Scripture: Mark 12:38-44 (NRSV)

As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Context

Jesus continues teaching in the temple, challenging the scribes with questions they cannot answer and then denouncing them for their pretentious and self-serving ways.

Jesus is situated in the the “Court of the Women.” There would have been both men and women there. It was named in this manner because this was as far as women could go in the temple grounds.

In the latter portion of the scripture, Jesus is situated across from the temple treasury. From this vantage point, he could easily see people putting their money in the offering receptacles, which were metal and shaped like trumpets. There were thirteen of them, designated for a variety of purposes. It would have been easy to hear the sound of coins being dropped into them, with the size and kind of offering being readily obvious.

There were those who would have made a great show of how much they were giving. Their generosity would have been readily apparent. The “poor widow,” however, had only two small coins to offer. The more generous gifts are not condemned, but hers is clearly commended.

Reflection Questions

• What behavior of the scribes does Jesus condemn? Is it their wealth, or is it their pretension?
• Whom do we seek to impress with our giving?
• What do we seek to accomplish with our giving?
• How does this woman’s gift exemplify John Wesley’s teaching in his sermon, “The Use of Money,” that we are to “earn all we can, save all we can, [and] give all we can?”

Prayer

Lord, we are more wealthy than we realize. Help us to be generous, without having to have the attention of others. Amen.

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” ²⁹Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’ —this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.

Context

Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem. According to the Gospel of Mark, he has entered the city in triumph-riding on a previously unridden colt (11:1-11), cursed a fig tree (11:12-14), cleansed the Temple (11:15-19), interpreted the withering of the fig tree (11:20-26), dealt with challenges to his authority (11:27-33), told the parable of the wicked tenants (12:1-12), handled the issue of paying taxes (12:13-17), and responded judiciously to a question about the resurrection (12:18-27).

Jesus’ time of testing continues with the arrival of a scribe who asks an apparently innocent question about the greatest of the commandments–a traditional point of conversation or debate.  Jesus responds by citing not one commandment but two, what we have come to call the “Great Commandments.” They come from Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18.

Perhaps surprisingly, the scribe concurs with Jesus’ assessment. Jesus concludes with a word of affirmation that the scribe is “…not far from the kingdom of God”(12:34b).

Reflection Questions

• How do we deal with Jesus’ presence in the midst of our lives? Do we seek to argue him into submission, or do we listen to what he has to say?
• What are truly the “greatest commandments” for us?
• How do we love God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength?
• Who are the neighbors whom God gives us?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for coming among us and responding to our questions. Help us to live by the great commandments, as we seek to grow in our love of God and love of neighbor. Amen.

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52 (NRSV)

They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

Context

Jesus and his disciples continue on his journey to Jerusalem. He has told them of his coming death and resurrection three times (8:31-9:1, 9:30-31, 10:32-34), but they seem not to grasp what he is saying. The disciples quarrel along the way which of them was the greatest (9:33-37), and James and John try for special treatment (10:35-40).

As they come to Jericho, a large crowd has become part of Jesus’ entourage. The excitement–and apprehension–were mounting. Jerusalem–and the triumphal entry–is literally the next stop. Just as they are leaving Jericho, a blind man–without even his own name–calls repeatedly  for Jesus to have mercy on him.

“Bartimaeus” isn’t actually a name, even though that is how it appears to us. It simply identifies this man as the “Son of Timaeus.” Regardless of his namelessness, he knows precisely what he wants. He wants to see–not for the first time, but again. Without any further ado, Jesus announces the fact of his healing. And this unknown and unnamed man follows Jesus on the way to Jerusalem.

Reflection Questions

• Do you ever find yourself in spiritual darkness? What keeps you there? What brings you forth?
• Does Jesus’ healing of this blind man bring questions to your mind? If so, what are they? If not, why not?
• What is the “light at the end of the tunnel for you?”
• What does Jesus need to say or do for you to follow him on his way?

Prayer

Lord, give us the courage to call for help in the midst of our blindness. Give us the faith to believe in your power and purpose for our lives. And grant us the commitment to travel the path with you. Amen.

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45 (NRSV)

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Context

Jesus and his disciples are on their way to Jerusalem. At the beginning of the journey, Jesus cured a blind man, though it took him two tries to get it right (8:22-26). During the journey, the disciples are the ones who appear unable to see or understand anything clearly–despite Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi (8:27-30) and the Transfiguration of Jesus (9:2-8).

Jesus spoke  clearly about  his impending death (and resurrection)–not just once or twice, but three times. However, the disciples managed only to argue about who among them was the greatest (Mark 9:33-37), complain about someone else casting out demons in Jesus’ name (9:38-42), and try to keep people from bringing little children to Jesus for his blessing (10:13-16).

In this passage, James and John try to work out a private deal with Jesus so that they can be assured places of prominence and prestige in the coming kingdom.   They clearly do not (yet) understand what Jesus is saying and are looking out primarily for themselves.

The two disciples claim naively that they can “drink the cup” that Jesus will drink and be “baptized with the baptism” with which he will be baptized. They have no idea what this commitment will really mean, but Jesus does not scold them or chastise them for their lack of understanding. Indeed, he tells them that they will, indeed, go through what he has gone through.

Reflection Questions

• What “special privileges” do we expect in being disciples of Jesus? Exemption from suffering? Healing from illness? Long life? Prosperity?
• As we grow in the faith, how does Jesus help us understand more fully what it really  means to walk with him?
• How do we find ways to serve others authentically?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your patience and your guidance. Continue to walk with us in our journey of faith. Strengthen in us the commitment to “drink the cup” that you drink and be “baptized with the baptism” which you experienced. Amen.

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:10-11 (NRSV)

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters,

Context

The “Letter to the Hebrews” is never actually named by this title. According to the HarperCollins Study Bible (P. 2250), it is more of an “extended sermon,” although it does end like a letter and may well have been sent to a distant congrelation(13:22-25).

This “letter”  is sometimes attributed to Paul, but it is unlikely that he was the author. Other conjectures have been made, but none of them has  gained acceptance, and so its authorship remains unknown.

The “Letter to the Hebews” was probably written in the second generation of the early church. Its language is sophisticated, and it uses imagery from various fields of endeavor, including education, agriculture, seafaring, and athletics.

The most important source for the book is the Old Testament in its Greek form, the Septuagint, which is interpreted in the light of belief in Jesus.

Reflection Questions

• How did you come to know Jesus? Who is he for you?
• How can someone “be made perfect” through suffering (Hebrews 2:10).
• What does it mean for us to have the same Father as Jesus? How does this make us sisters and brothers?

Prayer

O God, we thank you for Jesus, who has opened the way to You and wants to bring us to glory. We are glad to be part of his everlasting family. Amen.

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7 (NRSV)

Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Context

The early church continues to grow in numbers, not only in spite of persecution but in some ways because of it. Despite threats and warnings, the apostles “did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah”(Acts 5:42).

The early church is not without its internal tensions. As their numbers grew, there came to be an issue between the Greek-speaking believers and those who spoke Hebrew. There seemed to be favoritism, with the Greek speaking widows “being neglected in the daily distribution of food”(Acts 6:1) Widows were among the most socially and culturally disadvantaged,

The solution was not to assign blame or argue about whose fault this might have been. Nor did the twelve disciples decide to work harder or faster. Instead, they divided the work, so that it might be done more effectively and equitably.This particular issue does not arise again.

Reflection Questions

• When people have complaints, concerns, or questions about the life and work of the church, how do we respond?
• Are we willing to speak up for others in need, even though we may not personally be suffering?
• Are we more concerned with fixing the blame or resolving the problem?
• Do we take or share responsibility?

Prayer

Lord, help us remain level headed when tensions arise in the life of the church. Guide us to find solutions rather than to assign blame. Amen.

Scripture: Acts 5:12-16 (NRSV)

Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem. Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.

Context

This is now the third summary of the community life of the early church. The first was Acts 2:42-47. The second was Acts 4:32-37.

“Signs and wonders” continue to be characteristic of the community. They have a commitment to sharing all of their possessions in common, although there has been an episode in which two believers decided to hold back part of the proceeds from the sale of property.

This decision had mortal consequences for Ananias and Sapphira, for they were deemed to have lied not just to the apostles but to God. And great fear [or awe] seized the whole church and all who heard of these things”(Acts 5:11). [Incidentally, this is the first time that the word "church" is used in the book of Acts.]

In this Sunday’s passage, it is reported that “more than ever believers were added to the Lord . . .”(Acts 5:13).  The primary appeal seems the prospect of healing. People from the outlying areas are bringing the sick and the ill to be cured.

Reflection Questions

• What is it that brought you to Jesus in the first place?
• Who is it that brought you to Jesus in the first place?
• Whom are you bringing to Jesus now?
• For what reason would you want someone to experience the power and presence of Jesus?

Prayer

Lord, we thank you for the “signs and wonders” that are being done among us, even though we may not recognize them. We think that there is healing in your presence, and we ask that you might guide us in bringing others to share in that experience. Amen.

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31 (NRSV)

After they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant:

‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers have gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.’

For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.

Context

What began as an act of mercy–the healing of a crippled beggar–has now escalated into a major confrontation. Peter and John have been placed under arrest and then brought before an assembly of the rulers, elders, and scribes to answer charges brought against them. The reality of the healing was undeniable, since the man was standing next to Peter and John. The two apostles are ordered “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus”(Acts 4:18), but reply that they “cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard”(Acts 4:20). The two are then released, though not without an additional threat.

Reflection Questions

• Is boldness or timidity more characteristic of believers in today’s world?
• When and how are we emboldened to proclaim the truth of Christ?
• What is it on which we would stake our life and well being?
• Do we truly believe in the power of God to perform “signs and wonders?”

Prayer

Lord, grant that we might speak and live your word “with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Amen.

Scripture: Acts 3:1-10 (NRSV)

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o”clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Context

The experience of Pentecost is just past, with about three thousand persons being added. The term, church, is not yet used. This will not occur until Acts 5:14. For now, they followers of Jesus are simply described as “those who believe.”

Awe inspiring “signs and wonders” were being done by the apostles. The believers were spending time together daily in the temple, and their faith was nurtured also at home (Acts 2:46).

The episode involving Peter and John at the temple is the first of the “signs and wonders” to be specifically named. As Peter had earlier  urged repentance and baptism “in the name of Jesus,” so now he again invokes the name of Jesus Christ in telling the man lame from birth to “stand up and walk”(Acts 3:6).

The lame and the blind were traditionally excluded from entering the temple itself, a practice dating from the time of David. (See 2 Samuel 5:8) The man “lame from birth” was essentially being excluded, or at least left on the margins.

Reflection Questions

• Whom do we exclude, leave on the margins, or have to make a special effort to notice?
• How often do we feel excluded, left on the margins, or unnoticed?
• How do we offer “what we have” to make a difference in other people’s lives?

Prayer

O God of the helpless and hopeless, strengthen us to offer what we have. Help us to extend a hand of help and hope to others. Help us to accept help and hope from others. Amen.

Scripture: Acts 2:43-47 (NRSV)

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Context

These verses conclude the story of Pentecost, which was originally a Jewish harvest festival. It became the occasion for the coming of the Holy Spirit in a powerful way, and it marks the beginning of the life of the church.

The day began with 120 believers gathered “all together in one place.” The coming of God’s Spirit upon them resulted in their speaking–not in an unknown languages but in other known languages. This “holy commotion” resulted in persons being drawn to see what was happening and then hearing for themselves in their native languages.
Peter then gets up and addresses the crowd about what is happening, seeing it as a fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. As Peter concludes, people are “cut to the heart” and ask what they should do. The answer was to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

So, scripture says, about 3000 people were added that day, and they “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers”(Acts 2:42).

Reflection Questions

• How do we experience being together with other believers? When, where, and how does that take place in meaningful and powerful ways?
• What “wonders and signs” do we seek taking place within–and beyond–our congregation?
• How do we respond to those who are in need?
• How do we experience “glad and generous hearts” for what God has done, is doing, and will yet do in us and through us?

Prayer

O God, thank you for the powerful blessings you bring to our lives. Give us “glad and generous hearts” and enable us to share more fully with our brothers and sisters in the fellowship of faith. Amen.