March 23, 2023 – “Who do People Say I Am?”

“Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.” Mark 8:27-30

“Jesus is recognized as a significant religious leader and a powerful teacher by many of the world’s religions. However, Christians see Jesus as so much more than a prophet, a great teacher, or the founder of a new religion. He is the Christ, the Son of God. He is Lord. He is the Savior of the world. Let’s help the world know who Jesus truly is!” (heartlight.org: Mark 8:27-30)

Peter has a break-through—of all people he has a moment of clarity. Jesus has been frustrated with his disciples and their lack of understanding (see 8:17 – 18). All along they appear to be confused and confounded by what they experience with Jesus. So finally Peter responds to Jesus’ question “Who do you say that I am?” with these words, “You are the Messiah”. Will this understanding hold up over time? Will the disciples truly understand everything that Jesus will tell them and teach them? It appears, even at the end of the Gospel of Mark, that the disciples are in doubt and experience a true lack of understanding. But, as we will see in the book of Acts, they eventually “get it”. 

But for now, Peter’s declaration foreshadows the upcoming Transfiguration—for after Peter’s response, Jesus continues with his teaching, concluding with: “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.” How do you see the Kingdom of G-d coming to you with power in your life?

Let us pray: Dear G-d, please bless the efforts of all people who are trying to let the world know who Jesus is. Give us the words to speak every day. Amen.

Pastor Dave

March 22, 2023 — “Ephphatha”

From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.” Mark 7:24-30

“The Phoenician people had a proud, but very pagan, heritage (from a Jewish point of view). They had often been bitter enemies with the children of Israel. For this woman to fall at the feet of a Jew, especially one of “no noble rank,” was indeed a sign of desperation and humility. Coming from the Phoenician culture that produced Jezebel and a host of condemning words in the Bible because of their Baal worship, here is a woman who shows dependence on and worship to the Savior of the world, who also happens to be Jewish. Not even the distance — geographical and racial — could keep Jesus’ saving power from being known!” (heartlight.org: Mark 7:24-30)

This text in Mark, the back-and-forth dialogue between Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman is harsh – and perhaps it is intended to be harsh by Jesus. This kind of dialogue between Jesus and someone who is asking for his help could give some people a difficult time, but there is a greater lesson that we can all learn – a lesson that is greater than the ability to verbally spar with one another. The lesson: when someone has an argument or a point that is worth consideration, we should not automatically reject it, but carefully consider it and its validity. 

When the woman responds to Jesus’ harsh comment with a comment that clearly and obviously affects him deeply, he is forced to consider her point of view. And when he considers it, Jesus responds positively to her situation – he heals her daughter. We should not hold to our own arguments and opinions only for the sake of winning, or for our own selfish gain. We must be like the deaf man – with Jesus commanding us to  “Ephphatha” — to “be open” – and to really listen to each other. What harm is there is considering another’s opinion except that our minds and our ears may be opened to new ways to perceive our world.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, please help us to be open, to awaken and realize that what we have to share with the world is Jesus — not our technology, our culture, or our knowledge. Amen.

Pastor Dave