Jesus reveals his heart for the "least of these" in society. Jesus loves the unlovable, heals the broken, retores the hopeless, and transforms the hard-hearted. Where is our heart? Who are the forgotten and the invisible in our life?

So what is God up to?

Jesus is calling the unlikely, teaching the hard-hearted, healing the forsaken, and transforming lives.