Emmanuel’s “Let’s Talk”

Christ is talking about end times. What does
he mean by “this generation will certainly
not pass away until all these things have
happened”? Obviously, many generations
have passed since he spoke
these words.
Paulette G.

My favorite line in the gospel of Mark comes towards the very end. The angel announces to the women that Jesus is raised from the dead and then says, “But go, tell his disciples AND PETER that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”

The disciples don’t come off very well in Mark’s gospel. They are constantly doubting, misunderstanding and disbelieving Jesus. And yet, Jesus doesn’t write them off. After he rises from the dead, Jesus doesn’t start with a new bunch of disciples. Rather, he reclaims and still uses the old bunch of disciples. AND, he has a special word in particular for Peter who betrayed him.

This is grace…sheer grace.

What does that say about you? There is nothing you can do that Jesus can’t still use and reclaim you!

Pastor Jaster

In chapter 15 Jesus cries from the cross “My God, my God why have you forsaken me!” In chapter 16 the angels announce, “He is risen!” Read Psalm 22. How does it parallel the passion and resurrection of our Lord? How does it move from despair to hope? Has there ever been a time in your life when you have been able to see the light of Easter while in a time of darkness?

Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
Northeastern Ohio Synod

As you meet the many “characters” on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, with whom do you empathize, and why: James and John, who ask for glory? “Blind” Bartimaeus, who believes even when he doesn’t see? The crowds who welcome Jesus with waving plam branches? The chief priests, scribes and Pharisees who try to trap Jesus? The disciples who are the Passover/Last Supper with Jesus? Judas, who betrayed him? Or Peter, who denied him?

Pastor Laurie Miller
Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy
Northeastern Ohio Synod

Mark 13 is sometimes called “The Little Apocalypse.” It reads like a mini “Book of Revelation.” Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple and offers six signs of the coming end. But in 13:26 notice what the “seventh day” brings—The Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

These words are given not to scare us, but to offer hope and courage. Despite all the gloom, Jesus and his new life ultimate comes to embrace us and to meet us. And the powers of this world cannot stop the coming of God’s new day.

How does the promise of this glorious affect the way we see the troubles of our current time?

Pastor Jaster

Jesus makes an striking argument in Mark 12:28-34 when he implicitly criticizes the zealous temple guard for violating their own creed. The most fundamental creed of all monotheisitc religions is that “God is One.” This makes Jesus argue that,  if God is one, then all others are our neighbors, since they are God’s children too. Therefore, the very oneness of God demands love toward neighbor.

We like “loving neighbor” as long as we get to define who are “neighbor” is and who our “neighbor” isn’t?

But, Jesus is arguing that the oneness of God doesn’t give us any options. Everyone is our neighbor.

I always wondered what would happen if the three great monotheistic religions (Christian, Muslim and Jew) acted faithfully on this implication. Wouldn’t that change the world!

Don’t all of us violate our own most basic creed (the oneness of God) when we fight with one another?

Pastor Jaster

Mark 12 begins with the “Parable of the Wicked Tenants.” The man who plants the vineyard is God. The vineyard is the people of Israel. The tenant are the religious leaders to whom God entrusted his people. The slaves are the prophets and the son is obviously Jesus.

In verse 12 the temple authorities realize that the parable is told against them and they want to arrest him.

But what does this parable say to us? God also entrusts the people of the world (his people) into our care? How have we been doing with our stewardship? Is there anything in this parable that is addressed to us?

Pastor Paul Jaster

I think Jesus still holds to his standard but divorce is a sin like any other and we can repent and move on. Suppose the church remained unforgiving and legalistic? Where would our population be? At least people are in church and hearing God’s word.

Mk10:46 The symbolism is in the blindness, but it also shows the beginning of sight for all who call out to Jesus for mercy.

The cursing of the fig tree in Mark 11:12-14 is extremely disturbing. It is so uncharacteristic of Jesus. Why does he vent his anger on an innocent fig tree, especially when it wasn’t even the season for figs?

But note that the cursing of the fig tree is an “acted out parable” which is sandwiched between Jesus’ visits to the temple. In other words, the fig tree is symbolic of the temple under its current leadership.

How does this affect the way you read and apply this story?

Pastor Jaster