MARK - My Words (13)

 

Peter reminded Jesus how much they had sacrificed to follow him.  “Yes” replied Jesus, “and you have made a wise investment, for you will benefit a hundred times over, and get a heap of persecution to top it off!  You live not just for now, but also for the future.  The most significant people are the least you see around you, and those that seem the least, will be the greatest.” 

As they approached Jerusalem, Jesus sped up and went on ahead.  The others were filled with fear, and held back.  Jesus explained to his friends what was to happen.  “We are now going into Jerusalem.  The chosen one will be betrayed and handed over to those who hate him.  He will be mocked, denigrated, and abused.  Finally he will be executed, but death will only last for three days.  His life will be restored.” 

The brothers James and John ask Jesus if he could fix it for them to have a special role in the next life.  Jesus was dismayed.  They still didn’t seem to have a clue.  “How are you going to be able to cope with the suffering I am about to go through?  Indeed, you will suffer too.” 

“We can do it”, James and John replied, “trust us.” 

“You’re correct”, Jesus acknowledge, “you will be tested and succeed, but, rewards are not part of the plan.  See what the Creator has in store.” 

The other friends caught the gist of this conversation and were indignant with James and John. 

Jesus called them together.  “Look”, he said, “the leaders we see enjoy lording it over their subjects, and using their power.  For us it’s different.  If you seek to be great you must be the servant of others.  You must count no task beneath you.  For even the Creator's chosen one has come as a servant, and will ultimately sacrifice his life for the good of all.”

They continued through the town of Jericho.  Bartimaeus, and blind man, heard Jesus approaching and call out to him.  The people about him told him to ‘shut up’, but this made him call all the more. 

When Jesus heard his name, he invited Bartimaeus to join him.  The crowd called to Bartimaeus saying “your luck's in, he wants you to come to him.” 

Jesus ask, “what to you want from me?” 

“Teacher, I want to be able to see” he replied. 

“You have believed and now you see” said Jesus, and Bartimaeus could see, and followed Jesus down the road.

Is Jesus talking to his friends also here?  "You believe, and now you see." Be like Bartimaeus.  Keep it simple.  

But it's really not simple. What Peter says to Jesus reminds me of the burglar who repents and returns millions of stolen cash.  "I could have had a comfortable life on a desert island...but I chose you."  Jesus is unimpressed.

Everything about us is geared towards the 'understood' motivators in life, security, comfort and pleasure.  What Jesus offers does not ignore this, but it also does not privilege it.   Whatever is put first directs the travel of what comes behind.  

First, be like one of the least.  And follow Jesus down the road.