Thursday, June 6, 2013

Mark 10:26-31

Jesus’ disciples continue to be astonished.  They ask Jesus who can possible be saved, then.  Jesus looked to the disciples and reminded them with man, it is impossible.  But with God, nothing is impossible.  Peter turns to Jesus and confesses that they have left everything to follow Jesus.  Jesus replies in telling Peter that everyone who leaves the things and relationships of this world behind and instead strives for the things of God will receive treasure in heaven.  As Jesus is accounting the rewards (spiritual houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands) Jesus also adds a note about persecution.  Then Jesus notes after all things the reward is eternal life.  There, the first shall be last while the last is first.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

We see here that the disciples are still in the traditional human religious mindset.  That is, salvation is based on behavior.  The disciples wonder how anyone can be saved if entering into the Kingdom of God is so difficult to achieve.  Remember, the Kingdom of God doesn’t mean heaven as much as it means learning to live obedient to God.  Jesus’ reply is masterful.  If salvation rested on man’s ability to do what God asks, it would be impossible.  But since salvation rests upon God’s action, it is not impossible.

How does this thought tie into salvation by grace and not salvation by works?  How well would you rate your ability to do what God asks?  How can this drive you in towards gratitude with respect to God?

Second Thought:

There are two edges to Peter’s confession.  First, is the self-centered edge.  There is a sense of, “Jesus, look at us!  We’ve given up everything.  Surely we’re the best disciples you could hope for!”  Human beings like to reassure themselves.  It’s not always the “I’m better than everyone else” as often as it is “I’m not the worst guy in line.”  But it is still a self-centered focus.  However, the other edge is good.  It is good for Peter to recognize just how much they have all given up.  They are thriving while giving up the stuff of the world.  And Jesus teaches to both edges.  Jesus reminds Peter that there is a reward and sacrifice in the name of Christ is indeed worth it.

What have you given up in order to follow God and not the world?  What has been hard about it?  What rewards have you been able to reap even now?

Third Thought:

Jesus talks about the rewards of here and now.  Spiritual houses – places where we are safe being spiritual beings.  Brothers and sisters – people who share the same spirit as we do.  Mothers – those who are spiritual mentors to us.  {Aside: Jesus doesn’t use the word Father here to emphasize the importance of the Heavenly Father.}  Children – people for whom we are their spiritual mentor.  Lands – communities in which our spiritual presence is welcome.  But Jesus also mentions persecution.  There will be people in this world who don’t fit into any of those categories above and they will resent it.  After all these things, we will arrive at eternal life.  There we will be put in life according to how God sees us all.

How cool is it to realize that part of the reward for giving up the things of this world is deeper relationships with others who make the same choice?  Why is it neat to think that we aren’t really “giving up” as much as we are trading experiences?  Which experience would you rather have – something of this world or a relationship with someone spiritual?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 10:32-34


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