I always find it interesting that the Gospel of John calls Jesus the "Lamb of God." Interestingly, unlike Matthew, Mark, & Luke, John has Jesus crucified at the same time the Passover Lambs are being slaughtered. Then, for many years, we have made the "leap" that Jesus was a lamb sacrificed for the atonement of our sins.
Yet, let's consider the Passover. What was it about? It was not about "sin." It was about being released from the bondage of slavery in Egypt; it was about liberation.
If that is the case (and it is), why was the Passover lamb slaughtered? It was food for the journey - food to help the Israelites along the way! Thus, when the Jewish people remember the Passover every year, the lamb continues to be food for the journey of faith - food to help them along the way.
What new insights does this give you into what Jesus was all about?
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I find it interesting that we often hear, "Jesus died on the cross so I would not have to." Yet, put yourself in the 1st Century, in the time of Jesus. What was the only meaning of the cross? The answer is crucifixion. How, then, can the statement above be aligned with this passage of Scripture (emphasis added):
Mark 8: 34 Jesus called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it." (NRSV)
Maybe it is just me, but it seems like Jesus is not saying he is going to do it for us but is inviting us, as disciples, to join him! How are we to respond to that?
What other thoughts or insights have you gained from the study of Session 8?
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Here is a response that Gary Tahmahkera sent after last Sunday's discussion:
ReplyDeleteOne other significant point of "living into the relationship with God" or into the reality has to do with the church - the growth and continuation of a vital community. The continuation in the decline of attendance, especially in the youth area, seems to indicate the world is pulling and holding dear.
If we, as faithful community, are not living proof of relationship with God, then we need to revisit our theology. I think that is what I find the greatest challenge to Bible teaching and study: to see the new light come to reality.
One other point I wanted to say in class. I listen to many sermons thru the week. I listen much more intently now to the verbage in use. I know what some words mean and I think I know what others mean; however, I do not accept much without a thoughtful process. This solidifies my understanding and grounds my thinking.
Jesus is the sustenance for the path we travel; i.e. the communion table, also the Word is daily bread. I like that imagery. He died in my stead for what I committed. Does not sound like justice to my pea brain.
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