Second Sunday of Lent

Second Sunday of Lent – 28 February 2021

The Faith Nurture Forum would like to thank Rev Bill Taylor, retired minister who was a prison chaplain for many years, for his thoughts on the second Sunday of Lent.

“We may not all be gathered in the same building, but at this time, when we need each other so much, we are invited to worship together, from where we are – knowing that God can hear us all and can blend even distant voices into one song of worship.”

National Worship Team

As the restrictions on our ability to meet in groups continue, worship leaders continue to deliver their services both online and offline.

We can help to facilitate participation from the whole congregation by exploring imaginative approaches to inclusion, participation and our use of technology in the service in ways that suit both physical gatherings and video-conference style settings, such as:

• Opening and closing moments of worship that help people mark out a time set apartwith God

• Introducing various parts of the worship service to help worshippers understand thecharacter and purpose of each one (framing)

• Enabling conversations or prayers in breakout groups

• Holding spaces that allow people to go deeper in worship

• Using the chat function and microphone settings to allow people to actively participatein prayer, e.g. saying the Lord’s Prayer together unmuted, in a moment of ‘holy chaos’

• Using music and the arts as part of the worship

Useful links: Up to date information for churches around Covid-19 can be found here Useful tips for creating and leading worship online can be found here You can listen to samples of every song in the Church Hymnary 4th edition (CH4) and download a selection of recordings for use in worship here

Introduction ................................................................................................... 3

Genesis 17:1-7................................................................................................ 3

Psalm 22:23-31............................................................................................... 5

Romans 4:13-25 ............................................................................................. 6

Mark 8:31-38 ................................................................................................. 6

Mark 9:2-9 ..................................................................................................... 7

Sermon ideas ................................................................................................. 9

Prayers ......................................................................................................... 11

Alternative Material ...................................................................................... 16

Musical suggestions ...................................................................................... 22

Introduction ‘Sitting with’ the passages over a number of days, thinking of others that are similar, comparing the different gospel writers, leaving and coming back to the texts from time to time and taking note of ideas that emerge, I’m also thinking of ‘pegs’ on which to hang these that will connect with contemporary life. This is the second Sunday in Lent, the time in the Christian calendar when we are invited to journey with Jesus towards the cross and Easter Day. Today’s readings recall God’s promises made to Abraham a long time ago and take us through towards their fulfilment in Jesus Christ. So there are connections to note: Abraham himself is a strong link most obviously between the readings from Genesis and Romans; the cross and resurrection connect Psalm 22 and the Gospel readings. I find a website like www.BibleGateway.com very useful for comparing passages or for seeing when words or phrases first appear. ‘Promise’ has emerged as a strong theme connecting all four or five readings, beginning with God’s covenant with Abraham to its ultimate completion in the Risen Jesus in whom is seen humanity’s fulfilment. There is scope to consider the promises we make in life and to reflect on how God’s promises might help us with the ones we make, though the focus of this material is on the hope of a good future and fresh purpose found in God during challenging times. The material is not restricted to any one kind of venue, whether in church or live streaming on the web or both.

Genesis 17:1-7

The Sign of the Covenant With a passage like this you might like to begin with a little word association. Initially I observe what strikes a chord with me, working out whether these are entry-points into an understanding of what happened and how it may speak to us in our context. So for me the following words and phrases spark connections: ‘ninety-nine’, ‘walk before me’, ‘exceedingly numerous/fruitful’, ‘everlasting covenant’, ‘you shall be Abraham’, ‘ancestor of a multitude’, ‘kings shall come from you’, ‘God to you’. In this passage we are still working with extended lifespans, Abram’s father Terah, lived until he was 205 (Gen 11:32). This is a device intended to communicate the legendary standing of the ancestors, not unlike ‘The Ancient of Days’ (Daniel 7:9), a title that expresses awe of God. Set in the context of 175 years (Gen 25: 7) Abraham is a little over halfway

through his lifespan; nonetheless he is recognised as being of a fair age when God makes this everlasting covenant with him. The story of Abraham and Sarah, who unexpectedly became older parents to Isaac, suggests the importance of being open to the promises of God at every age and stage of life, something serendipitous may happen! Abraham had shown he was capable of ‘walking before the Lord’, responding to God’s call even when it was to go to an unspecified destination – ‘to the land that I will show you’ (Gen 12:1) – yet he had not always been blameless; see the trouble that was caused when out of fear he passed off his beautiful wife Sarah as his sister to Pharaoh (Gen 12:10-20). The link is clear “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless” (v1). El Shaddai – God Almighty (v.1) – is one of the names for God in the Old Testament communicating God’s power, and this is its first use. God’s purpose is stated: that of making a covenant with Abraham, returning to a topic first introduced in Chapter 15:18. The word ‘Covenant’ appears 396 times in the Bible and usually refers to promises given and received between God and individuals, who may also represent others. The initiative lies with God, God makes the first move. God’s grace is unconditional and crucially, unwarranted. As John Gibson makes the point in his Daily Study Bible commentary, the covenant has not come about because of Abraham “who had been sorely tempted to abandon his faith and dispose his affairs on the assumption that he would have no son to follow him. His own and his wife’s age told him that this was the sensible thing to do.” (Genesis Vol 2, p51). Abraham had arranged for a slave in his house to be his heir (Gen 15:3), but God intervened, this would not be necessary; other plans are afoot and Abraham recovers his faith. The covenant with Abraham is the second time God makes a covenant in the Bible, the first is with Noah, there are others, notably with Moses and David, and the last is the new covenant ushered in by Jesus. “We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19). God promises to make Abraham “exceedingly numerous” and with this comes a change of name. Until this point he has been Abram, but now he will be known by a name that expresses God’s covenant: Abraham, meaning ‘ancestor of a multitude’. On name changes, recall the words of Jesus when Andrew introduced his brother: “‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter)” (John 1:42). In these exchanges a unique future and fresh purpose await. And here the suggestion is made that Abraham’s purpose will be not only for his descendants. “I will make nations of you and kings shall come from you” (v.6) and later God says to Abraham “through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” (Gen 22:18) The calling of those who live the covenant will be to bring light to the nations “that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).

[Gibson, John C. L. Genesis Volume 2, The Daily Study Bible, St Andrew Press.]

Psalm 22:23-31 The theme of a universal covenant is developed in this portion of Psalm 22, especially from v.27 and following: “All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord and all the families of the nations shall worship before him.” We see here how wide is the scope of God’s love. The life of God’s kingdom is for all and none are left out. This is especially so for those enduring hardship. When v.24 says God ‘did not despise the or abhor the affliction of the afflicted’ there’s some reverse psychology at work: God recognises suffering and is proactive in caring for the meek. God is their refuge, a present help in times of trouble. Returning to Genesis, the narrative describes how God predicts the period of captivity that Abraham’s descendants will endure in Egypt and promises to deliver them (Gen 15:13-14). Perhaps the Exodus is being remembered – it is never far away in the Old Testament – when the Psalmist says “He did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him.” (v.24) It is hardly possible to read Psalm 22 without being aware that Jesus quoted from the first part of it when from His agony on the cross Jesus railed to heaven above shouting: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (v.1) It is only when suffering is acknowledged that people can find release from it. The heights to which Christ’s love raises us are best understood when we recall the depths to which Jesus went. Many are asking the ‘why?’ questions, especially in the face of a global pandemic. Jesus understands that, He asked these questions too. This Psalm, taken as a whole, traces a journey through brokenness to wholeness. Here is hope for today and tomorrow: “future generations will be told about the Lord and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn” (vv.33-34). The portion for this Sunday from Psalm 22 is an upbeat celebration of the God who hears those who shout or cry. The experience of the Psalmist is that God does not turn aside or hide God’s face to avoid suffering. Rather God notices the hardship in the world and looks upon those who endure it with compassion, whether it be the suffering brought upon by injustice, natural disaster or global pandemic. Moreover God journeys with us to the other side of pain where there is relief and healing. There is a balm in Gilead, wounds will be bound, the oppressed set free, the hungry shall eat and be satisfied, seekers will find and praise the Lord (v.26). God brings people out of the deep ravine to the green pastures that await. These are words to inspire confidence again and hope.

Romans 4:13-25 God’s Promise Realised through Faith Paul deploys an argument focused on what was against the odds. Now, I would be careful about making comments on anyone’s age but Paul’s quip that ‘Abraham was as good as dead’ (v.19) when God promised that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars or as grains of sand on a seashore (Genesis 22:17) serves to speak of God’s power and commitment to promises made. Previously, Paul has argued that it was by having the Law, God’s standards, that humanity discovered how it had fallen short of what God wanted. “Through the law comes the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). Because the standards themselves could only point out where we had failed, they could do nothing to assist us in meeting them. The basis of the new future could not be law but had to be something else: a promise resting on grace. John Stott argues that law and grace are here quite different “categories of thought… What God said to Abraham was not ‘Obey this law and I will bless you,’ but ‘I will bless you, believe my promise” (The Message of Romans, p131). It was Abraham’s trust in God’s promise, despite all the odds, that helped him journey forward into a good future. He ‘hoped against hope’ (v.18), ‘he did not weaken in faith’ (v.19) and ‘no distrust made him waver’ (v.20). Abraham ‘grew strong in his faith being fully convinced that God’ – El Shaddai – ‘had the power to do what he had promised.’ God saw Abraham trusting in the promise – it is still the way our relationship with God opens up. We are invited to trust in God’s new covenant, the promises God has made in Jesus. We have an advantage over Abraham, that of living “on this side of the resurrection” (Stott, p.136) after Jesus our Lord “was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification” (v.25). ‘Justification’ in this sense means being forgiven and put into a restored relationship with God. God offers forgiveness because God is merciful and because God loves us. Such amazing grace is unconditional and by receiving it, we are in a better place with God, with ourselves and with our neighbours. [Stott, John, The Message of Romans, Intervaristy Press]

Mark 8:31-38 Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection Peter’s rebuke reminded Jesus of different choices He could have made, like the ones He wrestled with in the desert. Hence the sharpness of His reply. The pressure upon Jesus to be the kind of hero the crowds wanted – miracle worker, king who would stand up to the

Romans, national hero – was at times relentless. They must all have been shocked when Jesus talked about the suffering that lay ahead. Jesus clarifies that suffering lies ahead not only for Himself but for any who would follow. Jesus doesn’t do ‘wool over people’s eyes’. He is clear that a cross will be involved for anyone who wants to be His follower. But those who walk His way will have Jesus by their side and instead of forfeiting their life – dissipating their soul’s energy on countless pursuits that cannot satisfy – they will find themselves. Jesus outlines three elements for would-be followers: self-denial, taking up a cross and following. We are in Lent, that period of 40 days before Easter, when traditionally people tighten their belts and deny themselves excess. Self-denial might include giving up things and changing habits, but the key element is a change in focus from one’s self to God. Taking up a cross was the opposite to the privileged positions some of His disciples coveted. Jesus warned them that life could become tougher because of their association with Him. Crucifixion was an ignominious end for those convicted of capital offences. To suggest that God was in anyway close to such shame was a scandal to the Greek speaking world and a stumbling block to the Jewish world, which believed that a person who ‘hung on a tree’ was cursed (Galatians 3:13-14). Paul argues that by becoming a curse for us Christ redeemed us from the curse of our inability to keep the law (and keying in with the earlier readings) “in order that in Christ Jesus the blessings of Abraham might come to the Gentiles,” i.e. to all people. Condemned Himself, though innocent, Jesus brings freedom from condemnation to others (Romans 8:1). Comparing Jesus’ invitation between the three Gospels Matthew, Mark and Luke, one of them makes a slight adjustment. Luke’s amendment is: “Let them … take up their cross daily and follow me,” calling us to live every day in awareness of God and in sacrificial service to others (Luke 9:23). It is ‘the road less travelled’ – where we come to the end of a life with self at the centre and come alive to a life centred on Christ. Following Jesus turns out to be more than following a good example, it’s taking up the invitation to live as Jesus did and wanting to be like Him. “Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).

Mark 9:2-9

The Transfiguration Three hand-picked disciples are taken by Jesus to witness a unique event. All the signs point to a theophany: high places where ancestors encountered God, an enveloping cloud creating a sense of the numinous, the radiance of Jesus’ face shining like the sun and the dazzling white of His clothes. It’s Mark who tells us Jesus’ clothes were whiter than any

laundry in the world could have bleached them! Years later, even after the resurrection, the disciples would speak of what had happened on this day (2 Peter 1:18). For now it is barely a week since Jesus has spoken of how He will undergo great suffering, be arrested, killed, and after three days rise again (Mark 8:31). With trouble looming close Jesus offers Peter, James and John a preview of what the future will hold. There is the possibility of some distraction. On the mountain the disciples witnessed Moses and Elijah who represent the Commandments and the Prophets come to talk with Jesus. These legends from the past add to the splendour of the occasion and to the majesty of Jesus. Luke tells us what their conversation was about: “they spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfilment at Jerusalem” (Lk 9:31) ‘Departure’ is a translation of the word ‘exodus’ and it links in with the other reminders of the exodus in this encounter. On seeing Jesus, Moses and Elijah, Peter suggests putting up three shelters. The Festival of Shelters (Sukkot) was – and still is – celebrated every year (towards the end of September in 2021) when tents or shelters are erected to remember the years of wandering with no permanent home, when the people of Israel left captivity in Egypt and journeyed towards a promised land. Here Jesus, Moses and Elijah, speak of the new Exodus, the one that Jesus will complete through his suffering and death upon a cross, which will break out humanity from the prison of sin, our enslavement to self, and offer forgiveness and life in all its fullness. Jesus assures his disciples through his Transfiguration their mission will not end badly. It’s a fast-forward moment, that takes Peter, James and John ahead of the present action to catch a glimpse of what the future will be because of the resurrection. “They saw his glory” (Luke 9:32) Here before them is a preview of the risen Lord. It is as if Jesus is saying, ‘Hold on to this. Keep before you this vision and when they come for me and put me on a cross to die, when you too are gripped with fear, grief and uncertainty, remember what you have seen this day and draw strength and from it. Here in the Transfigured Jesus the disciples see humanity’s future. Jesus the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the fulfilment of what it means to be a human being. The passage closes with what is known as the messianic secret, where at times we see Jesus telling people to keep quiet about Him. Evidently this is one of the occasions when Jesus is acutely aware of the pressures to fulfil the expectations of the multitudes, but He chooses to be true to His calling.

Sermon ideas A dictionary of names can be used to explore names and their meanings, making a link to the story of Abraham. This could be done as part of a reflection or discussion, perhaps asking for names to be suggested. A word of caution though, some names can have sad meanings, so be prepared for that, or you can use pre-selected names. Names today are chosen for many reasons; in the Bible names communicated a message or aspiration. ‘Abraham’s name, meaning ‘ancestor of a multitude of nations’, was a daily reminder of God’s promise, God’s covenant. There could be an exploration of how we understand God’s promises today and how by ‘walking before God’ we can play our part in seeing God’s grace in action, so that, in the words of Psalm 22 there is provision for the hungry and all in need. “He did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him.” Psalm 22:23-31 speaks of the praise and worship ‘in the great congregation’ that flows from knowing God is on our side – the side of all humanity. The story of Bartimaeus comes to mind, the blind man shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ (Mark 10:47) That God listens, hears and sees us, invites worship, thanksgiving and praise. In Jesus, whose name means, “he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21) God has demonstrated how much each of us is loved. “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:16). In Romans Chapter 4 Paul invites us to trust in such grace and be heirs of the promise given to Abraham long ago. ‘We all have our cross to bear’ is an acknowledgement that everyone’s life involves some form of trial or burden. There’s an element of humility in it, an acceptance that we share the same human condition, and there’s some comfort in that. But Jesus’ teaching goes further, for He is inviting His disciples to live in a way that is counter-cultural, which questions the need for more, is committed to the meek inheriting the earth, concerned about giving rather than getting, letting go rather than grasping. It’s strange that we sometimes wear a cross. Yet in another way not, for a cross has become a symbol of love beyond description. We might want to point that out though, in a world where a cross has become a fashion item! The Transfiguration of Jesus speaks to all who face hardship and challenge, to those who are tempted to despair because of pain or hurt, to a world fatigued by global pandemic. In Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, on the way to David, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, you pass among unfinished sculptures works by the same artist. They are called Prigione, the prisoners, the captives. Intended to adorn the tomb of Pope Julius II, these sculptures were

put on hold so Michelangelo could work on painting the Sistine Chapel. They were never finished. So the figures are not completely formed. It is as if they have not fully emerged from the stone around them. Michelangelo spoke about how when he was making a sculpture he could see the figure as it would be when it was complete – his job was to set the figure free. A similar gift is given to Peter, James and John on the Mountain. Here they can see what is going to be. The Transfiguration provided a preview of Christ in all His splendour. Jesus was before them, His face shone like the sun and His clothes became as white as light. They saw the risen Lord in all His glory ahead of Easter. They see humanity’s future in Him, Jesus the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the fulfilment of what it means to be a human being. You might like to chat about the Prigione.

Prayers Call to worship Often, I find it works well to include here words from the lectionary Psalm, perhaps because the Psalms are ready-made for worship. The words chime in with the content later in the service. Today’s portion comes from Psalm 22:25-27 Leader: From You comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear Him. All: The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek Him shall praise the Lord. Leader: All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; All: and all the families of the nations shall worship before Him. With services online and in Church it can be helpful to provide a picture during prayers, such as of a candle, flower, rainbow, sunrise; during prayers of intercession pictures of diverse people together can be helpful.

Approach to God The first prayer takes ‘promises’ as its theme and includes some of the promises of God: God of grace, You come along side and make us promises, the kind of promises that touch our hearts and very being, that offer hope and renewal in our lives. Glad we are, because You have given us strength and hope. Surprised we are, because this was Your idea and not ours. Relieved we are, because we see grace sufficient for all that the days bring. Risen Jesus, You promise to be with Your disciples until the fulfilment of all things. Thank You that there is nowhere we could be where You are not. Thank You that wherever two or three gather in Your name there You are among them; we celebrate fellowship shared in Your company, wherever we may be. Jesus, You invite all that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, promising that with You we would find rest. Jesus, You promised to all who are thirsty water that would become in them a spring gushing up to eternal life. In Your presence our souls are refreshed and we are given renewed purpose.

Confession Merciful God, You have made it known that “If we confess our sins, He who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. Hear us as we confess before You and our sisters and brothers that we have sinned in what we have done or did not do, in our thoughts and with our words. Help us to receive the forgiveness You promise through Jesus Christ our Saviour. And we dare to believe that You have plans for us, plans for our welfare and not for harm, to give us a future with hope. Reminded of Your promises, may we live this day in the joy You bring, may we worship You with all that is within us and may we serve You as You deserve. Help us Holy Spirit, so to do and be, that many may know the God who, in Jesus, came among us full of grace and truth. Amen Here the Lord’s Prayer may be said: Thanksgiving and intercession During the prayers of intercession there will be times of silence when we can each pray for people in the situations described, imagining what it might be like for those whom we remember. Faithful God, we thank You because You are true, You are light and in You there is no darkness at all, You are ever to be trusted, and constant is Your love. As we remember how the path Jesus took brought Him into conflict with those who were thirled to other ways,

we are thankful that He never gave up, nor allowed Himself to be diverted from His purpose. Jesus remained true to His mission, proclaiming Your kingdom had come, with good news for the poor, release for the captives, recovery of sight for the blind and freedom for the oppressed. From our hearts we thank You for the height and depth, the length and breadth of Christ’s love, when on a cross with outstretched arms He embraced us all. Thank You for the great hope we have that because Christ is risen, one day there will be no more death, or crying or pain, that nations shall beat their swords into ploughshares and not learn war any more. God of grace, trusting in Your promises, confident of Your love, we bring our prayers for others to You today. Crucified, Risen and Ascended Lord Jesus, You bring before the throne of God our prayers and concerns. There You are our advocate and that of our sisters and brothers. Let us think about people in various situations and in the silence that follows pray for them: People who are hungry, remembering the increased use of food banks and the rise of food poverty in our country, giving thanks for initiatives that ensure meals are provided for children. Silence Some people are homeless, without shelter or adequate clothing. We think of how varied their circumstances have been during this time of Coronavirus. We remember the work of care vans, shelters, charities and all who help people out of homelessness.

Silence Many people face times of hardship in these days: people whose jobs have gone, businesses facing collapse, families worried about paying the rent or mortgage. We think of initiatives designed to offer support and remember those in government, local and national, whose decisions affect the lives of many. Silence People are unwell or mentally distressed at this time because of coronavirus or other illnesses, whether at home or in hospital. Let us also remember all who care giving thanks for their dedication and skills, thankful for the work of scientists and those in charge of the logistics as they make vaccines available, remembering especially people in poorer nations. Silence Let us also take some moments to bring the private prayers of our hearts, letting our cry come to God, knowing that God is listening. Silence These prayers we offer to You, God of Grace, God of Promises kept. By the strength Your Spirit gives, may we journey with Jesus into life in all its fulness, that Your Kingdom of love and justice may be known all the more among us and in Your world, and many may see Jesus in all His glory. Amen You may also wish to use these ideas: Choose a text and with it a photograph taking some moments of quiet in which to ponder and offer a prayer, e.g.

‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves; take up their cross and follow me. (Matthew 16: 24)

A Famous Prayer O Christ, the Master Carpenter, who at the last through wood and nails purchased our whole salvation; wield well your tools in the workshop of your world, so that we who come rough-hewn to your work bench may be fashioned to a truer beauty by your hand. Amen. The Iona Community

Alternative Material This material has been supplied by kind permission of Spill the Beans and allows you to explore the readings or theme of the service in creative ways that include everyone gathering for worship. New material from Spill the Beans is provided in the latest issues available from their website. We believe in telling story. This material is simply the retelling of our faith stories. It always starts with the story each week. Then each activity is simply a way to engage the story and enable children and adults to embed the story, capturing different aspects of it, highlighting different images that help us hold the story in our beings. But we believe these faith stories ought to be able to mingle with our own life stories, our day-to-day experiences. So as activities are engaged, it is important to ask people to retell the faith story along with their own story of that week. It’s the tangle of life stories with faith stories that perhaps make both real.

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Through the Season of Lent Sacred Space You can offer a simple image each week that people take from the worship space and use more reflectively at home or in house-groups, building up a small collage of Lenten images that help them journey through the season during their own devotions. The objects are simple pointers that enable people to pause and think about the journey they are taking during the season and can be used in various ways:

• as a reflective object that links them back to the words from the previous week

• as an object to touch and hold as they pray

• as a focal point for house-groups or devotions for church meetings that continually bring the whole community back to the Lenten journey

• put in a special place or windowsill or mantlepiece where the collection will grow during Lent

• placed on a coffee table at home or other appropriate space throughout the season, growing as the season goes on: objects then can be played with or left in a particular shape such as a circle or cross or line that provoke questions from visitors

• carried in the pocket each week so they are constant reminders of the journey between Sundays of Lent

The objects are given to the congregation in various ways depending on the size and culture of your own congregation. Think carefully about this in your own setting. Theme: Praise and Promise Object: A paper badge with the word ‘Follower’ printed or written on it. Bible Notes Take up your cross? – Mark 8:27-38 What is our image of Jesus? Culturally, it is a fascinating question, and depictions of Jesus inevitably take on the traits of particular Christian communities. In artwork from different communities, Jesus has been depicted as black-skinned or white-skinned, with Asian features. Some see Jesus laughing with children gathered around; others have a predominant image of agony on the cross.

Today’s passage explores the identity of Jesus as Peter understands the real depth of Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am?” It is a moment of reverent praise. But almost immediately the sense of assurance that Peter had in knowing the identity of Jesus is thrown into disarray as Jesus firmly puts Peter in his place for questioning what Jesus would go through as the Messiah. Perhaps Peter had an image in his mind of what the Messiah would achieve from his experience with Jesus thus far—a miracle worker. Peter had not grasped the full depth of what it meant that Jesus was Messiah. In particular, Peter had not grasped at all that the journey Jesus was on would lead to a violent end. When we are honest with ourselves, we can probably all relate to Peter’s confusion as he grapples with who Jesus is, what he was doing, and why he was doing it. That full understanding would only come later, following the cross. The desire to domesticate and make safe the cross is something we can easily recognise. The cross is such a familiar image that it has lost its power to shock. The challenging image below is of an exhibit by the artist Paul Fryer that caused great controversy when it was displayed in the cathedral in the Alpine town of Gap in France.

The local bishop, Jean-Michel di Falco, responded to the outcry of horror and shock at the image of Jesus sitting on an electric chair, saying, I wanted the provoked shock to make us once again conscious of the scandal of someone being nailed to a cross. Usually, one does not feel any real emotions in front of something really scandalous: the Crucifixion. If Jesus had been sentenced today, he would have to reckon with the electric chair or other barbaric methods of execution. Image: Pieta by Paul Fryer

When we consider this, the depth of commitment that Jesus asks for in verses 34-38 take on their full import. Take up your cross... take up your electric chair... The likelihood is that these verses are Mark’s attempt to reflect the post-Easter community’s understanding of Jesus’ death, the cross, and the nature of discipleship. It surely is not a literal call to take up your cross and follow Jesus to Golgotha, for the faith community would not last beyond a generation, but rather Mark is warning that the new community of followers of the Way live differently, willing to sacrifice through love rather than live in a selfish and self-absorbed way. The promise of real change for a community only comes with that level of commitment amongst believers, but the potential cost cannot be dismissed. Neither is it to be glorified, of course. So how do we see Jesus? Is there value in the titles we place on him when all he asks is, “Follow me”? Retelling for young people When lots of people got to know Jesus and he became quite famous for his stories and his miracles, some people didn’t know what to think of him. “Who is this guy?” They all had their own ideas about who Jesus was. “Well, he went off into the desert, didn’t he?” they said, “So he’s just like that man John the Baptist!” Because John the Baptist lived in the desert too. “Oh no, he’s more like that man Elijah from long ago, with all his miracles!” said others. Because Elijah did miracles too. “But have you listened to him talking? He’s a man with a message from God! He’s a prophet!” said still others. Because the prophets told people messages from God. Jesus didn’t mind what people said about him. What do you think mattered most to him? “Come and follow me!” said Jesus. “Come and be my friend. Then you’ll know what to think of me!”

Activities Gathering First impressions: how important are they? Ask people to share a time when they had been wrong with a first impression they had, or even better can they think of a time when they have given the wrong impression? Graffiti Wall You will need: roll of lining paper or big sheets of paper taped together, marker pens of various colours. One at a time, children write their name and a few words which describe them on the ‘wall’. Each person should use a variety of colours and dot their words around the wall, not just a list. Once everyone has done that, the group should gather round the wall and try to match the words to the names. Use this as a way into talking about how people had questions about who Jesus was. Reflection An ‘a-ha’ moment, that moment of startling discovery when we think we know who Jesus is. It is awesome and reverent, a moment we just want to revel in and enjoy. But at that very moment of revelation it all comes crashing down around our ears and, thinking we’ve arrived, we are sent crashing off on a whole new journey. A journey that upends everything, that discombobulates. For Christ refuses to be pinned downed, refuses any label we might stick on him. It is his way to keep us journeying to a new awareness, an unfathomed truth, a destination that is always

just a little further on, a quest that keeps us restless, that brings shocking revelations, that upsets our complacency, and denies us any sense of having arrived. For this is the Messiah. Prayers Call to Worship Leader: The Lord invites us to follow him: All: we take up our cross,

help us to follow you, Lord. Leader: The Lord invites us to grow in our relationship with him: All: we are his disciples,

help us, Lord, to grow in faith. Leader: The Lord invites us to answer the question, “Who do you say that I am?” All: We say, you are the One who meets us here,

the Lord, our God. Sending We go from here walking the Way of Christ, sharing the Messiah’s good news, prepared to take up our crosses, and to be God’s people. We go to serve, to live in love, and to act with grace.

Alternative Material ©2012 Spill the Beans Resource Team

Musical suggestions Our online music resource is on the Church of Scotland website here: you can listen to samples of every song in the Church Hymnary 4th edition (CH4) and download a selection of recordings for use in worship. You will also find playlists for liturgical seasons and themes on the Inspire Me tab.

During a time when congregational singing is not permitted in Church buildings you may wish to have times of Reflective Music. Hymn music can be accompanied by words if it’s not too much of a temptation for the Church congregation! People participating at home can then sing and enjoy.

• CH4 153 – “Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father” – what more appropriate hymn could there be when celebrating God’s promises? ‘There is no shadow of turning with thee’ is a standout line

• CH4 162 – “The God of Abraham praise” – this hymn ties in well with the references to Abraham in today’s readings

• CH4 275 – “Come now, O Prince of Peace” – similar thoughts are expressed in this meditational piece (verse 4 ‘Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile all nations’)

• CH4 336 – “Christ is our light!” – this hymn communicates the brightness of Christ’s light radiating and touching the lives of all

• CH4 396 – “And can it be?” – Charles Wesley’s famous hymn also chimes in with the passage from Romans 4. For those of you using the illustration about Michelangelo’s ‘Captives’ see verse 4, ‘long my imprisoned spirit lay’

• CH4 402 – “Take up your cross” – links to the reading from Mark 8:31-38

• CH4 448 – “Lord, the light of Your love is shining” (Shine, Jesus shine) – this fits well if using the Transfiguration passage (Mark 9:2-9) especially ‘As we gaze on your kingly brightness, so our faces display your likeness’

• CH4 549 – “How deep the Father’s love for us” – a hymn that expresses some of the dynamics of forgiveness and marvels at the depth of God’s love

• CH4 555 – “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound” – Linking in to references to God’sgrace; it’s worth trying a different tune to this cherished hymn

• CH4 715 – “Behold! the mountain of the Lord” – this Paraphrase of Isaiah 2:2-5expresses the hope and the promise that the day will come when war will be studiedno more., giving voice to the scope of God’s promises

• Common Ground 26 – “Come to me” – It’s recommended that the chorus is led by acantor. If this is not possible those who can sing could sing it all! This is a quiet,prayerful hymn, which can be sung slowly with periods of silence (St Andrew Press)

You are free to download, project, print and circulate multiple copies of any of this material for use in worship services, bible studies, parish magazines, etc., but reproduction for commercial purposes is not permitted.

Please note that the views expressed in these materials are those of the individual writer and not necessarily the official view of the Church of Scotland, which can be laid down only by the General Assembly.