One of the basic questions that we can ask with any gospel narrative is where we are in the story.  Who do we identify with?  Where do we see ourselves?  And what is God communicating to us today in this story?

    For most of us, it is probably relatively easy to see ourselves thronging with the crowds on Palm Sunday and shouting “Hosanna!” - welcoming Jesus to Jerusalem.  However, for those of you who read this morning, how easy was it to read some of the “mean” parts in the story and yell for Jesus to be crucified?  Was it hard to picture yourself doing that? [responses] For those who believe in Jesus, it is probably hard to imagine, and yet, the same people who yelled “Hosanna!” were yelling “Crucify!” only a few days later.

    While this is true in all of the gospels, there are some other aspects of the story that are particularly emphasized in the gospel of Mark.  For one thing, the disciples in the gospel of Mark come off looking particularly shabby.  They absolutely can’t stay awake with Jesus as he struggles in prayer in the garden.  They all run away as soon as Jesus is arrested, and not one of them is there at the cross as Jesus is crucified.  And then, of course, there is Peter, who swears that he would never desert Jesus or deny him, and then does it anyway, and breaks down and weeps as soon as he recognizes what he has done.

    Mark had a particular message for the community of believers who first heard his gospel: Don’t be too hard on yourselves if you have denied Jesus under pressure.  Don’t give up on yourselves if you have failed to be rock solid in your faith while enduring persecution.  The first disciples were no better than you are, and they received forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit.

    At the same time, Mark emphasizes the humanity of Jesus, even while showing that Jesus is the Messiah, as Jesus’ predictions consistently come true.  And so, as Jesus prays in the garden, we can sense his anguish as he asks if this cup might pass, even as he submits to his Father’s will.  On the cross, too, we hear Jesus’ cry of distress as he feels utterly forsaken and abandoned by God.

    For those who have suffered themselves, knowing these things about Jesus is actually a great comfort.  For one thing, Jesus totally understands what they are going through.  At the same time, those in the midst of suffering can be encouraged by how Jesus remained faithful in the midst of his suffering.

    Finally, one important detail from Mark.  At the moment when Jesus dies, there is one believer standing near the cross.  Did you notice who it was? [responses] It was actually the Roman centurion - one of the soldiers who had crucified Jesus.  Something about Jesus on the cross had convinced him that Jesus really was the Son of God (Mk. 15:39).

    And so, who are you in the story?  Are you the one who helped nail Jesus to the cross and then confessed your faith in the end?  Are you one of the women looking on from a distance?  Are you one of the disciples who ran away? – or Peter, who tried to be brave but couldn’t quite do it?  Are you the young man who ran away naked?  Are you the unnamed woman who lovingly anointed Jesus with costly ointment?  Are you one of the religious leaders who wanted Jesus out of the way?  Are you Barabbas - the one who got away with murder?  Or, are you Joseph of Arimathea, who is bold enough to give Jesus a proper burial?

    In the end, may we be numbered among those who came to see in Jesus the depth of God’s love for a fallen humanity.  May we be among those who, in spite of our frailties and failings, have been forgiven and restored and raised up to new life through Jesus Christ.  May we be among those who, once forgiven, go in the power of the Holy Spirit to share the good news with those who are yearning to hear it.  For this story is also about us.  Amen.

Sunday of the Passion (B)                            Mark 14:1-15:47
April 1, 2012
St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church
Pastor Lynne Hutchison

© 2012 Lynne Hutchison  All Rights Reserved