ASHAMED OF CHRIST (36 OF 49)
Scripture: Mark 8:27-38
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Ashamed of Christ (36 of 49)
Lectionary, Year B, Proper 19
Christopher B. Harbin
Mark 8:27-38
Shame is an integral part of our society, especially that society surrounding the church. We have a history of using shame to enforce moral codes, to keep people in line, and to hide from issues we don’t want addressed in the light of day. When it comes to Jesus, things seem a little more straightforward. We are quick to claim to know Jesus. We are quick to claim our allegiance. We are quick to profess faith publicly, dress our vehicles in bumper stickers, and wear our religious identity on our sleeves. Are we as quick to follow our claims with promoting Jesus’ teaching and example, even when they conflict with our social norms and values?
Peter was not ashamed of Jesus. He was the first one of the disciples to declare Jesus to be Yahweh’s Messiah. He was vocal about following Jesus. He declared his allegiance forcefully. He was the quickest to claim a willingness to die for Jesus. His would have been the truck flying a Christian Flag and boasting a “Honk if you love Jesus” bumper sticker. He made no bones about his commitment. He did not shirk from speaking up on Jesus’ behalf. It was to Peter, however, that Jesus addressed these words in today’s passage, “Those who are ashamed of me and my words will find me likewise ashamed of them.”
Here in the center of Mark’s gospel, Peter had just declared Jesus to be God’s Anointed. We jump a paragraph, and Jesus tells Peter he is speaking as though he were ashamed of Jesus and Jesus’ words. That seems a pretty quick about-face if you ask me. How does one go from professing Jesus as God’s anointed Messiah to being ashamed of Jesus in such short order?
Peter’s actions and words don’t seem to fit our definitions of being ashamed of Jesus. At least, they don’t fit until we pay close attention to what Jesus says. Jesus links his person with his actions and words, his teaching with his role as Messiah. His character and ...
Lectionary, Year B, Proper 19
Christopher B. Harbin
Mark 8:27-38
Shame is an integral part of our society, especially that society surrounding the church. We have a history of using shame to enforce moral codes, to keep people in line, and to hide from issues we don’t want addressed in the light of day. When it comes to Jesus, things seem a little more straightforward. We are quick to claim to know Jesus. We are quick to claim our allegiance. We are quick to profess faith publicly, dress our vehicles in bumper stickers, and wear our religious identity on our sleeves. Are we as quick to follow our claims with promoting Jesus’ teaching and example, even when they conflict with our social norms and values?
Peter was not ashamed of Jesus. He was the first one of the disciples to declare Jesus to be Yahweh’s Messiah. He was vocal about following Jesus. He declared his allegiance forcefully. He was the quickest to claim a willingness to die for Jesus. His would have been the truck flying a Christian Flag and boasting a “Honk if you love Jesus” bumper sticker. He made no bones about his commitment. He did not shirk from speaking up on Jesus’ behalf. It was to Peter, however, that Jesus addressed these words in today’s passage, “Those who are ashamed of me and my words will find me likewise ashamed of them.”
Here in the center of Mark’s gospel, Peter had just declared Jesus to be God’s Anointed. We jump a paragraph, and Jesus tells Peter he is speaking as though he were ashamed of Jesus and Jesus’ words. That seems a pretty quick about-face if you ask me. How does one go from professing Jesus as God’s anointed Messiah to being ashamed of Jesus in such short order?
Peter’s actions and words don’t seem to fit our definitions of being ashamed of Jesus. At least, they don’t fit until we pay close attention to what Jesus says. Jesus links his person with his actions and words, his teaching with his role as Messiah. His character and ...
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