Midweek Musings for Sunday, July 12, 2015

This week's reflection comes from

Rev. Gregory Tennermann, Assistant to the Bishop

Reflecting and Dwelling in the Word

^GOSPEL Mark 6:14-29

The Death of John the Baptist

King Herod heard of it, for Jesus'name had become known. Some were saying, 'John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.'But others said, 'It is Elijah.'And others said, 'It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.' But when Herod heard of it, he said, 'John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.'

For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.'And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, 'Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.'And he solemnly swore to her, 'Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.'She went out and said to her mother, 'What should I ask for?'She replied, 'The head of John the baptizer.' Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, 'I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.' The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

Reflection

As Mark tells the story, the disciples have gone off on their first "disciple's internship journey"and the Spirit's work through them is getting noticed. It's enough to get people wondering about who this Jesus is, that even others can do miraculous things in his name. It is important to note that, perhaps because of the glamor of the miracles, the people come to the wrong conclusions about Jesus. He was not John the Baptist reincarnated; he was not Elijah; nor was he any of the other prophets reappearing on the human scene. He was and is true God and perfect human in a single unique way, that God used to bring hope and salvation to the world. It won't be until later that Peter recognizes and confesses that truth about Jesus, after he is able to see more than just the powerful deeds around Jesus and perceive the authentic love and purpose within Jesus.

Like last week, we are then challenged by Mark's choice to insert a recounting of the death of John the Baptist. Why this story now? Why interrupt the story of discipleship to fill us in on a piece of uncomfortable history? Perhaps this abrupt insertion is a cautionary tale to keep the reader focused on a proper understanding of what the disciples are doing. They are participating in the work of the kingdom, which is much more than putting on a good show with hearings and other dazzling miracles. Let me use a story to make the point.

There were two brothers in Georgia during the 1950's. One decided that, in opposition to the dominant culture of the day, he was going to support and participate in the formation of a multi-ethnic community. The other worked as an attorney for a prominent law firm. Both were Christians and attended church regularly. As the multi-ethnic community formed and social pressure forced them into court proceedings, the one brother asked his attorney brother to help them with the legal work. The brother refused, saying that he could lose his job. The pressure increased to help with a reminder that he was a Christian. The lawyer responded, "I will follow Jesus to his cross, but it is his cross. I have no need to be crucified." To this his brother replied, "Then you are an admirer of Jesus, but not his disciple."

Mark tells us that Herod was an admirer, even a protector of John the Baptist, whom he saw as a man of God. Yet, when the going got difficult, his own reputation and status became more important than John's life. He was an admirer but never became a disciple of John.

So now the question comes to us, "Who is this Jesus?" Is he superman, faster than a speeding bullet? Is he Dr. Oz, with the latest in miracle cures and healthy lifestyles? Perhaps he is a great magician or a motivational speaker or teacher of the year. Any of these could fill us with wonder and draw our sincere admiration.

If however, Jesus is true God and perfect human in a single unique way, that God is using to bring hope and salvation to the world, then discipleship, not admiration, is what is called for. My hands are required for his work; my voice is needed to tell his story, and my participation will further the kingdom that he brought near.

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