You can have demon possessed pigs. The demons released from the man, go into the pigs and send the herd of 2000 mad- they rush down a steep embankment into the sea and drown- the destructive nature of the demonic. The swine herds are probably terrified- in all their years looking after pigs, they've never seen anything like this (who then is this?) Their story is pouring out of them wherever they go (are we into evening now?) Do the people come to check it out the next day? Or are we still in the evening? They see this creepy man that could not be restrained, sitting there sane with Jesus – and they are afraid. The before was scary enough- but in a strange way it was known. But the after... what effected that... its like a storm that becomes still... its not natural... it was beyond their understanding and it would seem experience- demon possession on this level, perhaps didn't just get cured... and the swine – some of them had seen them rush headlong into the sea- others heard of it happening and saw the former demon possessed man sitting there calmly.
Another haunting. Too much for the people of the Gerasenes- they come and begin to beg/exhort/ beseech (parakalein) Jesus to 'go away' from their territory/ district- NRSV neighbourhood. - You are too scary to have in our backyard. That sort of power is too confronting. That unknowness is too much for us to live with. Probably a wiser response than a luke warm one. Certainly one I think the disciples could relate to- they could have shared a story or two with those who came out to see- 'you think that's bad, let us tell you what just happened to us.' And perhaps after that whole experience some of them weren't all that far away from such a response- you are too much for me- you are far too confronting to have so close- I don't want you in my backyard or in my boat.
But if they had such thoughts, they don't act on them, they stay 'with' him, they stay on this venture, where things just seem to get bigger and less contained the more they know. They learn in a way perhaps the author of the words didn't, 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom'.
Reflecting that this is what is missing from the Salvo's Christianity explained feast thing. Coming from a perspective that a panel member expressed- 'I think God has a strongly feminine side, and he created us so that he had lots of children to love and look after'. The disciples weren't feeling that sort of love at this particular time. Sure there are images in the bible that justify such an understanding- Jesus looking upon Jerusalem and sighing and saying how many times he longed to gather them to him like a hen gathers her chicks- but if you stop there you've only got the elephants tail- Grandma God sitting there clucking over everything- And there are plenty of images in the bible that start to give a more complete picture- Isaiah in the throne room, Ezekiel with his psychadelic terrifying images, Moses who couldn't see God's face because that would have destroyed him- and just seeing his back and being in his presence was enough to make his face glow so that the rest of the Israelites were afraid to come near him, Jesus calming the storm, the scene in revelation with the multitudes around the throne.
Still, I suppose the Salvation Army has an empathy with the recovering sinner/ alcoholic/ former prisoner- can rejoice with them that they have been released. But released to what- to be mollycoddled by Grandma God? (at times something akin to this I'm sure- but more like Father God) – but this is just a stage to a more complete restoration and beyond.
The man who had the demons wants to go with Jesus – the same word (parakalei) is used of his asking as the demons asking to go into the pigs- he beseeches, begs Jesus “in order that he might be with him”. He has been released and is grateful for it and wants to learn from this man who has released him- but Jesus sends him straight away, he refuses and says to him, “go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” - the nest is not a place for you – you have an experience of the divine to go and share- He does and “everyone was amazed”. Jesus responds to the fearful request to leave- but he leaves this man to go in his stead- who was known in the region – but now would be known for a further and better reason- a living testimony to redemption that the people of the decapolis could accept or not.
God wants us to grow up- and is all about giving us opportunities for that to happen.
I managed to download some podcasts yesterday (have entered into a technological realm where I have never been before), Laurie was making the point the centre of Jesus message was not personal salvation and a ticket to heaven, that that is certainly there, but the centre is that the kingdom has come- this future reality has entered into the present- will you align yourself with this, let it enter you – give yourself up to it, be a leaf on the tree that helps nourish the tree- perhaps helps others to breathe- be wholly available for God's purposes.
Monday, March 29, 2010
"I adjure you by God" - demon.
Orkizw se ton Theon, me me basanises – I adjure you by God, do not torture me.
Seems to say something about the hierarchy of the universe- and when demons come face to face with Jesus they recognise it. The “I adjure you by God” out of a demons mouth is startling. Great fear seems to be the predominant motive- we're in a life or death situation here (interesting to compare this to the disciples – both demons and disciples end up appealing to a higher authority- but the demons have more idea in one sense what they are appealing to- and the power that resides there. That is why they are qualing before the height of the storm in a sense, and trying to avert that, whereas the disciples were most scared afterwards.
There is an appeal to mercy from the demons- (Is this a– we know this is a weakness of our enemy- we'll throw all our dice on this?)
The demons strategically ignore or at least delay on Jesus first command, 'Come out of the man you unclean spirit!” Could they because of the technicality that he wasn't an unclean spirit, but unclean spirits? Then Jesus asks him what his name is- a bit like a teacher disciplining a child where he doesn't know his name- there is no question here of the demon giving a false one- “My name is legion for we are many”
And then they get in and suggest a brer rabbit type of solution- before Jesus can come up with anything worse- don't send us out of the country- send us into the swine- let us enter them.
What are the disciples thinking? Can the swineherds overhear this exchange as well? There is this interaction between two realms that most of the time are very opaque to humans. And the lines seem a bit more clearly drawn for the protaganists, than the corresponding story unfolding on the more 'human' level. There also seem to be interactions between God and man that this 'spiritual' realm finds fairly opaque- “It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to things that have now being announced to you through those who brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven- things into which angels long to look! (1 Pet 1:12)”
Seems to say something about the hierarchy of the universe- and when demons come face to face with Jesus they recognise it. The “I adjure you by God” out of a demons mouth is startling. Great fear seems to be the predominant motive- we're in a life or death situation here (interesting to compare this to the disciples – both demons and disciples end up appealing to a higher authority- but the demons have more idea in one sense what they are appealing to- and the power that resides there. That is why they are qualing before the height of the storm in a sense, and trying to avert that, whereas the disciples were most scared afterwards.
There is an appeal to mercy from the demons- (Is this a– we know this is a weakness of our enemy- we'll throw all our dice on this?)
The demons strategically ignore or at least delay on Jesus first command, 'Come out of the man you unclean spirit!” Could they because of the technicality that he wasn't an unclean spirit, but unclean spirits? Then Jesus asks him what his name is- a bit like a teacher disciplining a child where he doesn't know his name- there is no question here of the demon giving a false one- “My name is legion for we are many”
And then they get in and suggest a brer rabbit type of solution- before Jesus can come up with anything worse- don't send us out of the country- send us into the swine- let us enter them.
What are the disciples thinking? Can the swineherds overhear this exchange as well? There is this interaction between two realms that most of the time are very opaque to humans. And the lines seem a bit more clearly drawn for the protaganists, than the corresponding story unfolding on the more 'human' level. There also seem to be interactions between God and man that this 'spiritual' realm finds fairly opaque- “It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to things that have now being announced to you through those who brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven- things into which angels long to look! (1 Pet 1:12)”
Twilight zone- 5:1-ff
So are we at twilight? And this man (did they know his reputation before they landed) who howls eerily around the tombs night and day- comes running down (he had seen Jesus from a distance- seems to know immdediately- like he's called out) and bows before him and calls out in a great voice (kraxas fwne megale) NRSV – shouted at the top of his voice- another 'what is there between me and you' question – what have you to do with me, “Jesus, Son of the most High God” - The demons are certainly a long way ahead of the crowds or even the disciples- an hour or so before they were in the boat asking, 'who then is this'? and here we have a strange demon possessed man confidently giving them a pretty comprehensive answer – Son of the most High God. Still, there is hindsight on our side- and this doesn't convey the only begotten bit- but I wonder what the disciples are thinking as they stand on the beach or bank, or secure the boat... It certainly seems to have made an impression (it is not surprising we get this whole day recounted- how could you forget a day like this?) And at some stage with the benefit of hindsight and meditation time- I'd say Peter did put these two things together- perhaps appreciated the irony. Mark I think does.
The fall of angels- 5:1-ff
It reads as though it is the same day. I don't think that feeling of awe and subduedness would have left them by the time they reached the shore. And Jesus steps out of the boat (Exelthontos) and euthus (immediately) something else is happening- a man out of the tombs with an unclean (evil) spirit. So they get the row to take stock (I don't think this would have been enough time) and then a man out of the tombs with an evil spirit comes to meet them. It sounds creepy- and if we are in the same day- it must be right at the end of it- adding to the creepiness. Perhaps normally for the disciples it would have been creepy (how much exposure to demon possession did they have before they met Jesus- he seems to be a bit of a magnet for people who have them- an interesting aside- an awareness there for the demonic forces of the powerful threat in their midst- or can they not help manifesting in the presence of such power and holiness? They are keen to expose him- but can they help exposing themselves? There is a clash of two realms- no question of a peaceful existance between the two- they are an anathema to one another- and one side has switched sides- are they ever haunted by what they have left behind? Falleness in angels seems so much more complete than in humans. We don't know much of their back story- how long were they around before us – does time work a bit differently for them- must; they have not died. Is there any place for demonic repentance? Is this covered by what Jesus says on blaspheming the Holy Spirit in 3: 28-30? It comes on the back of Jesus responding to the charge that – 'He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of demons, he casts out demons'. It doesn't feel like demons do- that to think they might – may misunderstand relations and mechanics between the two sides. That as fully spiritual beings, living in the same sphere as their maker and experiencing him and knowing him in a different and 'immediately fuller'? way than what humans do- when they decided to turn their back on him, and follow Satan- they 'knew' exactly what they were doing- “For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, since on their own they are crucifying again the Son of God and are holding him up to contempt...” (Heb 6:6-ff) This sort of principle- though there is no turning again in this case- and we do not hear of a similar mechanism as Jesus sacrifice for fallen angels. Which I think might because they fall further with greater knowledge of what they do- greater understanding or experience of 'enlightenment', the heavenly gift, the goodness of the word of God, and the powers of the age to come. And they are different beings with a different existence to us- the choosing is probably different for them - “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak until the day these things occur.” This gives a bit of the picture I think- sort of sums himself up here Gabriel- this is my name- I stand in the presence of God- this is what defines me- and I have been sent- in Greek, messenger and angel are the same word- angelos- this is what I live for – to be sent by the God in whose presence I stand. Their glory may be different as well- Gabriel is not being pompous when he tells Zechariah this- but he also is not someone to be trifled with- the feeling Lewis gets with Centaurs in Narnia. ( I suspect this a far more accurate picture than Frank Peretti's picture in This Present Darkness).
Perhaps Adam and Eve would have more of an idea of what it was like for them- except free will works here a bit differently I think- and Adam and Eve disobeyed and showed a lack of faith- there was a lot they didn't know- whereas this is not the case for the angels- But both parties here were at one point in the will of God and then at the next outside it- where they hadn't been before. Both experience immediate consequences- but initially, the angels fall further. It seems like they only get the one choice- God or not- and to make it against him- goodness is something that goes- and becomes hideous to them- What was a beautiful being that would inspire holy fear, becomes totally corrupted- unrecognisable from what they once were. There is no dialoguing with demons. Which Angel was it that responded to Satan- the Lord rebuke you Satan. And Jesus himself when tempted by Satan, doesn't debate with him- but responds by quoting scripture. There is no appealing to a demons better side- they have completely left it behind and do not have one.
Just read 2 Peter, which relates to some of this.
And also looked at 1 Peter 3:19 where he states that Jesus went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark......” Definitely not with him here.
Perhaps Adam and Eve would have more of an idea of what it was like for them- except free will works here a bit differently I think- and Adam and Eve disobeyed and showed a lack of faith- there was a lot they didn't know- whereas this is not the case for the angels- But both parties here were at one point in the will of God and then at the next outside it- where they hadn't been before. Both experience immediate consequences- but initially, the angels fall further. It seems like they only get the one choice- God or not- and to make it against him- goodness is something that goes- and becomes hideous to them- What was a beautiful being that would inspire holy fear, becomes totally corrupted- unrecognisable from what they once were. There is no dialoguing with demons. Which Angel was it that responded to Satan- the Lord rebuke you Satan. And Jesus himself when tempted by Satan, doesn't debate with him- but responds by quoting scripture. There is no appealing to a demons better side- they have completely left it behind and do not have one.
Just read 2 Peter, which relates to some of this.
And also looked at 1 Peter 3:19 where he states that Jesus went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark......” Definitely not with him here.
Sailing speeds on the sea of Galilee? - 5:1
How long would it take to sail across the lake? The lake is 21 kilometres long and 11 kilometres wide. So if Gergasa were at the south end of the lake it would be about 20 kilometres in a straight line and if it were in the other spot at the north west area of the lake it looks like it would be somewhere around 6. I can't imagine they'd sail any faster than the puffin- I'd think a bit slower. 20 k's would have to take at least 2 hours wouldn't it? 6 a bit under an hour? Did the wind come back up after the squall? It had been commanded to cease- did they row the rest of the way?
How long does evening last? What sort of time frame would that cover for them?
I suppose if it was summer and you left at 5 and got there at 8 there would still be enough light.
Do swine feed at that sort of hour? Has Mark spliced two trips together- or are we still in the same day as the parable teaching and the storm?
How long does evening last? What sort of time frame would that cover for them?
I suppose if it was summer and you left at 5 and got there at 8 there would still be enough light.
Do swine feed at that sort of hour? Has Mark spliced two trips together- or are we still in the same day as the parable teaching and the storm?
Troubled silence- 5:1
So here after this incredible event – with enough to dwell on for months and years to come for the participants, we get the next sentence- “ They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. There's no description of how that period of time between sitting in boats awestruck to reaching the shore went. What were the next words spoken? What does Jesus say next? I would think the silence would have continued for at least the next 10 minutes, after perhaps whatever communication had taken place to set the boats on the journey once again. We don't get the inner commentary we would in a modern day account- Just on to the next event, which is described in the same matter of fact way though it is very extraordinary as well. (Did the disciples sleep that night? or was their adrenline well and truly spent- and they could have slept in boats in huge storms?)
an unmodern work
Chapter 5
This next transition clearly shows us this work is not a product of today. The moment of introspection is brief- and even this is more feelings that couldn't be controlled in light of the situation- and the question is an outward looking one to a degree- who is this person...
Of course that has ramifications for these men following- and I imagine some of these flowed through their heads as they continued on their journey. But that's where they stay. Not that this necessarily dates the work to 2000 years ago- just puts it out of my life time. It seems similar when you read any of the accounts of the early antarctic expeditions- shackleton or Mawson describe the privations going on well- but in the midst of these extreme circumstances- there is not a lot of introspection- only on the very rare occasion will there be a mention of the wife or fiancee back home- Shackleton allows a paragraph on the feeling – almost tangible- of a presence- a fourth person with their three man party, to describe the feeling of being divinely guided or supported- Mawson talks about providence- but again, in a very stiff upper lip way- even though one account talks of him coming out of that experience a different man- who henceforth paid more attention to the spiritual dimension of life. Contrast that with the expeditions that try to emulate them over the last 10 years – or adventures over greenland – and there is a mass of introspection, lengthy descriptions of team dynamics- justifications of why the leader made a particular decision- discourses on spirituality. Perhaps some of that has to do with the purposes of the different journeys- but the bigger thing I think is the spirit of the age.
This next transition clearly shows us this work is not a product of today. The moment of introspection is brief- and even this is more feelings that couldn't be controlled in light of the situation- and the question is an outward looking one to a degree- who is this person...
Of course that has ramifications for these men following- and I imagine some of these flowed through their heads as they continued on their journey. But that's where they stay. Not that this necessarily dates the work to 2000 years ago- just puts it out of my life time. It seems similar when you read any of the accounts of the early antarctic expeditions- shackleton or Mawson describe the privations going on well- but in the midst of these extreme circumstances- there is not a lot of introspection- only on the very rare occasion will there be a mention of the wife or fiancee back home- Shackleton allows a paragraph on the feeling – almost tangible- of a presence- a fourth person with their three man party, to describe the feeling of being divinely guided or supported- Mawson talks about providence- but again, in a very stiff upper lip way- even though one account talks of him coming out of that experience a different man- who henceforth paid more attention to the spiritual dimension of life. Contrast that with the expeditions that try to emulate them over the last 10 years – or adventures over greenland – and there is a mass of introspection, lengthy descriptions of team dynamics- justifications of why the leader made a particular decision- discourses on spirituality. Perhaps some of that has to do with the purposes of the different journeys- but the bigger thing I think is the spirit of the age.
Who then is this? -4:41
It was a pretty amazing climax to the day. In the NRSV it takes up 10 sentences. It is a spare account that is in no way sensationalised. There don't necessarily feel like all that many places to pause in Mark- its an express train account- but here is one of them- A dead calm after chaos, with Jesus penetrating questions, and the disciples sitting there immobilised with awe, whispering to one another- who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
“Who then is this?”
Peter – I think, is vividly remembering that evening- the awe- the trepidation- and that question he didn't know the answer to- which was deeply disturbing. Mark relays the account- without embellishment I would think- and hopes the reader picks up that unsettling invitation to try and work out the character and the substance of the central figure of his story.
“Who then is this?”
Peter – I think, is vividly remembering that evening- the awe- the trepidation- and that question he didn't know the answer to- which was deeply disturbing. Mark relays the account- without embellishment I would think- and hopes the reader picks up that unsettling invitation to try and work out the character and the substance of the central figure of his story.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
A haunting- 4:36-41
Other boats were with him- I've always thought of this story as just the one boat with Jesus and the twelve- but bigger than that- a few boats there- perhaps at least 40 or 50 people?
So there's a 'party' as all those Jane Austen type books would write. They are well on their way to being on the 'inside'- they have listened to a lot of Jesus teaching by this stage- seen many of the happenings in Capernaum- have 'hung out' with Jesus in contexts like this one. We've come to the evening – a far more pleasant part of the day- things have become a bit more sane- the crowd has gone. There's probably experienced fisherman handling each of the boats- (who else would go out in boats there?) Jesus goes to sleep on the proskefalaion (DBAG an object on which one may rest one's head, pillow- puts that may have this meaning here – but then says a sailors cushion is just as likely) and for the rest I think it would be that vibe of its being a big day- we can now experience the restfulness of evening among friends while we talk about what this man said. Then there comes a great windsquall lailaps megale anemou- the waves are breaking over the boat – so that the boat was already filling. So if I'm right – and the vibe was something like that before the storm comes- it gets shattered – and each of those boats is fighting for their lives. (Tommo tells how there are signs at carparks on the western shore of the lake today, warning that waves can swamp cars parked at the lake) And not surprisingly perhaps- Peter forgets all about those other boats, and the story focuses in on their boat. They battle the storm for a bit (they are fishermen- they know how to handle themselves- and Jesus keeps sleeping in the stern (maybe not a very big 'bit') – And this seems to be one of the most amazing things about this story- how on earth would you sleep through something like that- the movement, the noise, getting splashed... Jesus must have been incredibly tired- at the end of his physical resources- that tiredness that comes from a big day of teaching (feel much more wrecked than a day of lawn mowing). (perhaps there is a picture here of a life being fully spent- the present duty done, serving the father of the universe, who gives sleep to his beloved- why be anxious...)
Most things happen fast in Mark- and by the time he's described the storm briefly the boat is already filling with water. So they wake up the sleeping teacher – how did this happen? Peter at the tiller? some yelling to those closest? the natural sort of space given to a respected figure is gone – this has become life and death- they rouse him and say, 'Teacher do you not care that we are perishing?- an interesting question- on the spur of the moment in a crisis- but he's not a fisherman- so there's no appeal there to a sleeping captain as such, I suppose a crisis means that people often look to the most level headed- perhaps there's an element of 'it can't end this way' – they are following Jesus- have sensed something big and important is happening- and now they're going to drown in the lake... mostly I imagine self preservation- have tried conventional means- have tried our own resources- not up to it- so we'll look beyond that- and pray- or trying waking Jesus up.
Jesus wakes up, and rebukes the wind and says to the sea- keep silent- be still. and it happens. As though the wind and the waves were out of line- or maybe he just wanted to talk with the disciples in the boat. The wind drops and there is a great calm. That's a very quick change in your situation (Mark must have loved this story) One moment there's all the noise, movement and adrenaline of a massive storm- with you in a boat that looks like its about to go under- in the very next moment, there is no movement, no noise, you're just sitting in a boat with a man who commanded the storm to stop- and it did. And into that experience, into that stillness, comes Jesus voice, Ti deiloi este; oupw echete pistin; Two brief questions- why are you fearful (or cowardly)? Have you still no faith?
There is no- that was a pretty big storm wasn't it? Just the biggest lesson they had had all day on God's rule and this man who was inaugerating it. And they feared a great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?”
One fear replaced with another. This fear was a little more unknown- what are your limits? They'd seen some amazing things already- often happening to other people- you're in the middle of this- and it's bigger than a person with a sickness or a demon- Changing the weather on such a scale is a high order miracle, perhaps they thought they were getting a bit of a handle on Jesus- but that has all just gone out the window- and they know they know very little about who this man in the boat with them is- and how far his authority extends- And that uncertainty coupled with the demonstration of power they have just witnessed, terrifies them.
Those in the other boats- what's happening for them? They are one step removed- but would have also experienced the storm to stillness shift- and then I imagine heard the indignant? voice of Jesus cutting through the silence- and then perhaps been glad that they were not in the same boat.
They'd all just experienced a haunting. - Where something you hope is not true- turns out to be real- where half formed fears, materialised into something solid in front of them- and things turned out to be more complicated and less safe than they thought- and now they had to live with that- not knowing where its going to go.
Jesus goes to the heart of the issue- why be afraid when the Father is in control? Or when Jesus is in the boat with you? Where is your sight, perspective, common sense, faith, Mawson.
He wanted to build big things on the disciples faith- it was almost as though he was waiting for Peter's declaration- you are the Messiah, to move on to teaching them further things- the son of man must suffer and die and on the third day rise again. And he wants to build things on our faith as well.
So there's a 'party' as all those Jane Austen type books would write. They are well on their way to being on the 'inside'- they have listened to a lot of Jesus teaching by this stage- seen many of the happenings in Capernaum- have 'hung out' with Jesus in contexts like this one. We've come to the evening – a far more pleasant part of the day- things have become a bit more sane- the crowd has gone. There's probably experienced fisherman handling each of the boats- (who else would go out in boats there?) Jesus goes to sleep on the proskefalaion (DBAG an object on which one may rest one's head, pillow- puts that may have this meaning here – but then says a sailors cushion is just as likely) and for the rest I think it would be that vibe of its being a big day- we can now experience the restfulness of evening among friends while we talk about what this man said. Then there comes a great windsquall lailaps megale anemou- the waves are breaking over the boat – so that the boat was already filling. So if I'm right – and the vibe was something like that before the storm comes- it gets shattered – and each of those boats is fighting for their lives. (Tommo tells how there are signs at carparks on the western shore of the lake today, warning that waves can swamp cars parked at the lake) And not surprisingly perhaps- Peter forgets all about those other boats, and the story focuses in on their boat. They battle the storm for a bit (they are fishermen- they know how to handle themselves- and Jesus keeps sleeping in the stern (maybe not a very big 'bit') – And this seems to be one of the most amazing things about this story- how on earth would you sleep through something like that- the movement, the noise, getting splashed... Jesus must have been incredibly tired- at the end of his physical resources- that tiredness that comes from a big day of teaching (feel much more wrecked than a day of lawn mowing). (perhaps there is a picture here of a life being fully spent- the present duty done, serving the father of the universe, who gives sleep to his beloved- why be anxious...)
Most things happen fast in Mark- and by the time he's described the storm briefly the boat is already filling with water. So they wake up the sleeping teacher – how did this happen? Peter at the tiller? some yelling to those closest? the natural sort of space given to a respected figure is gone – this has become life and death- they rouse him and say, 'Teacher do you not care that we are perishing?- an interesting question- on the spur of the moment in a crisis- but he's not a fisherman- so there's no appeal there to a sleeping captain as such, I suppose a crisis means that people often look to the most level headed- perhaps there's an element of 'it can't end this way' – they are following Jesus- have sensed something big and important is happening- and now they're going to drown in the lake... mostly I imagine self preservation- have tried conventional means- have tried our own resources- not up to it- so we'll look beyond that- and pray- or trying waking Jesus up.
Jesus wakes up, and rebukes the wind and says to the sea- keep silent- be still. and it happens. As though the wind and the waves were out of line- or maybe he just wanted to talk with the disciples in the boat. The wind drops and there is a great calm. That's a very quick change in your situation (Mark must have loved this story) One moment there's all the noise, movement and adrenaline of a massive storm- with you in a boat that looks like its about to go under- in the very next moment, there is no movement, no noise, you're just sitting in a boat with a man who commanded the storm to stop- and it did. And into that experience, into that stillness, comes Jesus voice, Ti deiloi este; oupw echete pistin; Two brief questions- why are you fearful (or cowardly)? Have you still no faith?
There is no- that was a pretty big storm wasn't it? Just the biggest lesson they had had all day on God's rule and this man who was inaugerating it. And they feared a great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?”
One fear replaced with another. This fear was a little more unknown- what are your limits? They'd seen some amazing things already- often happening to other people- you're in the middle of this- and it's bigger than a person with a sickness or a demon- Changing the weather on such a scale is a high order miracle, perhaps they thought they were getting a bit of a handle on Jesus- but that has all just gone out the window- and they know they know very little about who this man in the boat with them is- and how far his authority extends- And that uncertainty coupled with the demonstration of power they have just witnessed, terrifies them.
Those in the other boats- what's happening for them? They are one step removed- but would have also experienced the storm to stillness shift- and then I imagine heard the indignant? voice of Jesus cutting through the silence- and then perhaps been glad that they were not in the same boat.
They'd all just experienced a haunting. - Where something you hope is not true- turns out to be real- where half formed fears, materialised into something solid in front of them- and things turned out to be more complicated and less safe than they thought- and now they had to live with that- not knowing where its going to go.
Jesus goes to the heart of the issue- why be afraid when the Father is in control? Or when Jesus is in the boat with you? Where is your sight, perspective, common sense, faith, Mawson.
He wanted to build big things on the disciples faith- it was almost as though he was waiting for Peter's declaration- you are the Messiah, to move on to teaching them further things- the son of man must suffer and die and on the third day rise again. And he wants to build things on our faith as well.
Teaching from boats- 4:35
Sounds like it was a pretty big day- crowds of people (pleistos ochlos – very large, huge – crowd), Jesus has been in a boat for a lot of the day teaching them- I wonder what month we're in? potentially pretty hot- reflected sun from the water- and a crowd that big- I'd imagine you'd need to throw your voice a fair bit. And I don't how this works exactly (need to find out) but without amplification (did they look out for natural ampitheatres where the acoustics would be better?) I'd think you need a pretty still day. So if this is close to the case, you have a hot, still, day, speaking in a loud voice for a large part of it, to a couple of thousand? people.- probably not that far from Capernaum. ( they go across to the other side- to the country of the Gerasenes/Gaderenes – looks like it might possibly be two different places on the atlas of the bible map, and that it's uncertain where Gergesa was- they put the journey across the lake going down the South end (country of Gadara – Sennabris) coming from near Capernaum.
I wonder why Jesus wanted to go to the other side of the lake. It reads slightly weirdly in the NRSV- And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was- says that in the Greek as well- so is Mark saying he took nothing with him- just the clothes on his back? I've just had a look at France, who mentions this is slightly weird. An aside to this- he mentions v10 – when Jesus was alone with the disciples- does he go out for a lunch break- at some point- because the crowd is there at the end, as it it gets left.
I wonder why Jesus wanted to go to the other side of the lake. It reads slightly weirdly in the NRSV- And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was- says that in the Greek as well- so is Mark saying he took nothing with him- just the clothes on his back? I've just had a look at France, who mentions this is slightly weird. An aside to this- he mentions v10 – when Jesus was alone with the disciples- does he go out for a lunch break- at some point- because the crowd is there at the end, as it it gets left.
Parables again- 4:33-34
“With many such parables he spoke the word to them...” Interesting that it is called the 'word'- I suppose something like the message. BDAG has,1, a communication whereby the mind finds expression, word a, of utterance, chiefly oral... (oratorical ability plus exceptional performance were distinguishing marks in Hellenic society, hence the frequent association of logos and ergon (deed)...)
...”as they were able to hear”. A statement which could seem to contradict why Jesus said he talked in parables. He wants people to hear- recognises that many wont – and does this say something about a knowledge of how to hold a crowd- not to go too far- say enough to pique curiousity. The crowds were flocking- and at times they stayed three days listening to him- what's the mix for most people? There are the miracles- but there's more to it than that. When he first spoke- what is this a new teaching and with authority. And whether Mark had any of the above understanding of 'word' in mind when writing, Jesus must have exhibited this (oratorical ability plus exceptional performance).
And he had this interesting message (word). A nation with a history of seers who spoke strange utterances- mouthpieces for the Master of the Universe- and here was someone who to the crowds had that sort of whiff. And then there is the character of the Galileans- ready to rally to a leader who would oppose the hated Romans. Is part of the crowds response trying to feel him out? John 6:66, interesting in the light of this- a point where many decided he had gone too far- was too radical for them- and the attraction wore off.
Once again Mark tells us (sort of summing up this last parable/ teaching section) that Jesus only spoke to the crowds in parables. - is this just in this instance or wider in his teaching? The sermon on the Mount is not particularly parables- although at the start at least it is to his disciples- though he has gone up the mountain because he saw the crowds (I wouldn't imagine the crowds remained a respectful distance as he did this).
The disciples got a private explanation of everything- certainly more is being given them. - he wants them to know, understand, hear, see- and ultimately because he wants them to do and to be.
...”as they were able to hear”. A statement which could seem to contradict why Jesus said he talked in parables. He wants people to hear- recognises that many wont – and does this say something about a knowledge of how to hold a crowd- not to go too far- say enough to pique curiousity. The crowds were flocking- and at times they stayed three days listening to him- what's the mix for most people? There are the miracles- but there's more to it than that. When he first spoke- what is this a new teaching and with authority. And whether Mark had any of the above understanding of 'word' in mind when writing, Jesus must have exhibited this (oratorical ability plus exceptional performance).
And he had this interesting message (word). A nation with a history of seers who spoke strange utterances- mouthpieces for the Master of the Universe- and here was someone who to the crowds had that sort of whiff. And then there is the character of the Galileans- ready to rally to a leader who would oppose the hated Romans. Is part of the crowds response trying to feel him out? John 6:66, interesting in the light of this- a point where many decided he had gone too far- was too radical for them- and the attraction wore off.
Once again Mark tells us (sort of summing up this last parable/ teaching section) that Jesus only spoke to the crowds in parables. - is this just in this instance or wider in his teaching? The sermon on the Mount is not particularly parables- although at the start at least it is to his disciples- though he has gone up the mountain because he saw the crowds (I wouldn't imagine the crowds remained a respectful distance as he did this).
The disciples got a private explanation of everything- certainly more is being given them. - he wants them to know, understand, hear, see- and ultimately because he wants them to do and to be.
The greatest vegetable- 4:30-32
We've had little glimpses of what the kingdom of God is like according to Jesus- he asks here- with what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? He's wanting people to pick this up (the kingdom) in that veiled way he's going about things. Here he says its like the small mustard seed- which is very small when sown upon the earth- yet when sown it grows and becomes the greatest of all shrubs ( Z & G have vegetable here – BDAG- edible garden herb, vegetable lists this verse and puts, 'every kind of garden herb') – large branches so birds of the air (heavens) can make nests in its shade- make nests is kataskenoun -take up ones abode, settle; here roost (Z & G).
Something small, that becomes great and provides somewhere to dwell. Is the point it looks inconsequential when sown, but becomes this solid thing that provides a home to many as it grows?
The seed does have to be sown as Thielicke points out- otherwise you don't get the big vegetable.
Again, as in the last parable have to realise that though the process is mysterious the Spirit is strong- Thielicke gives a story of the first bible study he led when he became a pastor- there were two old ladies and an organ player with cerebral palsy- didn't look very great- where are you in this?
Bit like that verse- don't (or is it who) despise the day of small things. But seeds sown can become trees.
Something small, that becomes great and provides somewhere to dwell. Is the point it looks inconsequential when sown, but becomes this solid thing that provides a home to many as it grows?
The seed does have to be sown as Thielicke points out- otherwise you don't get the big vegetable.
Again, as in the last parable have to realise that though the process is mysterious the Spirit is strong- Thielicke gives a story of the first bible study he led when he became a pastor- there were two old ladies and an organ player with cerebral palsy- didn't look very great- where are you in this?
Bit like that verse- don't (or is it who) despise the day of small things. But seeds sown can become trees.
The growing of plants- not all about you- 4:26...
4:26-
The sower sows and things grow and he has no idea how- “the earth produces of itself” - the greek is 'automater' – produces is 'karpoferew'- bears fruit. And Jesus says this is what the kingdom of God is like – a man who sows and then stuff happens of its own accord- while night follows day. But not withstanding this mystery, when he sees the crop is right, he goes in with the sickle- because the harvest has come.
what's it coming after- what are the hearers hearing- why does Jesus express it like this?
It comes after parables that put a bit of an emphasis on the person's action- you are light- you should make sure you shine- Be like good soil and produce abundantly. This parable seems to highlight the work of the Holy Spirit- Seed is sown, and the farmer goes away, and then by this mysterious process he does not understand, the seed grows into a plant. Man's action and God's action- there is a mysterious interaction there- The spirit is up to things in peoples lives- drawing, conjoling, illuminating- and that can lead to beautiful moments of redemption and redeemed lives.
I would think for many of the hearers this would have gone over their heads.
And why- That's a much harder question- although Jesus has already given an answer to that. In this particular case- I'm not sure- He's giving a whole lot of pictures or similes of what the kingdom of God is like (rule of God)- without being too clear- but wanting to provoke curiosity- And perhaps here's a big part of the why- Jesus wants us to know- he is keen that his hearers get a handle on reality- that they are let in on something he sees clearly- experiences and dispenses? This is the best thing ever- the most solid, enduring and good thing there is- I want you to know this. Probably need to keep this in mind when thinking about the Isaiah quote a bit earlier in this chapter. He is saying these things, but he is here on earth as a man saying these things. In a year or two he is going to die for those who will not turn and be forgiven as well as those who will. And the Fathers joy when one of these recalcitrant slow witted rebels 'turns' is massive. ... “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
We're living in an area where there could be a lot of joy if people repented. I don't have a huge idea about how to enter their worlds- or how I could connect to inspire such a change- but there's a mystery there like a seed growing into a plant- where I can go about my day and then go to sleep- And if it could be effected that brings the God/ man whom I serve great joy. Sounds like a good thing to be part of.
The sower sows and things grow and he has no idea how- “the earth produces of itself” - the greek is 'automater' – produces is 'karpoferew'- bears fruit. And Jesus says this is what the kingdom of God is like – a man who sows and then stuff happens of its own accord- while night follows day. But not withstanding this mystery, when he sees the crop is right, he goes in with the sickle- because the harvest has come.
what's it coming after- what are the hearers hearing- why does Jesus express it like this?
It comes after parables that put a bit of an emphasis on the person's action- you are light- you should make sure you shine- Be like good soil and produce abundantly. This parable seems to highlight the work of the Holy Spirit- Seed is sown, and the farmer goes away, and then by this mysterious process he does not understand, the seed grows into a plant. Man's action and God's action- there is a mysterious interaction there- The spirit is up to things in peoples lives- drawing, conjoling, illuminating- and that can lead to beautiful moments of redemption and redeemed lives.
I would think for many of the hearers this would have gone over their heads.
And why- That's a much harder question- although Jesus has already given an answer to that. In this particular case- I'm not sure- He's giving a whole lot of pictures or similes of what the kingdom of God is like (rule of God)- without being too clear- but wanting to provoke curiosity- And perhaps here's a big part of the why- Jesus wants us to know- he is keen that his hearers get a handle on reality- that they are let in on something he sees clearly- experiences and dispenses? This is the best thing ever- the most solid, enduring and good thing there is- I want you to know this. Probably need to keep this in mind when thinking about the Isaiah quote a bit earlier in this chapter. He is saying these things, but he is here on earth as a man saying these things. In a year or two he is going to die for those who will not turn and be forgiven as well as those who will. And the Fathers joy when one of these recalcitrant slow witted rebels 'turns' is massive. ... “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
We're living in an area where there could be a lot of joy if people repented. I don't have a huge idea about how to enter their worlds- or how I could connect to inspire such a change- but there's a mystery there like a seed growing into a plant- where I can go about my day and then go to sleep- And if it could be effected that brings the God/ man whom I serve great joy. Sounds like a good thing to be part of.
The danger of punctiliar thinking about the eternal- 4:24-25
present – the danger of punctiliar thinking about the eternal.
I'd say this statement definitely has an eschatalogical framework (sounds impressive). - So part of the more will be given you- is this new resurrection life, which enters a different phase when you die, and for those who even what they have will be taken away- perhaps the option on this life and an eternity in hell (is that the biblical picture- is everyone's soul immortal?).
I'm sure there is a danger about punctiliar thinking about the eternal- when we die we go to be with him and everything will be perfect- the worries of this life will be left behind (true) sin will be done away with, we will fully know, etc.
But our picture of eternity has to be limited- its a fair way beyond our ken- doesn't do much good being focused here. The whole, where eternity touches our experience is the present. And I think the emphasis in the bible with eternal life isn't on its duration but on its nature or quality.
“And this is eternal life, that they may know you and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Somehow if you are in relationship with the indestructible, powerful, loving, vital life at the heart of the universe- you know him (that probably needs more than an eternity) a by product is you will live forever.
I imagine Jesus was talking mostly about this life- when he said to those who have more will be given and from those who have nothing even what they have will be taken away. The 'topsy turvey' (as Chesterton would say) economy of the kingdom of God- you give away your life and you get it back with massive interest- you hold onto it, and its taken away- And not starting at the point of death- the important part (and what we can get a handle on) is all happening in our 3 score years and 10 (I think that's right) So that by holding onto life, you find your world smaller and smaller- because you cannot overcome yourself- and delight becomes less and less- niggles greater- foibles greater- but if you use a good measure, you find the world enlarged- discover your neighbour and the God of the two of you- niggles and foibles begin to be redeemed- Grace begins to be a lived experience.
Was it Hemingway who wrote at the end of his life how he'd become a shell of a man because he had not restricted his passions?
I'd say this statement definitely has an eschatalogical framework (sounds impressive). - So part of the more will be given you- is this new resurrection life, which enters a different phase when you die, and for those who even what they have will be taken away- perhaps the option on this life and an eternity in hell (is that the biblical picture- is everyone's soul immortal?).
I'm sure there is a danger about punctiliar thinking about the eternal- when we die we go to be with him and everything will be perfect- the worries of this life will be left behind (true) sin will be done away with, we will fully know, etc.
But our picture of eternity has to be limited- its a fair way beyond our ken- doesn't do much good being focused here. The whole, where eternity touches our experience is the present. And I think the emphasis in the bible with eternal life isn't on its duration but on its nature or quality.
“And this is eternal life, that they may know you and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Somehow if you are in relationship with the indestructible, powerful, loving, vital life at the heart of the universe- you know him (that probably needs more than an eternity) a by product is you will live forever.
I imagine Jesus was talking mostly about this life- when he said to those who have more will be given and from those who have nothing even what they have will be taken away. The 'topsy turvey' (as Chesterton would say) economy of the kingdom of God- you give away your life and you get it back with massive interest- you hold onto it, and its taken away- And not starting at the point of death- the important part (and what we can get a handle on) is all happening in our 3 score years and 10 (I think that's right) So that by holding onto life, you find your world smaller and smaller- because you cannot overcome yourself- and delight becomes less and less- niggles greater- foibles greater- but if you use a good measure, you find the world enlarged- discover your neighbour and the God of the two of you- niggles and foibles begin to be redeemed- Grace begins to be a lived experience.
Was it Hemingway who wrote at the end of his life how he'd become a shell of a man because he had not restricted his passions?
See what you hear- 4:24-25
and he said to them, see what you hear... or watch what you hear or take note of what you hear.
The NRSV has pay attention to what you hear- the NIV, consider carefully what you hear.
This comes straight after, 'let anyone with ears to hear listen!'
The measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given ; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.
Puzzled over this. I think its basically saying that- if you put into practice well- or use well what you hear, or take heed well- then the same seriousness of intent and perhaps a reciprocal love will be given back to you- but even more than this will be given you- perhaps a greater love and a greater seriousness of intent. And if you don't do anything with what you hear- if you are like the hard ground beside the field that is used as a thoroughfare, or the shallow soil that does not allow the seeds to take root- then you have not taken heed- you have not listened and responded- or at least have not responded appropriately- and the love of God and seriousness of intent is taken away.
The love of God and seriousness of intent probably doesn't quite capture it- and from other parts of the bible I know it doesn't work on a reciprocal arrangement- well if I love God and do this for him, he'll do stuff for me and love me- We love because he first loved us- He is the initiator – and the grace giver.
On the other hand – The reformation probably gives Protestants a bit of a blind spot here- a fear of works. Luther certainly regaled against James- what did he call it- a strawy epistle? There is often a dichotomy that sits falsely in our heads- works and grace- and it doesn't work like that, they are not mutually exclusive, its not an either or. It is 'all of grace' (thank God) but not cheap- hard won- and if you love me you will obey my commands- 'The measure you give' is in response- even in those who do not yet know what (or who) they are responding too- (It seemed like the thing I should do, conscience, the natural thing to do, what is right or good). Actions do not come out of a vacuum- nor for that matter thoughts- so the people who give people drinks of water, visit them in prison or clothe them when they are without clothes and thought they were just doing it because what else would you do- are giving a good measure; and Jesus receives these actions on his account- though they didn't know they were responding to him- they had responded well- they had 'heard well', had taken note of what they heard and hence the measure they gave. And these impulses and messages they are picking up from the source (in however a veiled way) and acting on- are somehow given back to them from the source- they get the measure back and still more will be given you.
The NRSV has pay attention to what you hear- the NIV, consider carefully what you hear.
This comes straight after, 'let anyone with ears to hear listen!'
The measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given ; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.
Puzzled over this. I think its basically saying that- if you put into practice well- or use well what you hear, or take heed well- then the same seriousness of intent and perhaps a reciprocal love will be given back to you- but even more than this will be given you- perhaps a greater love and a greater seriousness of intent. And if you don't do anything with what you hear- if you are like the hard ground beside the field that is used as a thoroughfare, or the shallow soil that does not allow the seeds to take root- then you have not taken heed- you have not listened and responded- or at least have not responded appropriately- and the love of God and seriousness of intent is taken away.
The love of God and seriousness of intent probably doesn't quite capture it- and from other parts of the bible I know it doesn't work on a reciprocal arrangement- well if I love God and do this for him, he'll do stuff for me and love me- We love because he first loved us- He is the initiator – and the grace giver.
On the other hand – The reformation probably gives Protestants a bit of a blind spot here- a fear of works. Luther certainly regaled against James- what did he call it- a strawy epistle? There is often a dichotomy that sits falsely in our heads- works and grace- and it doesn't work like that, they are not mutually exclusive, its not an either or. It is 'all of grace' (thank God) but not cheap- hard won- and if you love me you will obey my commands- 'The measure you give' is in response- even in those who do not yet know what (or who) they are responding too- (It seemed like the thing I should do, conscience, the natural thing to do, what is right or good). Actions do not come out of a vacuum- nor for that matter thoughts- so the people who give people drinks of water, visit them in prison or clothe them when they are without clothes and thought they were just doing it because what else would you do- are giving a good measure; and Jesus receives these actions on his account- though they didn't know they were responding to him- they had responded well- they had 'heard well', had taken note of what they heard and hence the measure they gave. And these impulses and messages they are picking up from the source (in however a veiled way) and acting on- are somehow given back to them from the source- they get the measure back and still more will be given you.
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