Liminality

When they stopped in Capernaum for a night’s rest Jesus asked them for their thoughts. Strangely the disciples were silent. They had nothing to say because they were arguing about whom among them was the greatest? Of course Peter thinks he is the favorite, but James and John vouch for themselves since they too got to go up on the mountain of Transfiguration. Yet Andrew chimes in saying, “You know I was the first one of us he called to follow. Surely I am the greatest!” It’s typical isn’t it? Jesus is trying to prepare the disciples for the future yet they are too distracted by their own ego. They want to know who among them is the greatest. They ask, “Where do I rank? Where am I in this picture?” If I’m truthful with you about myself, I have to admit that I’ve had similar thoughts. I’ve asked the question, “Am I the greatest here?” I tell my birth story as if it gives me credibility over anyone. Sure my mother’s tubes were tied before she conceived me and they mira...

In Mark 8 we are introduced to a blind man in Bethsaida. Jesus attempts to heal him, but it doesn’t work. People look like trees. I believe the author of Mark strategically places this story right before Peter's announcement 'Jesus is the Messiah' to connect the literary theme “people can see but no clearly." This theme is true for Peter for immediately following his announcement of who Jesus is he rebukes Jesus for predicting the Passion. Just like the blind man in Bethsaida, Peter can see -- but not clearly. So Jesus turns to the crowd and announces, “If any want to become my follower, 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, save it.” If you want to save your life then you must choose to lose it. It means the Kingdom of God becomes more important than careers and vacations. It means you become centered a...

Biblical Proverbs are so overlooked that when you Google Famous Proverbs, click on the first link that appears, the first Bible reference you get comes in as the 45th most popular slot. This is probably because people think they are largely devoid of theological content. Take Proverbs 26:11 for instance, “As a dog returns to his vomit, a fool returns to his folly.” This is not the most poetic line ever written. Most of the proverbs are pithy sayings that put in a nutshell the sort of common sense that people cross-stitch, frame, and hang on their kitchen walls. Moreover, some of the biblical proverbs appear to be contradictory or even downright untrue. Proverbs 26:4 advises, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” Fair enough, except the very next verse says, “Answer a fool according to his folly lest he be wise in his own eyes.” Which shall it be? Answer a fool or not? So it’s no wonder people shy away from such texts. But I think it i...