We can do this

Sermon based on Matthew 10:35-45.  Preached at Germantown Mennonite Church on 10.18.15

In the last few weeks, as we’ve been reading the gospel of Mark together, we’ve heard Jesus final instructions to the disciples before they entered Jerusalem, and Jesus faced his death.  This was a time of stress and strain for Jesus–he knew what was coming, but these disciples were not prepared.  They followed Jesus to Jerusalem, but they didn’t realize what it meant.  

These instructions of Jesus in Mark 10 were the last chance he had to tell the disciples what all of this was about.  In the beginning of the chapter, Jesus instructed the disciples that we don’t cast of the young, and those who have no agency, just because it’s convenient for us.  

In the conversation with the rich man from last week’s text, Jesus told the disciples that the reign of God is about economic justice, a concept which was very difficult–for the disciples and for the rich man–to imagine would be possible in their time.

While it was difficult for the disciples to imagine this new way of living, this way of being together, they were also hung up on the glory, and the good press associated with being with FOJ–friends of Jesus.  

So, Jesus had to give this next–and final word of instruction and teaching for the disciples.  

James and John, brothers, and among the closest of Jesus disciples, pulled Jesus aside to talk to him.  They ask him if they could be at his right and left hands in glory.  

I imagine that Jesus has to be frustrated to the point of sarcastic, but he responded–can you drink this cup?  can you embrace this baptism?  

And the brothers responded–of course!

But they did know what they were agreeing to.  They still didn’t understand what was involved in following Jesus.

Jesus said–Remember not to cast out those who most need to be included, then this reign of God is about economic justice, and remembering others.  And finally, the first will be last and the last will be first.  It’s interesting that this last instructions were about who gets the recognition and glory.

The first will be last, and the last will be first.

So, just in case we get on our high horses about how much good we are doing, and how righteous we might be in our care for each other, Jesus tells us–this is not about notoriety, or fame, or glory.  The work of discipleship is about service, service that is often not noticed by “important people” and certainly not glorified.  And that service is the way of the cross.  

This final hard word from an exasperated Jesus is a good ego check for the church.  Just in case we are feeling smug for doing the right thing, for taking Jesus’ words seriously–more seriously that “that guy over there”–Jesus reminds us that this is not about our egos.  It’s not about being popular for our generosity or kindness.  This is about service to all, without ego, without a desire for fame, or getting a seat closest to Jesus in glory.  

Chapter 10 of Mark demonstrates–over and over again–that the disciples don’t get it.  But this is Mark’s intention in telling the story.  The flawed first disciples of Jesus give us plenty of room to relate to the story–because they are as flawed as we are.  

These last few weeks, as we’ve slogged through Mark 10, I’ll admit, I’ve felt a sense of hopelessness about following Jesus.  I have the advantage of knowing how the story ends–with Jesus brutal death at the hands of the empire–(the disciples didn’t really understand that at the time)so I know that Jesus is leading us to hard places, to do difficult things.  

And I’ll admit to feeling pretty reluctant about this path.  I don’t want to do the hard things.  I don’t want to give up things I’ve worked for, to lay down my own life, to serve others.  I don’t wake up every single day and think, “What new things will God ask of me today?  I can’t wait to find out?”

I want to be able to say to you that following Jesus is hard, but there are incredible rewards.  Because while it’s true, they aren’t always the rewards I”m seeking after.  

The only thing that gives me a glimmer of hope today is that the disciples were far bigger jerks than I am.  It’s probably wrong of me to compare.  And I confess to you that I am a sinner, broken and in need of God’s grace.  

But it still does give me hope.  These disciples that Jesus chose–called by name–were some of the most surly, unkind, and thoughtless guys you’d ever meet.  They never really understood what Jesus was trying to say to them.  They never fully understood the teachings of their Rabbi, Jesus, until he was gone.  And even then, they fled in fear.  

And yet, they kept following.  They got up every day, and looked to Jesus for guidance.  They didn’t always interpret his words the way Jesus would have liked, but they kept talking with Jesus, asking him questions, pondering his words.  

The final instructions of Jesus to his disciples are a hard word for us.  It  might not be what we signed up for when we were baptized.  It might be taking us to places we didn’t want to go, or calling us to go against family, upbringing, or community expectations.

But this is what we learn from Jesus death and resurrection–the path of discipleship is the path of life.  What looks like death and futility to everyone else is life.  Gathering in all people is what life looks like.  Participating in God’s economy is participating in the economy of life.  Serving others, our egos aside, it the way of life.  

So, here’s what I’m thinking:  

If those first 12 surly, unkind disciples could do this–if they could walk this difficult path of life together, and continue to engage Jesus and ask questions–even though the didn’t completely understand it–than certainly we can too.  AMEN.