Jesus is in the temple in Jerusalem on the Sabbath where he comes across a man he has probably seen many times before. The man had been ill for 38 years and had coming to the pool called Bethzatha near the Sheepgate for a long time. Jesus had probably been to the temple hundreds of times in his 30+ years of life and had very likely seen this man many, many times. On this day he asks the man what may seem an obvious question, Jesus asks "Do you want to be made well?"
As obvious as the question seems, the man’s answer betrays what Jesus may have known in the spirit. Instead of an immediate response of "YES PLEASE!!!" that one might have expected the man begins a litany of all of the reasons he could not, had not been made well in the past 38 years.
This exchange made me think about the areas of brokenness in my life. Things I have either struggled against or made peace with over the last 38 years or so (OK OK - 48). When Jesus confronts us and asks "Do you want to be made well?" how do we respond? Do we jump up and say "YES LORD!!", or do we begin the whinny explanation of why our brokenness is insurmountable. Am I; are you comfortable with your sin, your sickness, your brokenness? Do I want to be made well? Do you?
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
John 4
The account of Jesus interaction with the Samaritan woman gives us a glimpse into the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was traveling with his disciples on their way to Galilee. They are just passing through Samaria and the disciples go into town to get provisions for lunch. Jesus is left alone outside of the village beside a well when a woman from the village comes to draw some water. This is the wrong time of day for a woman to be coming to get water - generally that task was done early in the morning. Perhaps she came at this hour to avoid the other women, but she did not avoid the lover of her soul.
She is surprised that Jesus even speaks to her, let alone asking her for a drink. All of these behaviors were socially unacceptable and would have made Jesus "unclean" according to Jewish law. As their conversation continues Jesus first reveals her to herself and then reveals himself to her. Interesting that this outcast among outcasts is the first person that Jesus reveals his messianic identity to, and also the first person to go out as a missionary to her people. Jesus encourages the disciples to look beyond their prejudices to see that the fields were white for harvest. Apparently Jesus and the disciples stay here with the Samaritans for an extended mission - verse 43 oddly picks up the narrative with the words "When the two days were over, he went from that place to Galilee." John 4:43 NRSV. Where did Jesus stay, what did Jesus do, how many Samaritans were touched, all of these questions are left unanswered.
Jesus apparently lingering for days with the "unclean" Samaritans is contrasted by his unwillingness to go to the home of the official at the end of chapter 4. The official comes begging Jesus to come and touch his child, but Jesus sends him on his way, albeit with the assurance that his son will be healed. The officials home must have been a significant distance away, as the next day on the mans journey towards home he is met by slaves from his home carrying news that his son has recovered. After doing the calculations the official realizes that the boy recovered at the same time he had received the assurance from Jesus.
As I read this chapter it reminds me that Jesus seems to prefer broken people. He tarries long with the outcast and the poor resting in their midst. Yes, he provides for all rich and poor alike, but he seems to find his home most quickly with those whom the world would disqualify. Where and with whom are we most comfortable friends?
She is surprised that Jesus even speaks to her, let alone asking her for a drink. All of these behaviors were socially unacceptable and would have made Jesus "unclean" according to Jewish law. As their conversation continues Jesus first reveals her to herself and then reveals himself to her. Interesting that this outcast among outcasts is the first person that Jesus reveals his messianic identity to, and also the first person to go out as a missionary to her people. Jesus encourages the disciples to look beyond their prejudices to see that the fields were white for harvest. Apparently Jesus and the disciples stay here with the Samaritans for an extended mission - verse 43 oddly picks up the narrative with the words "When the two days were over, he went from that place to Galilee." John 4:43 NRSV. Where did Jesus stay, what did Jesus do, how many Samaritans were touched, all of these questions are left unanswered.
Jesus apparently lingering for days with the "unclean" Samaritans is contrasted by his unwillingness to go to the home of the official at the end of chapter 4. The official comes begging Jesus to come and touch his child, but Jesus sends him on his way, albeit with the assurance that his son will be healed. The officials home must have been a significant distance away, as the next day on the mans journey towards home he is met by slaves from his home carrying news that his son has recovered. After doing the calculations the official realizes that the boy recovered at the same time he had received the assurance from Jesus.
As I read this chapter it reminds me that Jesus seems to prefer broken people. He tarries long with the outcast and the poor resting in their midst. Yes, he provides for all rich and poor alike, but he seems to find his home most quickly with those whom the world would disqualify. Where and with whom are we most comfortable friends?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
John 3
I am tempted to just cut and paste chapter 3 here and let it speak for itself. This is such a powerful text, and probably carries more baggage and prejudice than almost any other in the Bible. Nicodemus comes by night to see Jesus. Some think he came under the cover of darkness out of fear of political loss for being seen with Jesus. I wonder if he came at night because both of these men were so very busy that this was the only available time to sit together in peace and quiet to talk of deeper theological issues.
In John's account of the meeting Nicodemus starts out with a conciliatory tone complimenting Jesus, and calling him Rabbi. Jesus jumps right in and throws down a theological proposal for Nicodemus to respond to. "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." John 3:3 NRSV Jesus restates this in vs. 7 "Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above." In both of these instances the word "you" is plural and refers not to Nicodemus but to all of us, and the phrase "born from above" from the text is most commonly translated "born again". This is the phrase that is thrown around and abused frequently in churchy circles and, in my opinion, produces more heat than light. Several years ago one of the convicted Watergate conspirators Chuck Colson wrote a book about his spiritual journey during his imprisonment. Mr. Colson entitled the book, "Born Again". I heard him on the Larry King show a little while after the book was published and I smiled at his new insights. He said that when he wrote the book he had no idea how "loaded" the phrase born again was, and that if he had known the strong emotions and opinions that surrounded the phrase he would have selected a different name for his book! He went on to say that in his naiveté and zeal this phrase just seemed a natural explanation for what he had experienced in his relationship with Jesus. I am so saddened that this phrase has been politicized and perhaps diluted over the generations because it is my opinion that it is theologically and experientially the best terminology to articulate the experience of being found by God in Jesus Christ!
The teaching session continues with Jesus unpacking the concept of being born again or born from above. The record of this exchange includes the most familiar text from the Bible, John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." I have found that people almost universally know and respond to this verse. And why not! It is a sermon in less than 30 words. God loved, God gave, God saved.
How have you dealt with these verses in your spiritual journey? Do you treasure them and cast your life into them, or do you discount them and cast them from your life? They have been, for me, the foundation for who and whose I want to be.
In John's account of the meeting Nicodemus starts out with a conciliatory tone complimenting Jesus, and calling him Rabbi. Jesus jumps right in and throws down a theological proposal for Nicodemus to respond to. "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." John 3:3 NRSV Jesus restates this in vs. 7 "Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above." In both of these instances the word "you" is plural and refers not to Nicodemus but to all of us, and the phrase "born from above" from the text is most commonly translated "born again". This is the phrase that is thrown around and abused frequently in churchy circles and, in my opinion, produces more heat than light. Several years ago one of the convicted Watergate conspirators Chuck Colson wrote a book about his spiritual journey during his imprisonment. Mr. Colson entitled the book, "Born Again". I heard him on the Larry King show a little while after the book was published and I smiled at his new insights. He said that when he wrote the book he had no idea how "loaded" the phrase born again was, and that if he had known the strong emotions and opinions that surrounded the phrase he would have selected a different name for his book! He went on to say that in his naiveté and zeal this phrase just seemed a natural explanation for what he had experienced in his relationship with Jesus. I am so saddened that this phrase has been politicized and perhaps diluted over the generations because it is my opinion that it is theologically and experientially the best terminology to articulate the experience of being found by God in Jesus Christ!
The teaching session continues with Jesus unpacking the concept of being born again or born from above. The record of this exchange includes the most familiar text from the Bible, John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." I have found that people almost universally know and respond to this verse. And why not! It is a sermon in less than 30 words. God loved, God gave, God saved.
How have you dealt with these verses in your spiritual journey? Do you treasure them and cast your life into them, or do you discount them and cast them from your life? They have been, for me, the foundation for who and whose I want to be.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
John 2
"On the third day there was a wedding..." that is how chapter 2 begins, but I immediately have a question. The third day from what? There are at least 3 "next days" in chapter 1 so it doesn't seem it can be the third day of the narrative. I guess it must be Tuesday!
At any rate, we find Jesus and his new disciples and his mom attending a wedding at Cana of Galilee. Cana is in the northern part of Israel between Capernaum and Nazareth (wanna go see it with me next February?). While the party went on and on the unthinkable happened -- the wine ran out. This would be a humiliating disaster for any new bride and groom, a disappointment to the crowds and a shadow over the beginning of their marriage. Jesus' mother calls his attention to the problem and he answers with a line that was acceptable in his culture but might get most sons in trouble with their moms. He says "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me?" The Greek word translated woman here is goonay. I remember that because when I first studied this carefully at 18 I was horrified that Jesus spoke that way to his mother. Obviously Mary did not take this as a rebuke or a slight as she turns to some servants and instructs them to do whatever Jesus asks. She was completely at peace and expectant here that Jesus would come to the rescue. And he did. The six stone water jars used for purification held probably held over 150 gallons of water one minute and choice wine the next. End of crisis, party on!
Many explanations of this event have been offered by theologians, some comparing the water of Judaism and tradition that Jesus was about to change into the new wine of the Christian era. Perhaps. But maybe it just shows Jesus concern and care for even the lesser perceived "emergencies" in our lives.
Next in Jerusalem at the first of the Passovers in John's Gospel Jesus cleanses the Temple. If this seems out of place to any of you - congratulations! When we read Matthew's Gospel just a few weeks ago the cleansing of the Temple occurred during Holy Week after the triumphal entry. Again, many opinions about this discrepancy. The other three gospels (the Synoptics) only have Jesus in Jerusalem for one Passover, and some theologians wonder if the other gospels included events from the probable three Passover visits by Jesus and the disciples. Another opinion is that there were two separate Temple cleansing events, one here at the beginning of Jesus ministry as an expression of prophetic enthusiasm and the second as an expression of messianic power.
As this chapter closes I am struck by a painful truth that John notes. John says that many believed in Jesus during the passover, "But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone." John 2:24&25 NRSV. I am thankful that even though Jesus may not be able to entrust himself to humanity, we may entrust ourselves to Jesus.
At any rate, we find Jesus and his new disciples and his mom attending a wedding at Cana of Galilee. Cana is in the northern part of Israel between Capernaum and Nazareth (wanna go see it with me next February?). While the party went on and on the unthinkable happened -- the wine ran out. This would be a humiliating disaster for any new bride and groom, a disappointment to the crowds and a shadow over the beginning of their marriage. Jesus' mother calls his attention to the problem and he answers with a line that was acceptable in his culture but might get most sons in trouble with their moms. He says "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me?" The Greek word translated woman here is goonay. I remember that because when I first studied this carefully at 18 I was horrified that Jesus spoke that way to his mother. Obviously Mary did not take this as a rebuke or a slight as she turns to some servants and instructs them to do whatever Jesus asks. She was completely at peace and expectant here that Jesus would come to the rescue. And he did. The six stone water jars used for purification held probably held over 150 gallons of water one minute and choice wine the next. End of crisis, party on!
Many explanations of this event have been offered by theologians, some comparing the water of Judaism and tradition that Jesus was about to change into the new wine of the Christian era. Perhaps. But maybe it just shows Jesus concern and care for even the lesser perceived "emergencies" in our lives.
Next in Jerusalem at the first of the Passovers in John's Gospel Jesus cleanses the Temple. If this seems out of place to any of you - congratulations! When we read Matthew's Gospel just a few weeks ago the cleansing of the Temple occurred during Holy Week after the triumphal entry. Again, many opinions about this discrepancy. The other three gospels (the Synoptics) only have Jesus in Jerusalem for one Passover, and some theologians wonder if the other gospels included events from the probable three Passover visits by Jesus and the disciples. Another opinion is that there were two separate Temple cleansing events, one here at the beginning of Jesus ministry as an expression of prophetic enthusiasm and the second as an expression of messianic power.
As this chapter closes I am struck by a painful truth that John notes. John says that many believed in Jesus during the passover, "But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone." John 2:24&25 NRSV. I am thankful that even though Jesus may not be able to entrust himself to humanity, we may entrust ourselves to Jesus.
Monday, February 25, 2008
John 1:19-51
This week we will read: John 1:19-51 - Monday, John 2 - Tuesday, John 3 - Wednesday, John 4 - Thursday and John 5 on Friday. We will be reading our way through the Gospel of John all the way through Resurrection Sunday! Also, my daughter Rebekah gave me a present Saturday -- it was a brand new web site for our church! Take a look at www.boonvilleunitedmethodist.com
In the time when John wrote this Gospel there was a controversy surrounding the followers of John the Baptist. Some of John the Baptists followers began to preach that John had been the Messiah. This is fairly understandable when you look at the context of their lives. John the Baptist was a charismatic leader, a desert prophet who was martyred for his faith. Some of this first part of the Gospel of John may have been written to comment on that group. John the Baptists own words are used to put things "back in order" for the reader.
When John the Baptist declared that Jesus is "the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" in verse 29 it was a striking prophesy for the culture that heard it. For us today it may not have much impact, but these Jewish men and women knew all about lambs taking away sin, and to declare that Jesus was the lamb of God, and he would take away the sins of the world was quite a shocking messianic proclamation! No wonder the disciples of the Baptizer followed Jesus!
Why do you follow after this Jesus of Nazareth?
In the time when John wrote this Gospel there was a controversy surrounding the followers of John the Baptist. Some of John the Baptists followers began to preach that John had been the Messiah. This is fairly understandable when you look at the context of their lives. John the Baptist was a charismatic leader, a desert prophet who was martyred for his faith. Some of this first part of the Gospel of John may have been written to comment on that group. John the Baptists own words are used to put things "back in order" for the reader.
When John the Baptist declared that Jesus is "the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" in verse 29 it was a striking prophesy for the culture that heard it. For us today it may not have much impact, but these Jewish men and women knew all about lambs taking away sin, and to declare that Jesus was the lamb of God, and he would take away the sins of the world was quite a shocking messianic proclamation! No wonder the disciples of the Baptizer followed Jesus!
Why do you follow after this Jesus of Nazareth?
Friday, February 22, 2008
John 1:1-18
We are now moving into the Gospel of John. I broke the first chapter into two pieces because it is so dense theologically that it seemed to me easier to digest in two sittings. In the first 18 verses John the beloved Disciple seems to begin by echoing the book of Genesis. You probably can quote the beginning of the book of Genesis "In the beginning God...". Here John intentionally takes us down that familiar path only this time he is speaking about Jesus, the Word of God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being." John 1:1-3 NRSV John speaks poetically but clearly here saying that the Word (Jesus) not only was with God, but the Word was God! This concept separates orthodox from cult.
At verse 6 John (the author) throws us a curve by speaking about John the Baptist. His writing style makes this transition unclear, or at least it doesn't translate very crisply. Pay attention to the same problem in verse 10. John transitions from writing about John the Baptist to writing about Jesus but only uses the pronoun "He" to make the transition.
John presents the thesis of his Gospel here when he says, "He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God." John 1:10-13 NRSV If you hear echoes of some other verses in this Gospel or in the Epistles don't be surprised!
In the last of these verses we are looking at today John brings in the incarnation, "And the Word became flesh..." John 1:14a NRSV. Take your time today and read and reread these 18 verses. If they don't bring questions to mind, perhaps your not reading carefully enough. I pray that they will also inspire faith in the readers. What a beautiful prologue John has penned!
At verse 6 John (the author) throws us a curve by speaking about John the Baptist. His writing style makes this transition unclear, or at least it doesn't translate very crisply. Pay attention to the same problem in verse 10. John transitions from writing about John the Baptist to writing about Jesus but only uses the pronoun "He" to make the transition.
John presents the thesis of his Gospel here when he says, "He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God." John 1:10-13 NRSV If you hear echoes of some other verses in this Gospel or in the Epistles don't be surprised!
In the last of these verses we are looking at today John brings in the incarnation, "And the Word became flesh..." John 1:14a NRSV. Take your time today and read and reread these 18 verses. If they don't bring questions to mind, perhaps your not reading carefully enough. I pray that they will also inspire faith in the readers. What a beautiful prologue John has penned!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Ephesians 6
Tomorrow we move on to the Gospel of John, please read John 1:1-18 -- we'll finish the first chapter on Monday. John 1 is so thick theologically that I thought it was important to break it into 2 pieces.
Today we end Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus. Ephesians 6 begins with more conversations about relationships. In chapter 5 Paul spoke of husbands and wives, here in 6 he speaks of parents and children, slaves and masters. I am not comfortable with Paul's advice to slaves, but when we look at the culture of the day and Paul's presuppositions, we may understand why he says what he does. The cultural issues are probably obvious, but Paul's vision of the days he was living in may not be. As I understand it, Paul thought Christ would return to end his imprisonment and all other suffering at any minute. Paul encouraged people to remain in whatever state they were in and try to win souls by their gracious behavior. He even modeled this behavior as a prisoner and witnessed several of his captors coming to faith.
The next portion of chapter 6 deals with the Armor of God. This section is fairly well known in church circles and has been preached on and taught from a lot.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Eph. 6:10-17 NRSV
What a powerful word from the Apostle in Chains. I wonder if he was checking off the armor of one of the guards guarding him as he wrote!
Paul closes this chapter and this letter by encouraging us to pray in the Spirit at all times and to pray for him. I will close this post with his cosing benediction. "Peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who have an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ." AMEN.
Today we end Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus. Ephesians 6 begins with more conversations about relationships. In chapter 5 Paul spoke of husbands and wives, here in 6 he speaks of parents and children, slaves and masters. I am not comfortable with Paul's advice to slaves, but when we look at the culture of the day and Paul's presuppositions, we may understand why he says what he does. The cultural issues are probably obvious, but Paul's vision of the days he was living in may not be. As I understand it, Paul thought Christ would return to end his imprisonment and all other suffering at any minute. Paul encouraged people to remain in whatever state they were in and try to win souls by their gracious behavior. He even modeled this behavior as a prisoner and witnessed several of his captors coming to faith.
The next portion of chapter 6 deals with the Armor of God. This section is fairly well known in church circles and has been preached on and taught from a lot.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Eph. 6:10-17 NRSV
What a powerful word from the Apostle in Chains. I wonder if he was checking off the armor of one of the guards guarding him as he wrote!
Paul closes this chapter and this letter by encouraging us to pray in the Spirit at all times and to pray for him. I will close this post with his cosing benediction. "Peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who have an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ." AMEN.
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