Opening sentence. Jesus said, If any want to become my followers,let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’ Mark 8:34
Collect. Let us pray (for the peace which is born of faith and hope):Father in heaven, Creator of all, look down upon your people in their moments of need, for you alone are the source of our peace. Bring us to the dignity which distinguishes the poor in spirit, and show us how great is the call to serve, that we may share in the peace of Christ who offered his life in the service of all. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Reading. James 3:1-12. James begins this section with a warning to those who would be teachers of the Gospel. It seems from some of the early church letters that there were many who chose to be teachers but for various reasons taught a false gospel. James warned all teachers that they will be judged more harshly. People come to faith often through the proclamation of the word. Teaching in the context that James is discussing is not simply passing on knowledge but is also sharing truth and life saving power. The word in this sense is seen as powerful within the Christian tradition. It was the word of God that gave birth to the whole of creation and it is the word which brings new life and new birth to Christian Believers. Thus teachers have a huge responsibility as they speak God’s word. We need to have some care when we choose to guide others in their knowledge and understanding of God and in matters of faith. That is sometimes more subtle than we might imagine for it is easy to think that we can straighten out people’s thinking on a certain subject. James is saying that when that happens we need to know that we really are in possession of the truth and for that one has to be called by God. Teachers then will be judged more diligently because they are so sure that they hold the truth.
This quite stern warning about teachers leads James on to speak about the tongue. He reminds his readers, perhaps ironically, that anyone who can control the tongue will be able to live a life without sin. Of course James knows full well that no one can do either. The reality is no one can control the tongue or live a sinless life. Nevertheless James goes on to warn his readers of how great an impact words, specially hasty or ill-informed words can have.
James uses the example of the bit which when in the horse’s mouth allows the rider to guide the powerful animal in the right direction. His suggestion is that when we control the tongue that is in the mouth, guiding one’s life is much easier.
The warning that James gives is relevant for all times and we as Christians should be aware of the words and language that we use. Jesus himself reminded his followers that it is what comes out of a person that can cause disaster. (Mark 7:23) James is giving a challenging message to Christians in every age, the words we use reveals the state of our life within.
Prayer. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) Holy Lord as we bow to pray help us in all we say, guide our speech that it may be honouring to you and reveal from within the power of your salvation to present a life that is honourable and true. Grant that our words will reflect the goodness of your grace to us. May the blessing of the Holy Spirit continue to inspire every aspect of the life we live. Lord you are the one who has brought us back from the lostness of sin and to you alone do we owe allegiance. Let your love empower our days and nights as we live for you. Allow us the opportunities to serve you well as we touch the lives of others. Keep our conversations fresh and our motives pure, that our lives will be lived in obedience, filled with fruitful encounters. Grant that all we do will praise the name of Jesus, honouring him alone. Amen.
Reading. Mark 8:27-38. As we begin to look at this section of Mark’s gospel we note that Jesus is “on the way”. The first part of Mark’s Gospel sets Jesus’ ministry in Galilee but from this point Jesus is on the way to the cross and his suffering death. With this in mind Mark now highlights the purpose of Jesus’ ministry and more importantly who Jesus is. In the next chapter Mark will describe the Transfiguration which points directly to the divine origin of this one who is Messiah.
As Jesus and the disciples move on into Caesarea Philippi Jesus begins to ask the disciples who they recognise him to be. At first they repeat what others have named him. John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the prophets draw together themes of the restoration of God’s promise to the nation. This anticipates a glorious future still to come. While acknowledging these titles Jesus asks them more directly to state their own opinion. Peter’s response is categorically, “You are the Messiah”. Matthew reminds us that this comes to Peter as a revelation (Matthew 16:16) but here in Mark we have Jesus demanding that the disciples keep that knowledge to themselves. With Jesus declared to be Messiah we see the links that had formed from his ministry among the people. John, Elijah and the prophets all looked forward to the coming of Messiah. Marks point is well made, Jesus is the fulfilment of God to bring about a New Covenant through the Messiah.
When Jesus begins to relate that as Messiah he will have to undergo suffering, rejection and death before the final victory will be achieved. Peter who only recently had received a divine revelation now using human wisdom does not accept the events that Jesus has described. His rebuke of Jesus received and even sterner rebuke from Jesus himself. By using human wisdom to describe the actions of Jesus, however well meaning, has placed Peter against Jesus and his ministry. For the sake of the Gospel and for the sake of humanity Jesus must accomplish his ministry as God has chosen.(John 6:38)
Mark then describes Jesus addressing not only the disciples but also those who followed him and reveals to them the reality of being a follower of Jesus. Cross bearing is not simply putting up with discomfort or adversity it means putting Jesus first and denying self as we live life. By its very nature, following the way of Jesus puts the believer at odds with the world and that will lead to suffering. Yet like Jesus, it is suffering for the sake of the Gospel.
Prayer. Father in heaven, Creator of all, look down upon your people in their moments of need, for you alone are the source of our peace. Bring us the dignity which distinguishes the poor in spirit, and show us how great is the call to serve, that we may share in the peace of Christ who offered his life in the service of all. In prayer as in life may we be ready to hear your call to service, and being obedient to that call, grant that your love might be shown to friend and stranger alike. This we ask in the name of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ. (From Uniting in Worship)
Lord grant that we may walk with you today. Though your road is hard and stony still let us walk. Grant us the courage to face the way that you are facing and to walk in step, that if possible we to may be obedient children of God. With all our hearts we long to serve you and yet you know how weak we are and how easily we turn away from the ways you choose. In our weakness, strengthen us, in our accomplishments grant us humility; in our opportunities grant us courage to step out for you. Truly be Lord of all we do today. Amen
Collect. Jesus, Messiah, you bear the wounds of the cross; help us to know you, with our eyes, ears and hands opened by the Spirit of compassion. Lead us, for you are the Way now and for ever.
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