v31
The NIV has, 'then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived,' - so they've translated 'Kai' as then- I wonder if you can do that... instead of 'and' (know it can mean also – and just some sort of joining word- use of a conjunction seems much bigger in Greek- and they keep starting sentences with them- bad english). Arrived is erketai- came.
This is fascinating. Jesus is in the middle of something else- and the word comes in (how much does he know about their motives?) and he takes the intrusion and makes a telling point that cuts across the strongest bonds most/many humans experience- or perhaps loyalties would be a better word. The people in the circle must have only had a vague idea of what he was going on about. “For whoever does the will of God, this one is my brother and mother.
How did he say it? And how did the situation end? Did he leave his family waiting? Was this the last thing he said to the crowd as he went to see them? (I don't think he would have immediately- the import of what he was saying – was that those before him were 'closer' family- or at least on the way there if they put what he was saying into practice). Did his family wait outside- and when the crowd eventually dispersed- after the family had got more and more frustrated – did he come out- was there a scene? From the small snippets we get- can conjecture a growing wedge- In John- the sarcastic comments to Jesus by brothers before going down to the festival (I would assume this was after this incident- and perhaps this incident had contributed to their tone...)
The sword thing Jesus talks about happens in his own family- with at first it seems everyone against him. But then we have turnarounds- and amazingly strong followers- people that thought their brother was God- and never sought to 'take him in hand' again.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
My blasphemous praxis- 3:22-30
Vs22
It's a pretty weighty accusation to bring against someone- He is possessed by Satan- by the prince of Demons he is driving out demons.- It is, as Jesus points out, also ridiculous. There's a word for that- is it disingenous? where you say something- which you know not to be true- but say it anyway- with the effect of trying to mislead people- using your position to do it. Perhaps this is the crux of the matter when Jesus says- 'whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin'- Of all the strong things he says in discourse with the pharisees- this is perhaps the strongest- the application is wider than just these men (and may not be the case for these men perhaps), but what the catalyst is for such a comment is the Beelzebub assertion. (Beelzeboul in Greek- so why on earth change it to beelzebub? they're both weird in English)
To enjoy an eternal relationship with the Father, God must be acknowledged for who he is- even if this knowledge is very partial- there also needs to be an appropriate response- If you say God is a servant of Satan- you have totally misrepresented reality- will never get it right- but far more seriously have probably done something diabolical- because somewhere there – there is that duplicity or whatever the word is I'm looking for- I shall purposely misrepresent you – though I actually know this is not the case. There is, I imagine all sorts of subtleties here- but in the end all that do not acknowledge Jesus as Lord will be in this position- even those who have never heard of him per se- I'm sure they have slightly different parameters in one sense- but then probably not so different- (whoever has- more will be expected of him...) A whole lot of mysteries of Judgement, which thankfully I don't have to fully know about. But perhaps the important thing (apart from a reminder of the reality that many (most?) humans currently living on the planet, shall commit that eternal sin- that Jesus would love this not to be the case- and would like to send me- (as the Father sent him) to save as many as possible from this fate- ((my figures don't look very good at the moment)), is that my praxis can head down this way- I don't say Jesus is who he isn't in essence- just live as though he's not who I say he is. Too often, I'm sure, I disobey the Spirit- and perhaps that is not as far removed from blasphemy as what I might think on a first reading.
It's a pretty weighty accusation to bring against someone- He is possessed by Satan- by the prince of Demons he is driving out demons.- It is, as Jesus points out, also ridiculous. There's a word for that- is it disingenous? where you say something- which you know not to be true- but say it anyway- with the effect of trying to mislead people- using your position to do it. Perhaps this is the crux of the matter when Jesus says- 'whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin'- Of all the strong things he says in discourse with the pharisees- this is perhaps the strongest- the application is wider than just these men (and may not be the case for these men perhaps), but what the catalyst is for such a comment is the Beelzebub assertion. (Beelzeboul in Greek- so why on earth change it to beelzebub? they're both weird in English)
To enjoy an eternal relationship with the Father, God must be acknowledged for who he is- even if this knowledge is very partial- there also needs to be an appropriate response- If you say God is a servant of Satan- you have totally misrepresented reality- will never get it right- but far more seriously have probably done something diabolical- because somewhere there – there is that duplicity or whatever the word is I'm looking for- I shall purposely misrepresent you – though I actually know this is not the case. There is, I imagine all sorts of subtleties here- but in the end all that do not acknowledge Jesus as Lord will be in this position- even those who have never heard of him per se- I'm sure they have slightly different parameters in one sense- but then probably not so different- (whoever has- more will be expected of him...) A whole lot of mysteries of Judgement, which thankfully I don't have to fully know about. But perhaps the important thing (apart from a reminder of the reality that many (most?) humans currently living on the planet, shall commit that eternal sin- that Jesus would love this not to be the case- and would like to send me- (as the Father sent him) to save as many as possible from this fate- ((my figures don't look very good at the moment)), is that my praxis can head down this way- I don't say Jesus is who he isn't in essence- just live as though he's not who I say he is. Too often, I'm sure, I disobey the Spirit- and perhaps that is not as far removed from blasphemy as what I might think on a first reading.
He's not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy
Apparently the word order in verse 22 suggest there was opposition between popular opinion and that of the scribes (Zerwick & G). The family (those coming from him- can't be that, so – those close to him – family – apparently they know that meaning from later papyri). Have an interesting reaction. Are they at Capernaum at the moment? Are they hearing all the stories filtering through to Nazareth? Is this a 'he's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy moment?
They didn't even have time to eat- and the crowds come- what was it that motivated the family- genuine concern? annoyance? Jesus must have been working at the family business for at least 15 years in Nazareth- Perhaps with Joseph for all of that time if we take Barnett's point about John 6 something- Perhaps as the chief Carpenter with other sons involved if Joseph had died earlier. I imagine Jesus was diligent- that the business was in good standing – and even if Joseph was still alive, I imagine by the time Jesus was 30 it was more like a partnership. -That it would have been a joy to work there – the family may have been proud of it- proud to be associated with it- proud of the big brother- who knows, but if it was something like that – and Jesus one day just leaves to go off and what... Why's he throwing his life away? He's got a good job- he seemed happy- we were all happy- its so good having him around. I wonder what the Catholics do with this- Mary knows Jesus is destined for greatness- yet here she is thinking she knows better- “He is out of his mind.”
I suppose we are in Capernaum- did Jesus family happen to be there at the same time? were they coming to see him?
At least half his life he would have spent as a Carpenter- probably even more associated with the business- doing increasingly more there as he grew up. I think that's massively significant- though I'm not sure if I'm sure of exactly why. Did he heal anyone in this time? Did he teach anyone? - have bible studies in the back of the workshop? - it doesn't particular appear so- but then all of these things are conjecture or arguments from silences.
So one day he hands over the business to the next son and heads down to where John is baptising people? And embarks on a very different line- a teacher whose listeners had never heard of teaching with such authority (in a land full of teaching). And he's healing people – and casting out demons- and hinting at a few things- that he is the messiah- that he is the son of God- that he is God.
Pretty under the radar- its the demons who are the first to recognise him.
Those 15 years or so- what was going on for you?
They didn't even have time to eat- and the crowds come- what was it that motivated the family- genuine concern? annoyance? Jesus must have been working at the family business for at least 15 years in Nazareth- Perhaps with Joseph for all of that time if we take Barnett's point about John 6 something- Perhaps as the chief Carpenter with other sons involved if Joseph had died earlier. I imagine Jesus was diligent- that the business was in good standing – and even if Joseph was still alive, I imagine by the time Jesus was 30 it was more like a partnership. -That it would have been a joy to work there – the family may have been proud of it- proud to be associated with it- proud of the big brother- who knows, but if it was something like that – and Jesus one day just leaves to go off and what... Why's he throwing his life away? He's got a good job- he seemed happy- we were all happy- its so good having him around. I wonder what the Catholics do with this- Mary knows Jesus is destined for greatness- yet here she is thinking she knows better- “He is out of his mind.”
I suppose we are in Capernaum- did Jesus family happen to be there at the same time? were they coming to see him?
At least half his life he would have spent as a Carpenter- probably even more associated with the business- doing increasingly more there as he grew up. I think that's massively significant- though I'm not sure if I'm sure of exactly why. Did he heal anyone in this time? Did he teach anyone? - have bible studies in the back of the workshop? - it doesn't particular appear so- but then all of these things are conjecture or arguments from silences.
So one day he hands over the business to the next son and heads down to where John is baptising people? And embarks on a very different line- a teacher whose listeners had never heard of teaching with such authority (in a land full of teaching). And he's healing people – and casting out demons- and hinting at a few things- that he is the messiah- that he is the son of God- that he is God.
Pretty under the radar- its the demons who are the first to recognise him.
Those 15 years or so- what was going on for you?
Jono Davey Robbo Macca Snodgrass Roughshod
Place/lay on / impose epethairken – the word used to describe Jesus giving of names to Peter and the sons of thunder. - not bad names he gives- the rock and sons of thunder- what does it say about Jesus? I'm sure they were like badges of honour for these men- good names for men- something to aspire to- probably more than just a nickname- somehow Jesus has seen something of what they might become.
Twelve- 3:13-19
Calls those who he wanted up to the hills with him- how exactly did this work- I presume he told them before he went up- they still would have all been by the lake after the crowds had gone. Where the numbers following him and travelling with him getting to large? Was this a pragmatic thing forced by circumstances- and Jesus picks 12 because that's about the right number and happens to fit in with the tribes- or was this part of a long thought through plan? Perhaps the first reason that is given shows the necessity clearest- “so that they might be with him”- then sent to proclaim and have authority to drive out demons.
Somehow that is still just as much a necessity (in a different sense to the last usage). I have to be “with him”. Different to the disciples in that there is no physical person to go about with- but through both the written 'word' of the scripture and the Holy Spirit residing within- have to follow in his footsteps closely- seek to know and emulate- seek out his thinking on matters- and apply it.
Just reading a bit from Hybels book Who are you when no-ones looking about the need for discipline- The disciples had little choice about being with him- after being chosen and accepting this- they were living closely (though the withness between them varied- and some were priveleged to be get a fuller window into this 'withness' – Peter, James and John getting to see the transfiguration)- but we have to make time for it- like Jesus did with the Father- early mornings off to deserted places- I only do what I see the Father doing- to come out with statements like that- means a lot of time seeking to know him and his purposes- and becoming adept at tuning into the Spirit.
Somehow that is still just as much a necessity (in a different sense to the last usage). I have to be “with him”. Different to the disciples in that there is no physical person to go about with- but through both the written 'word' of the scripture and the Holy Spirit residing within- have to follow in his footsteps closely- seek to know and emulate- seek out his thinking on matters- and apply it.
Just reading a bit from Hybels book Who are you when no-ones looking about the need for discipline- The disciples had little choice about being with him- after being chosen and accepting this- they were living closely (though the withness between them varied- and some were priveleged to be get a fuller window into this 'withness' – Peter, James and John getting to see the transfiguration)- but we have to make time for it- like Jesus did with the Father- early mornings off to deserted places- I only do what I see the Father doing- to come out with statements like that- means a lot of time seeking to know him and his purposes- and becoming adept at tuning into the Spirit.
Favourite camping spots- 3:7-12
Jesus withdraws/ retires/ takes refuge , to the sea (lake). - It's been pretty hectic, and Jesus takes the disciples to a quieter and scenic place- like what we do. I wonder if they had their favourite spots? Was there the equivalent of a family picnic in Palestine? Or a few days camping?
But he/ they are thwarted – a polu plairthos – a great multitude from galilee and then as well from all over- Judea, Jerusalem, from around the Jordan, and around Tyre and Sidon, follow them there. All the last groups, Mark says, because they heard everything that he was doing.
I don't think I would have handled it the same way as Jesus- even if I didn't have the heart to send people away (which I might have), I would have interacted with the crowd begrudgingly- I appreciate solitude/ rest after periods of busyness.
And he said to his disciples to have a small boat standing by in order that the crowd would not crush/ press upon him (something along those lines).
For he had healed many so that they fell about/ thronged about/ were on top of one another – idea- epipiptein.
The evil spirits- (unclean spirits in Greek) – all seem to be following the same course of action- “you are the Son of God”- and Jesus response is the same as well- strict orders to shut up.
But he/ they are thwarted – a polu plairthos – a great multitude from galilee and then as well from all over- Judea, Jerusalem, from around the Jordan, and around Tyre and Sidon, follow them there. All the last groups, Mark says, because they heard everything that he was doing.
I don't think I would have handled it the same way as Jesus- even if I didn't have the heart to send people away (which I might have), I would have interacted with the crowd begrudgingly- I appreciate solitude/ rest after periods of busyness.
And he said to his disciples to have a small boat standing by in order that the crowd would not crush/ press upon him (something along those lines).
For he had healed many so that they fell about/ thronged about/ were on top of one another – idea- epipiptein.
The evil spirits- (unclean spirits in Greek) – all seem to be following the same course of action- “you are the Son of God”- and Jesus response is the same as well- strict orders to shut up.
Chapter 3 Small town gossip
Chapter 3
Another story about sabbath watchers with agendas- I wonder if Mark put it here because he had just told one – so he then thought of this one. It also shows something of a progression- there is a growing group chrystalising against Jesus. “some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus so they watched him closely, to see if he would heal him on the sabbath” How did Peter (or Mark) know this? I suppose it could have been more than just being there and seeing the expressions on their faces- seeing how they responded when challenged by Jesus- seeing the way they departed in groups, whispering among themselves. Small town stuff where small town gossip got around. Peter might have even had friends that were close to such people and told him of the some of the conversations.
How big would the Herodians have been? I imagine the disciples and Jesus received word of the plotting in the same sort of way- what sort of conversations would this have led to amongst the disciples- I suppose we see some of the potential outworkings of these conversations and then personal rumination when Peter tries to prevent Jesus from following a path that would get him killed.
There were fast friends and brothers within the group- they could have talked fairly unencumbered I imagine- there was so much going on- trying to get a handle on Jesus- taking this punt on him- somehow being captured by him- seeing a noose starting to tighten- following threads through- what does Thomas say about following Jesus to Jerusalem and dying with him...
Another story about sabbath watchers with agendas- I wonder if Mark put it here because he had just told one – so he then thought of this one. It also shows something of a progression- there is a growing group chrystalising against Jesus. “some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus so they watched him closely, to see if he would heal him on the sabbath” How did Peter (or Mark) know this? I suppose it could have been more than just being there and seeing the expressions on their faces- seeing how they responded when challenged by Jesus- seeing the way they departed in groups, whispering among themselves. Small town stuff where small town gossip got around. Peter might have even had friends that were close to such people and told him of the some of the conversations.
How big would the Herodians have been? I imagine the disciples and Jesus received word of the plotting in the same sort of way- what sort of conversations would this have led to amongst the disciples- I suppose we see some of the potential outworkings of these conversations and then personal rumination when Peter tries to prevent Jesus from following a path that would get him killed.
There were fast friends and brothers within the group- they could have talked fairly unencumbered I imagine- there was so much going on- trying to get a handle on Jesus- taking this punt on him- somehow being captured by him- seeing a noose starting to tighten- following threads through- what does Thomas say about following Jesus to Jerusalem and dying with him...
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