In the second chapter of Mark we see Jesus start to crush some stereotypes very quickly. First thing in the chapter Jesus heals a paralyzed man, but not before upsetting everyone by telling him his sins are forgiven.
Then he goes to a party at his new friend Matthews house. And is eating and drinking with tax gatherers (traitors and thieves) and sinners. The pharisees get very upset that Jesus is hanging out with these unworthy people, I mean after all, isn't he a traveling preacher? Jesus, lets then know, he will be spending a lot of time with these people, and that He came to call them to turn around. Who do you eat with?
Then some people start hassling Jesus about fasting, and wondering why his disciples don't fast. And he tells them that it isn't time to fast, cause Jesus is still with them. But when He is taken away then they will fast. But he also tells them that He didn't come to patch up their religion, nor to fill it with a new wine, but that He is starting from scratch. Seems this new religion is more about people and relationships and less about ritual. (funny when he does give us a ritual it is a meal)
Then the disciples are walking through the fields on a sabbath, and being hungry that pull off a few heads of grain, rub them between their fingers and start having a midday snack. Well the religious types are again upset that they would be threshing wheat on the sabbath. But Jesus explains that the day of rest is meant to help the people, not that the people are there to help the sabbath.
I hope you break some rules today, I know I plan to. :)
the rev
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8 comments:
You know about the rule of law principle that is generally respected in this country, don't you Rev? You must be aware of the dangerous territory you are in when you suggest breaking a few rules. I know you only mean minor stuff like driving 3 km/h over the speed limit, not paying to travel between two un-manned train stations, cheating a little bit on your tax return, or terminating your elderly mother's life to get to the inheritance earlier. Oops, did I go a little too far with the last example?
I suggested breaking a few rules, not laws.
:)
the rev
Oh, so perhaps you are refering to social conventions like the taboo on undisguised public farting or the general convention of not discussing politics or religion with people you hardly know.
I guess with your new diet and your general lifestyle, we'll see the farting reverend wandering the streets of Footscray with a sandwich board saying "Repent for the end is nigh".
I suspect you will any day now.
Though I will make a diet exception for our hamburger and beer date.
the rev
What hamburger and beer date? Please let me know the time and place as I don't have it recorded in my diary.
nah, we hadn't actually set a date yet, just...
hey lets have a beer and a burger
sure dude, its a date!
but not in a gay way
not that there is anything wrong with that.
the rev
I have decided to retire the persona of "Kieren Green". The associated kierengreen@optusnet.com.au email will remain active for the next 2 days if you wish to communicate further. I will no longer be engaging in discussion on this blog, under that persona whether it be serious, mocking or otherwise.
If we don't happen to catch up, I wish you farewell and best wishes for your future endeavors.
I'm increasingly convinced this Green fella isn't too stable.
If you do meet up for burgers and beer I suggest you not turn your back to him for a second.
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