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I’m reading Mark 1-3 this morning, and I noticed something between the three chapters. Jesus’ first message was, “The time has come. ... The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (1:15). 1/7
Jesus is literally saying, “It’s time to change what you think/believe, because I’m here to show you how to think/believe differently. And that’s going to change everything. Following Jesus brings a LOT of change. 2/7
The next few passages tell of Jesus healing of the sick, confronting of those who were comfortable with their religion as it was, having weird supernatural conversations with demons, and inviting marginalised people to follow him. Following Jesus brings a LOT of surprises. 3/7
Then he has this sad experience where people call him crazy - strangers, those he’d offended, even his own family. Jesus is left with his disciples, asking, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” (3:33). Following Jesus brings a LOT of suffering. 4/7
Jesus didn’t entertain people. He invited them a richer, deeper life - a life so compelling that it was worth the change, surprise, and even suffering. When my experience with Jesus stops looking like this, I need to do some honest reflection and ask, “Why?” 5/7
And if I’m too scared/comfortable/prideful/etc. to welcome the change/surprise/suffering, I might not be ready to follow Jesus. (Maybe that’s why Mark 4 is Jesus telling the parable of the sower.) Truth: you ARE ready, but you’ve got to let go of yourself. 6/7
Trust Jesus. Trust the ways of the Kingdom of God. Trust the stories of the faithful people in your life. Trust the still, small voice of the holy spirit of Jesus that’s beckoning you to something more. Say “yes” to him ... and live the life you were created to live. 7/7
