In this episode we continue through the book of Mark, chapter 2:13-3:19. Our passage opens with the calling of Levi (Matthew) – a tax collector, a despised, unclean, traitor. Jesus then proceeds to (appear to) break one of the 10 Commandments by ignoring the mandate to fast and do no work (he heals a man with a withered hand). He then calls the remainder of the 12 disciples. Through all this we see that Jesus had come to form a counter-community - to heal those on the outside (the sick and lost), not those who considered themselves the elite on the inside (holier than everyone and self-righteous).

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In this episode we conclude Chapter 1 of Mark and move to Chapter 2. We see Jesus continue to assert his spiritual authority through his healing ministry. We see that in cases where Jesus heals there is most often an approach, petition & response, healing & instruction. In the case of the healing of the leper, a social and religious outcast approaches Jesus. Jesus shows no concern for contracting disease or being declared religiously unclean and exercises a “super-priestly” authority to not only declare the man clean, but to actually heal him. In the case of the healing of the paralytic, it is the man’s friends who approach Jesus on his behalf. Jesus exercises the divine authority to forgive sins.

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In this episode we are joined by Clarke Scheibe, who takes us through Mark 1:21-39 and how Jesus' authority was undeniable, yet brought conflict. We are challenged with questions regarding our faithfulness and if we are declaring the full authority of Jesus in our lives, even if it means we will also experience conflict.

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As we continue in Chapter 1 of Mark, we see Jesus’ next step in his ministry was calling his followers. And we see that the disciples do not choose Jesus, he chooses and calls them -we are called by grace. The disciples leave everything behind (their careers and even their family) to answer this call- we follow by faith. Jesus gives them a new purpose in life…they go from being fishermen to fishers of men – we are transformed by discipleship. And so, each one of us can be thankful that God has chosen us, accept his call, and be resolute in our faith as we follow him and allow him to transform us according to his will and purposes: “to do all the good works [he has] prepared for us to walk in…”

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As we get set to start a series journey through the Gospel according to Mark in its entirety, we simply ask ourselves the question: What is the Gospel? What is the point? Why do I need to hear this again? Why does this matter to the world today?

We will again recognize that even though we live in a culture that considers itself though self righteous eyes, we actually life in a broken world. And we will remind ourselves that change is necessary, change is possible, and (with Jesus) change is inevitable.

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In response to challenges to his leadership, Paul feels compelled to reestablish the church in Corinth’s trust in him. Because his opponents were going about boasting about their spiritual experiences and visions, Paul is also forced to verify his credentials by “boasting” about his own visions and revelations. However, he is able to outdo his opponents by pointing out that this is actually boasting as well as how foolish it is. Paul then turns the conversation around to explain that rather than boasting about his unique ministry, he would rather boast about his weakness. He shares that even though he has been given a thorn in his side (a hindrance to his ministry), God’s grace is sufficient and is what carries him (and those he is leading) through.

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Rev. Jonathan Ellis

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