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Hello St. John’s Family,
The ability to openly express our thoughts, ideas, and opinions is a foundational aspect of a free society. Ideally, open expression leads to discourse: extended communication where ideas and thoughts are exchanged, with the ultimate goal of growth or greater insight into a complex topic. In today’s society, though, the result of expressing ideas is often discord: sharp disagreement between those expected to cooperate, where shame and vilification of others holding differing ideas is the outcome. We see this daily… so much so, that I sense many are reluctant at best to share any thoughts on difficult or potentially divisive topics.
On a recent Sunday evening, I turned on the television as a segment on 60 Minutes was beginning. The segment focused on the experience of the Beaufort, South Carolina community around an incredibly divisive topic: the banning of books in school libraries. As the focus became clear, I almost changed the channel. Here we go again, I thought – another story about entrenched arguments that will produce nothing but more deeply entrenched arguments. As I watched, though, I was surprised. People of different backgrounds came together to address a highly charged topic through conversation and discussion. Small groups consisting of community members, administrators, and teachers were formed. The 97 books identified to be banned were read in their entirety and discussed in these groups – similar to a book club. Each small group made recommendations to the entire group regarding the books they were assigned, and then a vote was held. Ultimately, 5 books were pulled from the school district’s libraries; the remainder were returned to the shelves. While all in the community were not in complete agreement, there seemed to be an overall “coming together” where learning and a deeper appreciation for others’ insights had taken place. Perhaps discourse is still possible!
As I thought more about that story, my mind soon went to the deeply held, differing ideas on Jesus during his travels and teaching. While first-century Palestine wasn’t exactly a “free” society, vibrant, open discussion on how to rightly live out one’s Jewish faith was a hallmark of that time. As Jesus engaged with all kinds of people, many differing opinions soon formed about his approach and his identity. Discussions soon became pointed, especially among faith leaders. Before long, discord seemed to accompany Jesus wherever he went.
Through all of this, Jesus didn’t back away from tough topics and he didn’t squash questions. In fact, he generally asked more questions. Deeper questions. Questions intended to engage and challenge those around him to engage more fully with God, such that God’s ways could be fully revealed.
Throughout Lent, we’ve been exploring some of Jesus’ questions in our worship services. This Sunday, we’ll hear Jesus ask his closest friends, who do you say I am? A powerful question, that inspires a faith-filled response from a close friend. Yet in answering that question, that friend and all the disciples quickly learn their conception of Jesus’ identity and work was much too narrow. I sense that is a lesson that Jesus continues to reveal to us today… when we pause to reflect and answer honestly.
I hope you’ll join me in doing that – pausing, reflecting, and answering Jesus honestly – this Sunday. Check out Mark 8:27-3, and then join me in worship. I look forward to seeing you then!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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