Ready or Not

Last night Sharon and I began watching a DVD of a stage performance of the gospel of Mark by Max McLean. This fast-paced solo drama using only the words of Mark’s gospel shows how everything Jesus said and did was absolutely surprising and usually shocking. For example, Jesus wasn’t afraid to offend people — whether the religious leaders, the crowds, a Canaanite woman whose daughter was demon possessed, or his own disciples. By purposely offending people, Jesus was offering them an opportunity to transcend the lives they were living and embark on a life that they could have never imagined was possible. But now this life, this impossible life, was standing in front of them and talking to them.

Potential

We must never minimize Jesus, or what it means to follow him. Jesus’ own words won’t let us. He is forever prodding and poking and jolting. In the gospel reading for today, the poor disciples have been trying to cast out a demon and to heal a boy who suffers with seizures. When Jesus shows up, the boy’s father complains about Jesus’ disciples’ ineptitude. Undoubtedly the disciples feel frustrated and embarrassed, having nothing to show for their efforts. Instead of comforting and encouraging the disciples, Jesus says, “O unbelieving and perverse generation. How long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?” So much for his being cuddly.