The Cost of Discipleship (MPLS)

Ephesians 1:3–14

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance towards redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

Mark 6:14–29

King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, ‘John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ But others said, ‘It is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’ But when Herod heard of it, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’

For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

‘Text Message’ Reflection:
From Pastor Heather Roth Johnson

When was the last time you forgave someone or someone forgave you? Forgiveness is a daily activity. I am always stepping on someone’s toe or making a mistake. I even apologize to my dogs when I left them out in the rain. They were a hot wet mess and not very pleased with me. I said I was sorry, and their forgiveness came quickly.

In the two Bible stories for today, we encounter forgiveness. In the Gospel of Mark, John the Baptist is decapitated by King Herod because John told him to repent. King Herod’s actions warranted a deep felt forgiveness to God. But the King was too good for that, and he didn’t want to lose face with his friends and family. So off with his head! In the Ephesians story, we get another death story, the one of Jesus. For Paul, we have the possibility for the forgiveness of sins because of the redemptive blood of Jesus. Paul is clear that it is not Jesus’ example or everyday life that saves people, but it is through his death and resurrection we are saved. Forgiveness then is a God activity, and we should practice it daily. 

These stories are not easy to process. No one likes to talk about death and decapitation. But here is the thing, and you may have heard me say this before: Life is a gift, and love is the point of it. We cannot do love without forgiveness. It’s like Mother Theresa said, “If we really want to love, we must learn to forgive.” That’s all that John the Baptist and Paul wanted the people to know. Repent to God, ask for forgiveness, and seek that out daily with one another.

‘Text Message’ Reflection Questions:

• How do you seek forgiveness from God?
• Do you use scripture to talk about forgiveness with your family and friends?
• Do you hold a grudge or are you quick to forgive?

Prayer:

God, help us come together. Where there is division, mend us together. When there is harm, save the people. Where there is a repentant heart, forgive us. Amen.