Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary readings for Sunday, September 26 include Proverbs 1:20-33 and Mark 8:27-38. Read both texts, paying particular attention to the gospel and then consider the following:

1. What word of wisdom does Proverbs have for you today?
2. How is wisdom portrayed in this reading?
3. Concerning the Gospel, where are Jesus and his disciples?
4. What does Jesus want to know?
5. Describe Jesus' encounter with Peter.

Now, take a moment to read Mark 7:27-38 from The Message: 

Jesus and his disciples headed out for the villages around Caesarea Philippi. As they walked, he asked, “Who do the people say I am?”

“Some say ‘John the Baptizer,’” they said. “Others say ‘Elijah.’ Still others say ‘one of the prophets.’” He then asked, “And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?” Peter gave the answer: “You are the Christ, the Messiah.”

Jesus warned them to keep it quiet, not to breathe a word of it to anyone. He then began explaining things to them: “It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the elders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and after three days rise up alive.” He said this simply and clearly so they couldn’t miss it. But Peter grabbed him in protest. Turning and seeing his disciples wavering, wondering what to believe, Jesus confronted Peter. “Peter, get out of my way! Satan, get lost! You have no idea how God works.”

Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? “If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I’m leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you’ll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels.”

Did this reading provide a different perspective for you? Did something "new" catch your attention? If so, what? Finally, rest with the following words of wisdom:

Jesus asked them,
Who do you say that I am? 
Elijah, Prophet, Rabbi. 
Son of God, Messiah, Christ.
The Way, The Truth, The Life.
Savior, Shepherd, Friend.
The last, the least, the lost.
Jesus asked Peter.
Jesus asked Pilate.
Jesus asks us.
Who do you say that I am?

May God bless you on  your journey this week. May God lead you safely into our house of worship this Sunday.

Shalom,
Glenda