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THE BIBLE – LEARNING FROM MARK

COMMENT FOR PENTECOST 18 – 4.10.09

Job 1:1; 2:1-10

This is a classic story of Hebrew/English literature where the scene is set in the first two chapters for all the questions that follow. Job’s great wealth, his family and himself personally, suffer Satan’s attack with God’s permission. His three friends come to console him, and sit with him on the “ground seven days and seven nights without saying a word for they saw his suffering was very great.” (2:13) then came the statements of the three friends. But deeper questions are raised: Why is random suffering a part of living? Why should the innocent suffer? And many more.

Psalm 26

The writer draws on the covenant relationship as expressed in Solomon’s speech of dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8:31f) Here the worshipper answers the statements made against him. Jesus noted this practice in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9ff) For the Psalmist subjects himself to a searching examination of his own conscience. He looks forward to being tested by God, believing that God can be trusted to redeem him.

Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-13

Here the term Hebrews is used to take the people back before the Exile. For the word Jews was used after Judah became part of the Persian Empire from 539BC. The first Christians really searched the Hebrew prophetic writings to confirm their own faith, but also to persuade other Jews to discover Jesus. They discovered a transcendent God – Creator – and the Son, “the exact imprint of God’s very being” who shared our human state and challenged our human fate. In so doing he completes God’s creative plan for all humanity.

Mark 10:2-16

In this reading Jesus accepts the challenge and discusses current marriage practice. But he has a question about God’s intention in the basis of creation. Taking this as an ideal in any culture we see how people have dealt with it. When the disciples ask for more comment he makes sure that women have equal rights with men. Then he uses again the example of children – they are powerless, without status, and dependant on adults. That is how we approach the Kingdom of God, where we have nothing to offer, but trust completely the grace, goodness and love of God.