Dearest e-votees-
This week’s gospel text just sums it all up. Jesus is looking Jerusalem squarely in the face. The disciples are too busy looking in the mirror and fighting for the spotlight to catch the call to “Come and die.”
Where are we looking and what is catching our ears this day?
Peace,
Karl
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They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.
Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”
One of my favorite takes on the disciples (particularly James and John) worried about where they will end up is found in an essay called James, John and Crazy Joe by Gordon Atkinson (aka RealLivePreacher). If you are one who is easily upset by earthy language you might want to ignore the preceding links. I find some of his musings about theology and ministry to be incredibly insightful and true. His book is a great addition to the shelves of those interested in deep and true theological struggles.
Jesus called his disciples and us last week to take up our crosses and follow after him. Bonhoeffer summarizes that as Jesus’ call to “Come and die.” This week Jesus again speaks of his impending doom. He is speaking clearly to them but they choose to remain in the blur and omit the clarifying questions. The silence must have been palpable.
Perhaps to fill the awkward dead space they start talking about who is the greatest among them. Words and laughing perhaps shifted over to declarations and yelling as they argue who is the best. Think about the worst aspects of beauty pageants writ large. The disciples don’t realize that seeking recognition (part of the “theology of glory”) is just about the polar opposite of taking up one’s cross and following after Jesus (part of the “theology of the cross”).
Not only did the disciples ignore what Jesus said…
Not only did the disciples choose blissful ignorance over painful reality…
Not only did the disciples really flunk out of the discipleship lesson of the day…
The disciples chose by their actions to show how ignorant and self-seeking and worldly they really are.
How about us: Are we seeking Jesus’ call even if it means the cross or are there other things calling out to us? Success? Adoring fans? Recognition? Promotion? Title? Fame?
God, give us ears to hear and eyes to see your ways. Help us love the children among us. Help us lift up others. Help us fix our eyes on you and offer our service to our neighbors—all to your glory. Amen.
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