pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Monthly Archives: March 2025


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Hearts Turned

Reading: Mark 9:11-13

Mark 9:13 – “Elijah has come, but they did to him whatever they wanted.”

Following the transfiguration (when Peter, James, and John saw Jesus changed into a more divine form who chatted with Moses’ and Elijah’s spirits) the “inner three” ask Jesus about the second coming of Elijah. Here they are connecting with their Jewish upbringing. In Malachi 4 the prophet writes about Elijah coming back “before the great and terrifying day of the Lord.” The understood purpose of his return? To “turn the hearts of the children to their parents” and vice versa.

Experiencing this moment on the mountaintop, hearing talk about Messiah and death and resurrection, it is natural for the disciples to try and make some sense of all of this. They do the natural thing: they try to connect this new information to what they already knew. To help do this, they ask about the second coming of Elijah. The understanding was that Elijah would return to “restore all things.” Jesus pushed back a bit. If one held to the fullest way that this could happen, he asks, then why would he have to suffer and die? This is Jesus’ question in verse 11. Clearly there is some disconnect or misunderstanding.

Answering their question, Jesus says, “Elijah has come, but they did to him whatever they wanted.” Preaching and baptizing in the wilderness, John the Baptist did change hearts. Through his baptism of repentance the children of God’s hearts were turned back to God’s heart and vice versa. John’s work of restoring all things was cut short, though, like many of the prophets who came before him. The pagan powers arrested and beheaded John. Not all Jewish hearts turned to God either. Many rejected John’s invitation and Jesus’ as well, “just as it is written.” In spite of humanity’s selfish and stubborn hearts, God’s plan will continue to unfold as Jesus walks the path to Jerusalem and to the cross.

Prayer: Lord God, we, like the people of Jesus’ day, know the scriptures, can see the signs unfolding, and still choose not to believe. We can cling to our selfish and evil ways, refusing to confess and repent. When our eyes are mostly closed and our hearts are pretty hard, once again empower your indwelling prophet, the Holy Spirit, to open our eyes, to soften our hearts. Bend us to your will and way. Amen.


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Certainly God’s Son

Reading: Mark 15:25-39

Mark 15:32 – “Even those who had been crucified with Jesus insulted him.”

In verses 25-39 of Mark 15, he encapsulates the actual death of Jesus Christ. Fifteen verses is all that Mark gives to this event. Most of these verses cover how the outsiders insulted, made fun of, and mocked Jesus. Most turn Jesus’ words upon him, demonstrating their lack of understanding. Even his fellow sufferers join in, insulting Jesus.

At 9 AM Jesus is nailed to the cross. A charge of insurrection hangs above his head: “The king of the Jews.” Passersby and the religious leaders insult and mock Jesus. These taunts contain truth though. The temple of his body will be “rebuilt” as he rises three days later. He will save many as they do see and believe in the resurrected Christ.

At noon the world goes dark. For three hours God and creation mourn what is happening. Perhaps this is the time that Jesus took our sin upon himself, suffering on behalf of sinners. It would make sense turn that at the end of this time he would utter his last earthly words, shouting, “Eloi, eloi, lama sabachthani.” God could not abide being in the presence of sin.

At 3 PM Jesus lets out a loud cry and breathes his last. At this moment the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the temple’s common area is torn in two. The old temple system has come to an end. The new covenant has been established. We join the centurion, declaring, “This man was certainly God’s Son.” Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, how the world misunderstood you. With at least one eye always focused on self, it was hard to see you clearly. We too can struggle with this, with only being partly committed. Yes, in our own ways, we insult and mock you. Lord, forgive us and draw our eyes to the cross, where we see the depth of your love and grace. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.


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Power Under, Not Over

Reading: Mark 10:32-45

Mark 10:45 – “The Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and give his life to liberate many people.”

As Jesus makes his way towards Jerusalem, Mark makes an observation. The disciples are amazed with Jesus, but the others following him were afraid. The “insiders” – the disciples – have no clue what potentially lies ahead. For the third time in Mark’s gospel Jesus tells them that he will be handed over and condemned, will be killed by the Gentiles (Romans,) and will rise after three days. The “outsiders” following Jesus understand that going to Jerusalem is a risky and dangerous place for Jesus.

Continuing the journey, James and John demonstrate the blindness of the disciples. Jesus has just told them what’s about to happen. Instead of being sad or reflecting somberly on this news, these brothers ask to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand in glory. They envision Jesus “coming in glory” with a powerful army to defeat the Romans. They want to be #1 and #2 in Jesus’ chain of command. Jesus tells James and John that they will indeed “drink the cup” and will one day experience suffering. But right now they are blind. One day they will see and understand the words Jesus speaks. Their request maddens the other disciples. Are they made that they didn’t think to ask first? A patient and kind Jesus gathers them up for a lesson.

Jesus tells them that they will not be “power over” leaders. They will not be like the current rulers who dominate others with their power. No, that’s not God’s plan or way. True power comes from service. This is “power under” – power that lifts others up. It is so with Jesus: “The Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and give his life to liberate many people.” May it be so with us too.

Prayer: Lord God, today we are reminder that although Jesus held all the power in his hands, he chose the path of humble servant. When we are tempted to grab for power or to use the powe that we do have to lord it over others, remind us of Jesus’ words and example. Lead and guide us to be “power under” people, lifting others up, bringing you the glory and praise. Amen.


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Both Places

Reading: Mark 14:66-72

Mark 14:71 – “But he cursed and swore, ‘I don’t know this man you’re talking about.'”

We turn from Peter’s bold profession of Jesus as Messiah in yesterday’s reading to his bold denial of even knowing Jesus in today’s reading. To his credit perhaps, Peter followed the action, wanting or needing to see what played out with Jesus. Perhaps Peter still held to his view of Messiah as a king like David. Perhaps he wanted to be an eyewitness to the legions of angels destroying all who opposed Jesus.

It is a servant who first says Peter was with Jesus. He denies it. And he tries to move away from her, going to the outer courtyard. As he does, a rooster crows. Apparently she follows him, saying, “He is one of them.” Peter denies it again. But soon the crowd he’s hanging with also accuse Peter of “being one of them.” His accent gives him away. He’s a Galilean. This time, though, we read, “But he cursed and swore, ‘I don’t know this man you’re talking about.'” The rooster crows a second time, Peter remembers Jesus’ words, and he sobs. (Yes, the rooster crows two times in Mark’s gospel.)

What a sharp contrast we see in Peter. A handful of hours earlier Peter declared, “Even if everyone else stumbles, I won’t.” Yet here in the courtyard Peter swears that he does not know Jesus. Before the Sanhedrin, before the powerful, Jesus declared, “I am,” when asked about his identity. Peter recoils in fear as the powerless servants question his identity as a follower of Jesus. We too will find ourselves in both places – before the powerful and before the powerless. Will we stand for Jesus in both and all places?

Prayer: Lord God, when we find ourselves in environments or around people where we feel fear rising up, remind us of your power and might. We know that while we are in this world we may be impacted by the powers of this world, but ultimately our home is with you. Be with us, strengthen and encourage us for this journey. Amen.


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God/World

Reading: Mark 8:27-33

Mark 8:33 – “You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.”

Chapter 8 is about the halfway point of Mark’s gospel. In Mark’s 16 chapters, he covers the three years of Jesus’ ministry. There is no birth story or Jesus in the temple as a teenager. This short gospel begins with John the Baptist already baptizing in the wilderness. Chapter 1 through part of chapter 8 covers the first 155 weeks of Jesus’ ministry (+/- a week or so.) Mark 8:27 through chapter 16 cover the last week of Jesus’ ministry, known as the passion of Christ.

As Jesus turns toward Jerusalem and the cross he asks for an evaluation of sorts: “Who do people say that I am?” Generally, the people believe that he is a prophet. He is seen by many as one sent by God, speaking on behalf of God. They are partly correct. Wanting to go deeper, Jesus asks, “And what about you? Who do you say that I am?” This is a question we could and should ask ourselves regularly.

Peter responds, “You are the Christ.” We want to give Peter props for his answer identifying Jesus as the Messiah. But as we read on, we see that Peter’s understanding of Jesus (at this point) is not our understanding of Jesus. After Jesus shares what the passion of the Christ will look like, Peter scolds him. The suffering, trial, death… does NOT match Peter’s definition of a Messiah. Jesus’ response is swift and cutting: “Get behind me Satan.” Perhaps Jesus is thinking of when Satan tempted him in the wilderness, dangling human desires before him. Is Peter’s vision tempting to Jesus at this point?

Continuing on, Jesus adds, “You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.” Peter and likely the other disciples cannot see beyond themselves right now. At times, we too struggle with this. Our selfish and sinful nature is ever at odds with the divine within us. May the Holy Spirit ever whisper and nudge (and convict) us to choose God over the world.

Prayer: Lord God, at times we can be like Peter, thinking not if you and your purposes. Our thoughts can turn to self and to our wants. We can be quite selfish. In those frequent moments, remind us of who Christ truly is – humble servant, gentle good shepherd, redeemer, salvation. Draw us back into obedience to your will and way. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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Hearts to Receive

Reading: Mark 4:10-13

Mark 4:11 – “The secret of God’s kingdom has been given to you, but to those who are outside everything comes in parables.”

Entering into today’s reading, Jesus has just told a parable to a large crowd. Jesus’ teaching of the parable of the soils ends with him saying, “Whoever has ears to listen should pay attention.” He is telling the crowd that their hearts must be attuned to God’s heart to understand these words that he speaks.

Our reading shifts to a scene where Jesus is alone with his followers. They ask him about the parables. In essence they are asking two questions. First, why do you speak in these parables, in these riddles? And, what are you trying to say to us? They want to understand Jesus’ teaching.

Jesus begins with assurance : “The secret of God’s kingdom has been given to you, but to those who are outside everything comes in parables.” They know and follow Jesus. This daily connection is all they need. They’ve heard and believed. But to those still outside the kingdom, the kingdom will not simply be given. There is some effort required. There needs to be some “skin in the game.” In verse 12 Jesus is paraphrasing Isaiah 6:9-10. In this Old Testament context, God is directing the prophet to speak these words to point out how stubborn and resistant they are to following God’s will and ways. The same us true for many in Jesus’ day. The same is true today.

The parable Jesus just taught was about receptivity to his words. For some people then and now, Jesus’ words were foolishness. These are those with hard soil/hearts. Jesus invites his followers, then and now, to be the good soil, to have hearts that grow deep roots. It is a choice. May we have ears to listen, hearts eager to receive.

Prayer: Lord God , sometimes we too hear your words and wonder what they mean for our lives or for our world. In these moments open our eyes to see. Make our hearts willing to receive and make our spirits willing to engage. Help us to overcome our stubbornness and selfishness when these become obstacles. Guide us to be more fully yours. Amen.


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An Invitation to All

Readings: Mark 14:22-24 and Luke 22:19-21

Mark 14:24 – “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”

In both passages that we read today, we see Jesus instituting the sacrament of communion. This event is set within the context of the Passover meal. This meal was an annual event in which the Jews would remember and celebrate how God saved them as the angel of death passed over their houses. This final plague led to Pharaoh releasing Israel from bondage and slavery.

Mark and Luke both present Jesus offering the bread as symbolic of his body, broken for them and for us. Jesus’ body will be broken on the cross. In using the common element amongst the rich and the poor and all in between, Jesus takes the everyday and connects bread to himself and to us all.

Both gospels present the cup – representative of Jesus’ blood – as poured out for many, establishing the “new covenant.” Mark recalls these words of Jesus: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” The new covenant is wrapped in mercy and grace, in forgiveness of sins. This common element of wine – again Jesus connecting the ordinary to his extraordinary gift.

In Mark’s gospel they sing a few songs and head to the Mount of Olives. But in Luke’s gospel, Jesus says, “But look! My betrayer is with me; his hand is on this table.” Jesus celebrates the first communion knowing that Judas will betray him. This is an invitation to us all – sinners each of us – to come to the table of grace. There we too will find welcome and forgiveness. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, we humbly thank you for the gift of grace. Your Son did for us what we could not and cannot do for ourselves. It is only because of and through Jesus’ sacrifice that we are forgiven and made new, freed from the bonds of sin and death. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Amen.


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Anointed for Service

Readings: Leviticus 8:10-12 and 1st Samuel 16:6-13

1st Samuel 16:13 – “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him… The Lord’s Spirit came over David from that point forward.”

During the high priest’s ordination Aaron is cleansed and then dressed in the tunic, robe, vest, chest piece, turban, and gold flower ornament. Dressed for service to the Lord, Moses first anoints the Tabernacle and all in it – the altar and its equipment, the basin and its base. As Moses anoints these items, they are made holy. Lastly, Moses pours anointing oil on Aaron’s head, making him holy. This anointing proclaims Aaron’s special standing before the Lord on behalf of Israel.

In the first verse of 1st Samuel 16, God tells Samuel to fill his horn with oil and to head to Bethlehem, adding, “I have found the next king.” In today’s second reading we join the story as Samuel arrives at Jesse’s house. Eliab begins the procession before Samuel. Tall, strong, the oldest – he must be the one. God says no. God tells Samuel that God looks past physical appearance and looks into the heart. Seven sons pass before Samuel. He anoints none.

I imagine an awkwardness settled over the room. Samuel has to ask Jesse, “Is that all of your boys?” Well, no. The youngest is brought in from tending the sheep. God says, “That’s the one.” In the next verse we read, “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him… The Lord’s Spirit came over David from that point forward.” Anointed, David is filled with God’s presence, readied for service. Anointed, Aaron is able to stand in God’s presence. Today may we be anointed by God’s Holy Spirit, set apart for service in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord God, in days of old you called those you chose, anointing them with oil, claiming them as your own. In these days, pour out your Spirit upon us, your children. Empower and embolden us to live out our faith in the world, serving you and neighbor as we share your love with those in need, as we bring your light to those dwelling in darkness. Amen.


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Radical and Unconditional

Readings: Isaiah 56:1-8 and Matthew 21:12-16

Isaiah 56:6-7 – “Everyone who keeps the Sabbath… who hold fast to my covenant: I will bring them to my holy mountain, and bring them joy in my house of prayer.”

Photo credit: Jon Tyson

Beginning with Isaiah 56 we feel the connection that God desires to have with all people who act justly and do what is right. To those who keep the Sabbath and honor the covenant, God’s salvation is “coming soon.” God’s prophet includes two groups that are normally excluded from the temple: immigrants and eunuchs. In verses 6 and 7 we read, “Everyone who keeps the Sabbath… who hold fast to my covenant: I will bring them to my holy mountain, and bring them joy in my house of prayer.” In New Testament language we would say there is no Jew or Gentile, no slave or free, no rich or poor… All people – all – who are devoted to God’s ways are welcome in God’s “house of prayer,” the temple. These were radical words to the closed-circle Jews of Isaiah’s day.

Turning to Matthew 21 we see another prophet doing and saying radical things. Entering God’s house, Jesus forces out the people changing money into temple coins and the folks selling animals for sacrifice. Quoting from our Isaiah 56 passage and Jeremiah 7:11, Jesus denounces these profiteering practices. Cleared of these “crooks,” the blind, the lame, and the children enter the temple. Jesus makes space for these normally excluded groups, mirroring the spirit of Isaiah 56. He heals the blind and the lame and rejoices over the children. The religious leaders are angry about all of this. Their closed circle has been broken wide open by the radical and unconditional love of God present in Jesus. May this breaking open of the circle and of our hearts also be our regular practice as we seek to follow Jesus’ example.

Prayer: Lord God, it is a beautiful thing when you reclaim and include those often excluded and unwelcome by the religious of the world. You create each and every one of us in your image. You weave each of us together in the womb with intention and purpose. From our first breath you long to walk in relationship with each of us. Lord, as you walk with us, fill us with your radical and unconditional love. Filled with this great love, may our regular habit be to include and welcome all people into your house and into your family. Amen.


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Blessings and Peace

Reading: Luke 19:28-39

Luke 19:38 – “Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.”

As our passage begins, Jesus prepares to enter Jerusalem. He is just east of the city itself. He gives instructions to two disciples to go and get a colt. Following Jesus’ directions, all unfolds just as Jesus said it would. Even this is a demonstration of his power.

In verses 35-38 we see the actions of others taking over. It is the disciples who place their coats and then Jesus on the colt. It is the disciples who place clothes on the road and rejoice as they near Jerusalem. The crowd begins to praise God because of the “mighty things they had seen” Jesus do. They begin to shout, “Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.” Why do they do and say all of these things?!

The disciples, the crowd, the Pharisees, and even Jesus – they knew the scriptures, the words of Isaiah, the Psalms written for such a day as this. Prophecy was being fulfilled. Their actions, their words – they were following the script. These events, this fulfillment brought joy and excitement to the people.

Another entry also occurred, on the other side of the city. Each year, at the Passover and other major festivals, Herod would ride into Jerusalem. He would ride in on a mighty warhorse with an entourage of Roman soldiers. This demonstration of force was a reminder to Jerusalem and its leaders: Rome is the power. The counterpoint is Jesus. He brings blessings and peace. What a contrast between the ways of the world and the way of Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the way of Jesus – the way of joy and blessing, of humility and peace. This stands in such stark contrast to the ways of the world: force and power and might. This divide continues today. O God, give us the courage and the faith to go into places of darkness and evil, empowered by the light of Christ, challenging these harmful and destructive ways. May our light be fueled by love, bringing blessing and peace. Amen.