HORIZONS BIBLE STUDY 2015-2016
WHO IS JESUS? WHAT A DIFFERENCE A LENS MAKES
Lesson 1 – Mark 8:27-33
So much of our news is about power, whether its focus is political, economic, military or personal power. We follow the presidential campaigns to see who will become the most powerful leader in the world. Economic power builds jobs, and companies’ and military power is used both to protect and to terrorize and kill. Personal power is used for good, as our churches have hundreds of adults tutoring students in schools in poor neighborhoods. All personal power can also be abused by parents or politicians. Where do you see power wielded for good and for evil?
Jesus in the Gospel of Mark is charismatic. Jesus is like a rock star, with news of him spreading quickly and people flocking to see him. Jesus is dynamite, stronger than evil, powerfully casting out demons and healing the sick. Crowds gather and swell to be near him, pressing in so closely that he and his disciples cannot even eat when Jesus is at home (Mark 1:32-34; 1:40-45; 2:1-2; 3:7-12; 3:19b-20).
We understand the crowds. Who wouldn’t want to be near a person who teaches with authority and who can alleviate the torment brought by mental and physical illness? Who wouldn’t want to be near a person who, by curing, can enable people to work again? If a loved one or we are suffering a debilitating illness, we want Jesus to come with healing power. If our hearts are broken by the plight of refugees escaping war or the grinding poverty that leaves many people hungry, we want Jesus to come and change the political and social structure that oppresses so many.
The people of Judea want a dynamic Messiah who will sweep in and set the world right, a Messiah who will throw off Roman oppression, a Messiah who will bring in a new kingdom where prosperity will reign. “Messiah” means “anointed one.” Prophets, priests and kings were anointed as God’s servants. Messianic expectations were high in the first century, which is understandable among a people who are largely poor and without political power. Those who follow Jesus want such a Messiah, too.
When Jesus comes to Bethsaida, some people bring a blind man and beg Jesus to touch the man. It is a surprising story, because Jesus does not heal the man immediately. Jesus lays his hands on the blind man and asks, “Can you see anything?” The man responds, “I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Jesus lays his hands on the man’s eyes again and then the man sees everything clearly (Mark 8:22-26). Why does it take Jesus two tries?
This story can be read as a metaphor for the disciples. They who follow Jesus cannot see Jesus clearly. They want a Messiah who fits their expectations. They are blind to who Jesus really is and what kind of Messiah Jesus will become.
Immediately following this healing story, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” Peter replies, “You are the Messiah.” Jesus goes on to define who he is by teaching the disciples that he must suffer, be rejected and killed and, after three days, rise again. Peter is horrified – he grabs Jesus and rebukes him. We can imagine that, Peter says, “Shut your mouth, Jesus! This cannot be true! You as the Messiah are not going to suffer and die! It is not supposed to turn out this way. You are the man of power. You will fulfill our needs and hopes.” Jesus replies to Peter with a harsh rebuke of his own, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things” (Mark 8:31-33). What a slap in the face!
No doubt Peter does not want a suffering Lord because it implies that those who follow Jesus might have to suffer, too. Jesus is clear that being his disciple will bring hardship both personally and interpersonally. We may experience the distress of discipleship as we seek to crucify our self-centeredness, our desire for approval or status (Mark 8:34-38). We may feel the disconnect we have with family and friends who believe that success, comfort, security or achievement define a person’s worth, rather than God’s love of us.
Yet, there is a glorious upside to Mark’s portrayal of Jesus as the suffering Son of God. Jesus redefines power as servant-power used to heal, rescue and save. In rejecting military force and economic clout, Jesus reveals God as one who suffers with us and for us. Jesus as the crucified Messiah knows our despair and suffering. As risen Lord, he is with us in every circumstance of life, giving us hope and strength. That is a Lord that I am willing to follow. How about you?
ROSALIND BANBURY is associate pastor for adult ministries at First Church
in Richmond, Virginia.
