You've Got the Time--Day 7

Mark 7-11

In Matthew we heard the story about how the Pharisees accused the disciples of eating with unclean hands. Mark shares that story as well. Here they accuse the disciples of not following traditions, mainly the traditions of the elders.

That struck me! They don't accuse the disciples of breaking the law. That is the way I have heard that before. Rather, the disciples are accused of breaking with tradition. I wonder how often out traditions are more binding than the law. What are the traditions that come between us and God; between us and others? Would Jesus have any more tolerance of those?

I often wonder how many times Jesus just wanted to look at the disciples and ask, "Are you really that stupid?" After watching Jesus feed 5,000 and 4,000 with tons of leftovers, they get worried that they ONLY have one loaf of bread! Really guys?

Note that Jesus is moving at breakneck speed. I actually pulled out a map to see where he was going! Really could have used a GPS, or at least someone to manage this tour. Not always the most direct route!

I was struck with Peter's reaction at the Transfiguration. Mark states that Peter "did not know what to say because he was afraid." How often do we blurt out things--even for God--out of our fear. I think of some of the horrible things people have said at funerals, trying to say something, anything to make some sense of it. Maybe we need to learn from Peter that there is a "time to be silent."

And what do you do with Jesus "really bad day?" Did he just wake up in a really grumpy mood? He curses a fig tree because it doesn't have any figs--even though figs are out of season; then goes and cleans out the temple for doing the things they have done for years? Are there times when we do ministry out of anger? Are there times when we do the right thing for wrong reasons? Did Jesus ever wrestle with his motives?

In just 2 days Jesus has reached Jerusalem. And we know how this story is going to end. You can't offend that many people and it end well!

What are you hearing from Mark? Add your comments here, or tonight at church as we share what we have heard so far!