MARK - My Words (12)

 As Jesus moved on, people came from the surrounding area.  Jesus spoke with the people.  Some who came wanted to trap Jesus and put him in a compromising position.

“What’s you view on divorce?” they asked.  “And what does our law say, according to Moses?” replied Jesus.  “Moses allows divorce, if there is a clear written explanation” they replied.  “Yes” said Jesus, “and this was a compromise, for when two people marry, they become one person, and what the Creator puts together, no one must split apart.”

Later Jesus explained further to his friends the significance of marriage, that fidelity in marriage was very important. 

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus to ask him to bless them.  Jesus’ friends felt this was too much.  Jesus was exhausted.  But Jesus noticed and told them off.  “I must be with these children because the kingdom of the Creator is designed for them.  Anyone who will not come as one of these children will never life to the full.”  And Jesus took the children in his arms and blessed them.

Traveling on to Jerusalem Jesus met a wealthy man who ran up to him asking “Good teacher, what must I do to earn eternal life?  “Interesting you call me good, for only the Creator is good”, replied Jesus.  “What do you know already?  Do you know the ten commandments?” 

“Well” said the man, “I have always obeyed the law.  I’ve not stolen, cheated, or wronged anyone.”  Yes, said Jesus, and all this is good.  But there is one more thing.  Go and sell all your excess goods and support the poor.”  At this the man’s face fell, for he was a very rich man. 

Jesus remarked to his friends, “See what a challenge it is of the rich to receive the Creator’s treasure.  In fact, it is easier for an alcoholic to give up the booze than for a rich person to follow me.”

Jesus’ friends were astonished.  “What hope is there for anyone?” They asked.  Jesus looked at them intently. “Humanly speaking this is impossible, but for the Creator, nothing is impossible.”

This passage reminded me of an event our church put on in a predominantly Hindu believing area.  It involved free food.  I bumped into a social work colleague and we got talking.  He assumed I was nothing to do with the church event, and told me that he had organised a group of young people from the area to cause a disruption by starting a food fight.  He was waiting for the others to arrive, but they never came.

Our lives are beset with paradox.  Should Christians (even Asian Christians) be having an event in this area?  What about the politics of marriage?  I read Jesus here re-emphasising the principle of goodness.  If we genuinely put others needs at the forefront (which does not mean neglecting our own needs) we create a stable bridge.  

But is this possible or realistic?  Anything is possible for the Creator.  Let's keep believing.