The Call to Community (MPLS-Celebration Sunday)

Proverbs 1:20–33

Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice. At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? Give heed to my reproof; I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called and you refused, have stretched out my hand and no one heeded, and because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when panic strikes you, when panic strikes you like a storm, and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, would have none of my counsel, and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way and be sated with their own devices. For waywardness kills the simple, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.”

Mark 8:27–38

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

‘Text Message’ Reflection:
From Pastor Kris Tostengard Michel

A few days ago, a long-time friend sent a text to our friend group with some important news. She prefaced the announcement with, “Not for Facebook.” In other words, this info is not yet for the general public. 

This week’s reading from Mark begins with an insight that’s not yet for public consumption either. Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” and then “Who do you say that I am?” Peter gets it right when he says, “You are the Messiah,” meaning, “the anointed one of God,” but that’s a confession that’s not yet ready for public announcement. For Peter and others longing for a Savior, the title implies a militaristic or political leader who will overthrow Rome. It’s the reverse of what God has in mind, so Jesus orders them to keep quiet, and he gives himself another title, “Son of Man.” 

Now Jesus is ready to say it out loud for everyone to hear: the Son of Man will experience suffering, rejection and death, and those who want to follow him will deny themselves and take up their cross and follow him. They’ll lose their life – their “inmost self”, their purpose – in order to save it. It’s the great reversal, the heart of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Like the first Christians, we know where this story is headed, and like the characters in the story, we struggle with what it means for us. Yet, the call to follow Jesus beckons.

‘Text Message’ Reflection Questions:

• People sometimes refer to any kind of suffering as a “cross to bear.” Yet, Jesus talks about taking up one’s cross and losing one’s life “for the sake of the gospel.” What might this distinction have to say about human suffering? 
• When have you found meaning in setting aside your own priorities or creature comforts for the sake of another?
• Exodus 3 tells the story of Moses and the burning bush, with verses 13-14 detailing a conversation about God’s name. How might Mark, the gospel writer, be alluding to this story?

Prayer:

Life-giving God, help us hear your call, and give us courage to follow where you lead. Amen.