It's been awhile......no better time than now to begin and work to have some semblance of discipline (....I'll pause while you chuckle.....) to post with some regularity.
For this Holy Week, my plan is to use the Gospel of Mark as my companion. Scholars date the writing of Mark's Gospel between 65-68 CE; it is the earliest of the four gospels. Mark writes short, quick sentences and the writer doesn't have time for any fluff or extemporaneous reflection. Basically, here's what happened, what you need to know.
When reading the Gospel of Mark pay attention to what is known as a "Markan Sandwich" where a story starts, for example, Jesus is on his way to see Jairius whose daughter is near death (Mark 5.21-43) and on the way there he encounters a woman with a flow of blood. The journey and the story continues and one is to determine how the insertion of the other tale adds to the meaning if the overall narrative. Who ever said Bible study can't be fun! I invite you this Holy Week to join me in using Mark's Gospel, namely Chapters 10 - 16, to provide insight and guidance through this trek from Palm Sunday to Easter.
In Mark's Gospel, Palm Sunday is the first time Jesus goes to Jerusalem. This would suggest something of major importance and danger is ahead. Get ready.
As Jesus and his followers are on the Mount of Olives preparing to enter Jerusalem, Jesus sends two of his disciples (gotta' love that Biblical example of pairing off and doing the work together) to go ahead of the group and there they will find a donkey, that has never been ridden, tied to a door. They are to untie the donkey and bring it to Jesus. If anyone asks them what they are doing, they are to reply that Jesus needs it and they will return the donkey right away. If I had the courage, I always thought a great sermon title based on this text would be "Jesus Needs Your Ass." Tell me if that title posted on the church's outside sign board wouldn't capture folks' attention!
As the followers then, as we 21st Century disciples, we know this week is major and important events are going to happen and need to be re-read and reflected upon. Make the effort to take your time and ponder the passages as if you are hearing them for the first time and don't know the end of the story. What are you learning? What are you living? Does it make a difference?
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