by Mike Baughman
Epistle Reading: Mark 8:27-38
For Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012: Year B—Ordinary 24
Chances are at some point in your life, you found yourself sucked into an episode or two of The Real World. The lectionary today is a glimpse of Biblical reality vellum. So this week, we present:
The Real World: Galilee…the true story of twelve strangers, picked to follow a Rabbi, work together and have their lives recorded to find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real.
Oh, No, He Didn’t
Apart from John’s beheading in chapter 6 (which is, admittedly, a big deal), there seems to be little downside of following Jesus. Instead, it’s “Bieber Fever” Jesus for 8 solid chapters: big crowds, witty teachings and impressive healings. Think of it as staged on the small screen...
Jesus dangles big time reality show drama bait in front of the disciples: “What do people think of me?”
The consensus seems to be that Jesus is the reincarnated form of a prophet—maybe even Elijah or John the Baptist.
<Camera zooms in on confused / incredulous look on Jesus face.>
These are strange answers from the Twelve given how “down-to-earth” Mark’s gospel tends to be.
So then Jesus throws out the ultimate question that elicits drama on every single reality show…EVER: “Who do you think I am?”
I wonder what kind of answer Jesus wants. Mark consistently reveals "human" aspects of Jesus. I wonder if Jesus was hoping a disciple would say, “you’re Jesus and your poop stinks just like mine…now let’s get back to business.” Instead, Peter replies, “you’re the Messiah” and Jesus has to quickly shut Peter up just like he has with everyone else who’s tried to box him in with grand titles.
It Just Got Real
This conversation sets Jesus off and he lets loose with stuff that he’s kept to himself, stuff that he’s legitimately afraid of, stuff that would make most of us break down in tears, stuff that weighs on him every time someone calls him Messiah or Son of God. He launches into a tirade. Peter takes Jesus aside and “rebukes him” (good reality show moment). In response, Jesus calls Peter out—in front of the disciples—and calls Peter, "Satan" (even better reality show moment). The whole thing seems a little over the top.
Real life is sometimes over the top. In real life, people snap at each other when they’re carrying heavy burdens. In real life, we invite drama by asking each other loaded questions and then we lose it when people answer them “wrong.” In real life, leaders sometimes take anger out on volunteers when things aren’t going well.
When Life Gives you Lemons, Go Camping
I’m straying from the assigned lectionary text a bit, but I think it’s important to look at what happens next. Jesus assembles the crowd and, in a much more eloquent way, expresses what he told the disciples. Then Jesus goes camping and he takes Peter with him.
Peter isn’t out of the club. In fact, he still seems to be in the inner circle. On the mountain, they’re all reminded why they’re doing this. The foreshadowing of the death and the drama that comes in dealing with it is eased a bit by the revelation of God’s favor and purpose.
I find a lot of comfort in the disciple drama. Jesus seems more real and so do my struggles to lead team of mismatched volunteers in my church. Maybe there’s hope for us after all.
The Hardest Question
Who have you taken your anger and frustration out on?
When are you going to go camping?
The Rev. Mike Baughman is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, working on a new church start /coffee house in Dallas, TX. He is the co-author of one book and has contributed to a long list of books, curricula, resources and research. He also trains and consults with churches non-profits and small businesses on social media and how it can be used to help their work and ministry. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his wife (also a pastor) and four kids. You can learn more about him at www.mikebaughman.com , follow him on twitter @ireverant and read his blog, ireverant.wordpress.com
