Epiphany 5B Preliminary Thoughts

In trying to write these lectionary notes I have found that it is so much easier to get notes into my Bible margin, or on sticky notes marking the pages as I read, than it is to write them up for others.  I hope some of you will be patient enough to stick with me until I can get to the point of getting more of my thoughts actually posted.

There were several things that struck me as “first thoughts” in my lectionary reading this week.

1.  The focus seems to be on healing.  I even see healing as Jesus retreates for prayer (Mark 1:35ff).  Those who do the work of ministry need to rest and also receive ministry.

2.   There is a time when even speaking the truth can be demonic.  Note how Jesus silences the demons in Mark 1:34, not because they are lying, but because they know him and are speaking at what is apparently the wrong time.  I would like to expand on this later if I have time.

3.  Just because ministry is bustling in one place doesn’t mean we need to stay there.  In fact, our tendency is to stay with success until it stops being success and becomes just repetition.  We need to move on to other calls (Mark 1:38-39).

4.  Healing and restoration go together.  Look at both Isaiah 40 and Psalm 147.

5.  Some of the things Paul says he is willing to be in order to reach people are frightening!  (1 Corinthians 9:22).

6.  It is because God is creator that he is also redeemer (Isaiah 40).

7.  Why do you imagine that the demons reacted when Jesus showed up and those in need of healing flocked to him?  Jesus never seems to need any instroduction or hype–people just come to him.