How does a disciple listen to Jesus?

word of life 

“This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him.”   Mark 9:7 (NRSV)

Read Mark 9:2-9 aloud.

1. Read the verse aloud and listen closely for familiar phrases.  What do you hear?
    

The story of the Transfiguration of Jesus is the closing “book-end” to the season of Epiphany.  Just as the season begins with the heavens opening and a voice proclaiming Jesus as God’s Beloved at his baptism, this season of revelation – Epiphany – concludes with a similar divine revelation and the heavenly voice again revealing Jesus as God’s Son, the Beloved.

The location of the story is significant.  Jesus and three of his disciples go up a high mountain apart, by themselves (vs. 2).  In the cosmology of ancient Israel, the mountains stood as pillars holding up the dome of the sky. The mountain was symbolically the place of God’s revelation.  Moses went up to Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34).   It is the place where God’s voice is heard.

As they are on the mountaintop, Jesus is transfigured; his appearance becomes dazzling white. Clearly, the disciples are experiencing a mountaintop moment!

2. Have you ever had a “mountaintop moment?”  

The disciples then see two other figures – Moses and Elijah.   Both were expected to return as a sign of the coming Messiah.  Both represent the key elements of the Old Testament:  Moses, the giver of the Law, the author of the first five books of Scripture; and Elijah, the great prophet taken by a whirlwind into heaven.  And here they are, both are talking with Jesus.  The law and the prophets are being fulfilled in Jesus.

What is a person to do in the midst of such terrifying splendor?  Peter had an idea:  build three dwellings for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.  Dear Peter!  He always wants to do something.  One could almost imagine Peter if he were here today wanting to take a photo of the event to remember it.  The writer of Mark is almost apologetic for Peter’s words:  “he did not know what to say, for they were terrified” (vs. 6).

3. How do we try to “capture” mountaintop moments?

A voice is then heard.  The words echo the words spoken at Jesus’ baptism; but there are two differences.  The words spoken at the baptism were directed to Jesus:  “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well-pleased.” (Mark 1:11 NRSV)  In contrast, on the mountain of the Transfiguration, the words are spoken to the disciples:  “This is my Son, the Beloved” (Mark 9:7 NRSV).  And then another phrase is added, “Listen to him!” (Mark 9:7)

What are the disciples to do in the presence of Jesus, God’s Beloved?  Listen!   The verb tense of the word is a present imperative, implying a continuing action:  “Keep on listening to him.”   It is a word to be heard by disciples of every place and time.  Keep on listening to Jesus!      

word among us 

The annual congregational meeting was spirited.  A divisive issue was before the gathered group, with seemingly no resolution.  Speaker after speaker raised issues and concerns; each point of view was presented more passionately than the previous one.  Emotions were high; tension was mounting.

1. Does this scenario sound familiar? 
2. How do you deal with differences in your congregation?

Quietly, an older man sitting in the back of the room slowly rose to his feet.  He didn’t raise his hand; he didn’t need to.   He was a patriarch in the church, a faithful disciple who had shown his love for his church and his Lord in a life of quiet service. His stately demeanor commanded the group’s attention.  “Listen,” he began, “Listen to what you are saying and doing to one another.  Is this what we are called to be as followers of Jesus?”  He spoke softly in simple phrases, reminding the members of their calling and mission.  Then he quietly sat down. 

3. Have you experienced a person of quiet authority?  

An uncomfortable silence followed his words.  Finally, someone said, “Let’s pray about it and try to hear what God is calling us as a congregation to do.”  A moment of silent prayer was followed by someone leading the group in the praying the Lord’s Prayer.  After the “Amen” was spoken in unison, the president of the congregation suggested, “Let’s begin the conversation again.  Now I think we’re ready to listen to each other’s point of view.”

4. Why was the congregation ready to listen after a time of prayer? 
5. What difference does prayer make?

Several years ago, a Wall Street financial agency used the catch phrase in their ad campaign, “When we (the agency) talk, people listen.”  If only we would apply that phrase to ourselves and our discipleship. How often do we charge into decisions and situations without taking time to listen, to pray, and to discern God’s presence and will?  How often do we hurriedly rush to do something without allowing time to hear another’s point of view?  Like Peter in our gospel story, we so readily rush into decisions, not realizing the power and presence of Christ in our midst, not seeking clarity from God as to what we should be doing.

6. What are some ways to listen to Jesus?

The heavenly voice speaks to us now just as it did on the Mount of Transfiguration:  “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!”

Prayer

Holy and gracious Lord, help us, in all of life’s moments, to listen to you.  Amen

Dig Deeper

Romans 10:14-17

           

last word

Each day this week, find ways to listen to God.  

How have you been transformed by Christ?

word of life 

“I do choose.  Be made clean!”  Mark 1:41 (NRSV)

Read Mark 1:40-45

He was an outsider.  Not by choice.  Not by anything he had said.  He was an outsider due to leprosy, an illness on his skin.  He was incapable of hiding such a disease.  So, by Jewish law, he was instructed to keep away from clean persons, including his family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers.  To make his status even clearer, he was to wear torn clothes and cry out, “Unclean! Unclean!” if anyone came near him.

Yet, despite the law, this leper came to Jesus, begging him and kneeling in front of him.  He came to Jesus out of his own deep need.  He came out of his faith.  “If you choose, you can make me clean.” (Mark 1:40 NSRV)  With very few words, he placed his future before Jesus.

Jesus was moved by pity.  Through simple words and a gentle touch, Jesus healed the leper.   Jesus switched places with the unclean man and became unclean himself.  When Jesus reached out and touched him, immediately the man was healed.  The leper was set free to re-enter life in the community. 

1.      After not being touched for years, how might Jesus’ healing touch have felt for the leper?

Jesus was willing to cross over traditional boundaries, particularly when it meant good news and life for a person.  Often times, boundary-crossing put him in direct opposition with those in authority.

2.      Give examples of how Jesus crossed over boundary lines.

The leper was warned by Jesus not to tell anyone but to show himself to the priest.  At this point, Jesus still wanted the man to follow the ritual laws so he might be reinstated back into community.  Jesus only asked the cleansed man not to tell anyone about being healed.

But, the transformation was too much.  This healed leper became a powerful witness to Jesus.  The good news of his changed life and new-found freedom could no longer be bound.  He spoke freely about the good news of his transformed life.  How could he not? His life had been changed.   He had been given a new chance. 

3.      Why do you think Jesus tried to keep this miracle a secret?

4.      Is it realistic to expect someone to keep such good news a secret?

The popularity of Jesus grew.  Yet his growing fame seemed only a hindrance to his mission and ministry.  Jesus could no longer travel freely and proclaim good news.  So, he stayed out in the country, but the people found him.  Jesus kept his priorities straight: bring good news to people and set them free. He responded to people of faith as they approached him.

5.      How did Jesus keep his focus?

word among us 

Transformed:  to be changed to a new shape.

God is constantly at work, shaping, forming, shifting, and stirring us.  Our own personal story may not be as dramatic as the leper who was cleansed by Jesus.  Yet, our story with Jesus is also about transformation.  Make no mistake, God is at work creating something new, setting us free from what shackles us. 

1.      How is God at work in your life, re-shaping you?

2.      What does it feel like when God re-shapes you?

3.      What if you don’t want to be re-shaped by God?

The leper was very clear about what he wanted from Jesus.  He knew his own deep hurt and the impact of healing on his life.  He knew not only the loss of illness, but also the loss of relationship and community. The leper knew he needed to be healed, and then other good things would follow.

4.      What do you need from Jesus?

5.      What places of your life need healing?

Perhaps these questions are too difficult.  Yet, how can we ask Jesus to heal us if we do not acknowledge our own brokenness?

6.      How do we begin to identify our deepest needs?

7.      How would you respond to someone who cannot admit he or she needs anything from God?

Jesus sets us free from all that can shackle our lives:  illness, sin, fear, death.  God’s grace transforms our lives.  All things do not become perfect, but God helps us deal with what lies ahead.  John Newton aptly wrote these words as a hymn, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!  I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.”

8.      What does it mean as a disciple of Christ to have a transformed attitude?

As we experience God’s grace, it becomes difficult not to want to share that good news with others.  We are called to proclaim the good news of Jesus in all that we do. 

9.      In what ways are you like that cleansed leper?

10.  How does being transformed by Christ change your attitude in daily life?

Prayer

Creator of the universe, continue to transform my life as I learn the ways to follow Christ. Amen

Dig Deeper

Romans 1:1-12

last word

This week, reflect on the ways Christ has transformed your life.

How might God call you to serve this week?

word of life 

“He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.”   Mark 1:31 (NRSV)

Read Mark 1:29-39

Imagine being in bed with a fever.  Imagine your son-in-law bringing home four guests into your home, but you are too sick to serve as their host.  Imagine one of those guests being Jesus.  Imagine!

This story about Simon’s mother-in-law is an easy one to imagine.  Jesus heals her, then takes her by the hand and lifts her up.  What a tender image.  Even though she literally stood up, there is a sense of being lifted up emotionally which comes with being healed. 

Mark describes this woman leaving her sickbed after her fever is gone and serving her guests.  Simon’s mother-in-law more than likely had an attitude of serving before her illness, but her gratitude at being healed overflows into her care for others. 

1.      How do you imagine the conversation around their table? 

2.      Can you think of a situation in your own life where someone rose off a sickbed and began serving?

For Jesus, his day is not done.  At sundown, sick people and those possessed with demons are brought to the house.  In fact, the whole city gathers around the door.  Imagine a whole city waiting to be restored to health – at your door.  Jesus does not have a 9-to-5 job.  His ministry continues into the evening hours as he models the same servant attitude as Simon’s mother-in-law.

3.      Do you think all those who came to be healed wanted to be disciples of Jesus?  

Note how the demons know Jesus.  What a contrast to others who have such difficulty discerning the identity of Jesus.  Yet Jesus would not let the demons speak.

4.      Why do you think Jesus kept the demons silent?

There is a consistency between the teaching of Jesus and his living.  He does not merely speak of servanthood in his teaching, but exemplifies the life of a servant.

5.      How would you define a serving attitude?

The next day, Jesus gets up early before dark and goes to a deserted place for prayer.  Serving can be exhausting and we can forget the reason we serve.  Prayer puts it back in perspective.

6.      Why would Jesus need to find a deserted place for prayer?

But Simon and his companions hunt him down.  You can hear panic in the voices of the disciples, “Everyone is searching for you.” (Mark 1:37 NRSV)  But Jesus does not succumb to crowd pressure.  Instead, he remains clear about his mission from God.  His calling would take him many other places, including the cross, in order to proclaim good news. 

7.      What might we learn from Jesus about setting priorities?

word among us 

The new member’s class ended with each person sharing possible ways he or she would like to serve the congregation.  Each person talked about gifts and areas of interest.  When it was Barry’s turn, he announced, “I want to be the last person out of the church door.”  Everyone chuckled.

Barry explained, “I want to turn the lights off and put tables away after receptions and gatherings.  Honestly, I will make sure the last dish gets washed, dried, and put away.  I will even take out the trash.  Sure, I can read lessons at worship.  I can teach.  But what I really want is to serve by being the last person out the door when the job is done.” 

1.      What did Barry mean when he said he wanted “to be the last person out the door?”

2.      Have you ever found yourself in that role? 

3.      What brings you joy in serving?

Jesus was often busy serving and helping others, but he also took time out for prayer, even if it meant getting up early in the morning and finding a deserted place.  Take a moment and imagine a deserted place.  Once that image is locked in your mind, take a deep breath and offer a prayer. Pause and allow God to still your spirit.

4.      Can you think of an actual deserted place in your neighborhood, church, or home which might be appropriate for prayer?

5.      Are there other ways to find a deserted place for prayer in the midst of your day?

It is possible to serve more hours than our bodies will allow, leaving us exhausted, ill-tempered, and resentful.  After a long day, Jesus was surrounded by the whole city at his doorstep waiting to be healed.  Is it any wonder he got up early and found a deserted place?  Even that prayer time was interrupted by his own disciples.  They wanted him to know that everyone was searching for him.

6.      How do you balance serving others and prayer?

7.      How does prayer help us in our serving?

Sometimes we need a break from our usual ways of serving. Discern God’s call to mission in your own life.  Consider how God might be calling you to use untapped gifts or honed skills.  Perhaps, God is calling you to go out on a limb and tackle a new challenge, using every ounce of life experience, skill, and gift you can muster. 

8.      How does God want you to be part of God’s mission?

9.      What new skills might you develop as you serve?

10.  How might God be calling you to serve?

Prayer

Christ, instill in my heart an attitude of serving.

Dig Deeper

John 13:1-20

 last word

Look for a new way to serve in the coming week.

How might disruptions help you to know Jesus?

word of life 

“I know who you are, the Holy One of God.”  Mark 1:24 (NRSV)

Read Mark 1: 21-28. 

Jesus begins his ministry by calling disciples to follow him. (Mark 1:16-21)  Next, he honors the Sabbath by going to the synagogue to worship and teach.  He teaches with authority as one who knows God.  One can almost picture listeners scratching their heads and wondering, “Who is this man?  How did he get such insights to the scriptures?”  There is a slight dig at the scribes because they apparently have taught without authority.

1.      What does it mean to teach with authority?

2.      How does one get “authority?”

Suddenly, the scene is interrupted.  Out of the crowd comes a voice.  It is someone who clearly understands the identity of Jesus.  The only problem — this man has unclean spirits and speaks in plural.  He cries out to Jesus, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you come to destroy us?  I know who you are, the Holy One of God.”  (Mark 1:24 NRSV) 

3.      How can such a confused person be so clear about Jesus?

4.      How can people without unclean spirits be so confused about the identity of Jesus?

Here on his first days of his mission Jesus finds his teaching disrupted and himself in conflict.  Jesus is at the synagogue to teach, but instead he is being challenged. What more could go wrong?  Or is this an opportunity to put things right, at least with one person?

5.      How might this disruption be an opportunity for ministry?

Yet, this man realizes the authority of Jesus far exceeds that of teaching.  Jesus’ authority extends to healing and transforming lives.  This man realizes Jesus has the ability to change his very life and release him from his disease, but he appears hesitant to be transformed to health. 

6.      Why might this man be resistant of the healing power of Jesus?

7.      Even when change is for the better, what makes change so difficult?

Despite the questions, Jesus heals the man.  Mark is quite descriptive of the convulsing and crying out as he is healed.  This entire scene, from the teaching of Jesus to his healing, leaves people asking about the identity of Jesus.  Who is this man?  What is he doing? It appears beyond their grasp.

8.      Why do these witnesses have such difficulty believing in Jesus?

9.      Who, if anyone, has an open attitude in this passage?

Mark describes how the word spreads about Jesus.  People tell others about his teaching and healing.  Thus Jesus begins to become famous, but not all who hear about Jesus choose to become disciples and follow him.

10. What is the central point of this passage?

word among us 

By the time Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast and moved north, all agreed.  Never had the United States seen such a storm.  Yet, the full impact from Katrina was yet to come.  The breach of the New Orleans levees turned the city into a lake, sending unsuspecting people into a panic as the waters rose in their homes. Some went to their roof to wait for days for rescue.  Others left by boat or anything that might float.

In the midst of the chaos, many tried to bring order.  Some tried to speak with authority, but their words revealed that they hadn’t a clue how to bring order.  Now and then, someone in the crowd would step forward and say something that made sense.  Sometimes, it was not a word people wanted to hear,

“Be patient.” 

“Night is coming.  Everyone get as comfortable as possible. Make the best of it.”

The hurricane was a disruption to the maximum degree.  Lives, homes, businesses, and dreams were wiped away. People were ripped raw with anguish.  Yet, slowly, healing is coming.  The journey to rebuild lives and communities is a long one.  Some people have turned to God in new ways. Others continue to seek order in the midst of the chaos.  Some may not have the emotional stamina to start again.

1.      How might a crisis, small or large, open us to God?

2.      Besides living through a disaster or crisis, how else might we develop an attitude of openness?

3.      Why is it important for disciples of Christ to have an attitude of openness?

The man in Mark 1 was at a crisis point.  If Jesus healed him, his life would change.  Sometimes change is difficult even if it is for the better.  After the hurricane, hundreds of thousands moved into shelters such as schools, churches, motels, and civic centers. When people got the word that they could leave the temporary shelter, some found it difficult to leave the security of their new home. It is known as “evacuee syndrome.”  It might not have been the best of homes, but at least the shelter was a known place of comfort. 

The love of Christ brought healing and wholeness to the man with an unclean spirit in Mark 1:23; but radical change is not always readily accepted.  The man was unsure about receiving such a gift, and the crowd seemed unsure about the authority of Jesus to do such things. Change can be difficult.   Sometimes we can resist the good gifts of God because we are not open.

4.      How might we, as disciples of Christ, adopt a more open attitude?

5.      How might God be stirring your congregation to adopt more open ways?

6.      What might we learn from this story?

Prayer

Creator of the universe, create in me an open heart and spirit.

Dig Deeper

Psalm 51

 last word

Make a list of ways to be more open to others.