Today’s Passage from The Bible: Mark 15:25-47

It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, ‘The King of the Jews.’ And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!’ In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, ‘He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.’ Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, ‘Listen, he is calling for Elijah.’ And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, ‘Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.’ Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, ‘Truly this man was God’s Son!’

There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.

When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.

Reflection – Kate Heichler

We have come to the end of the story – or what many people assumed was the end of the story. In our 40-day journey through the Gospel of Mark, the earliest of the written accounts of Jesus’ life and death, we have arrived at his execution and burial, the events we marked yesterday in our solemn observances of Good Friday. His bruised and broken body, lifeless, now cold, has been taken off that instrument of torture, loosely wrapped in a linen cloth as there was no time before the sabbath began to prepare it properly, and placed in a borrowed tomb hewn out of rock. A great stone has been rolled across the entrance to keep animals out – and perhaps grave robbers. His disciples are not there to see where he is laid – they have all fled, lest the authorities who had Jesus killed should come for them next. Only Joseph and two of the Marys who traveled with Jesus and his band of followers see where the grave is. They will return early Sunday morning, just after sunrise when the sabbath is over, to prepare him for a proper burial. 

And now, on this Saturday, they have nothing to do but wait. Wait and grieve, lament and wail in outrage. Wait and absorb the trauma they have endured. The trauma their beloved Lord endured. Wait and think about the love, the power, the healing, the forgiveness they witnesses with him. Where is God now? 

We too have nothing to do but wait today – and perhaps take some time to reflect on our journey through Lent this year, this journey through Mark in the company of all the wise women and men in our two churches who have offered their insights on the story as we went. Oh, some of us will be decorating churches or preparing for Easter dinner; some practicing music or writing sermons. But let’s make sure we also take time for quiet, for Sabbath. Even God rested after creating the world. And Jesus rested after redeeming it. 

But the next day…

Today’s Passage from The Bible: Mark 14:53-72

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, ‘We heard him say, “I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.” ’But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, ‘Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?’ But he was silent and did not answer. Again, the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’ Jesus said, ‘I am and “you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power”, and “coming with the clouds of heaven.”

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?’ All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, ‘Prophesy!’ The guards also took him over and beat him.

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, ‘You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.’ But he denied it, saying, ‘I do not know or understand what you are talking about.’ And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, ‘This man is one of them.’ But again, he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, ‘Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.’ But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, ‘I do not know this man you are talking about.’ At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept.

Reflection – Bonnie Rafer

There are two parts to this reading – Jesus Before the Council, and Peter Denies Jesus. I find these passages very disturbing, as they show humans intent on destroying another human, even without evidence, or with manufactured evidence. Why would a group of people want to incriminate someone? Are they threatened by this person? Are they jealous of the following that surrounds him? Are they simply following along with the crowd, in an effort to be popular, or to eliminate the person who is causing disruption in their way of thinking? Why do they hate him so much? 

The presence of false testimony combined with the apparent lack of integrity in their legal system is a deadly combination. At a point, the priests and council seem to be reaching for straws to put Jesus to death, even without testimonial evidence – there are holes in the stories, and the stories don’t match up.  For some reason, possibly because he is no longer the “fun Jesus,” many of Jesus’ followers decide to turn against him. All of this time, Jesus remains innocent, and remains silent, which reminds me of the adage about remaining silent when dealing with fools. And with his knowledge of the course of events to come, he surely sees them as unworthy of his interaction, and he knows he cannot change the final outcome.

The crucial part comes in verse 61 when Jesus is asked, point blank, if he is the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One.  And Jesus answers, in effect, that he is the Christ, and that one day he will be seated beside God, coming with divine power. After this revelation, Jesus seems free to admit who he is, and the meaning is clear: He is stating he is the Christ, and not just a showman who does miracles. This is a shocker because now there is the fear of him, that he will be beside God, and have power and judgment.   

This is not what anyone expected and, in turn, brings forth the claims of blasphemy, and finally they have what they think is a reason to put him to death because of what he’s saying about tying himself closely with God and being Christ. This likely seemed to them to be insanity, narcissistic and completely wrong. They now had the reason they were desperately searching for, and could blame it on Jesus, no need for further testimony! 

Meanwhile, the part about Peter denying Jesus is another example of the frailties of human nature. The bystanders persisted in asking him about his relationship with Jesus and although Peter denied any association, they continued to pester him. Peter obviously didn’t want to be aligned with the man whom he now saw as being a loser. Peter is portrayed as a very weak person, I think, as everything was fine when Jesus was in the limelight and everyone loved him for being the miracle worker, but when things began to go downhill, Peter and others wanted nothing to do with him…..trying to save their own hides!   In the end, Peter realized what had happened, and that it all had been predicted by Jesus. At that instant, he knew…. he knew and he wept…. as well he should have, for himself in self-pity, and for Jesus, who had been his friend, and the subject of his betrayal.

And so, the story continues, being told through the ages. Unfortunately, some humans continue to persecute others, making judgments without evidence, and employing “fake news” tactics, and supporting causes to go along with the crowd.  Let us pray that we can employ Christian behavior, seeking to see the good in people, working together for common goals and defending those who have been unjustly condemned.  

Today’s Passage from The Bible: Mark 14:32-52

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, ‘Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?’ So, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, The Teacher asks, “Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.’ So, the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.’ They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, ‘Surely, not I?’ He said to them, ‘It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.’

While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.’

When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, ‘You will all become deserters; for it is written, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.’ Peter said to him, ‘Even though all become deserters, I will not.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ But he said vehemently, ‘Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.’ And all of them said the same.

Reflection – Kate Heichler

In today’s passage we meet Jesus in a place that should be very familiar to regular churchgoers, for we reenact this part of the story every Sunday – that last meal Jesus had with his followers, when nothing went according to custom and plan. Mark doesn’t tell us about the foot-washing we read about in John’s gospel, but he does include the similarly dislocating thing Jesus said about the bread and the wine – his body? His blood? What on earth was he talking about? 

We’ve all been at strained family meals, but this one seems the most laden with tension I’ve ever heard of. The cloak and dagger business of finding the room to rent. The talk of betrayal. The talk of his blood being shed for many, for them – and the insistent “Do this to remember me,” suggesting he would not be with them. No wonder they fell asleep in the Garden! No wonder they ran away, their promises notwithstanding. Would we have been any different? 

The next time you come to the eucharistic feast, the Holy Communion, the Last Supper, as some churches call it, imagine it as an actual meal, with friends, and maybe some you’re not so sure about, with Jesus as your host. He is the host at all our tables, and he still invites us to remember him in the breaking of the bread and the pouring of the wine. 

Today’s Passage from The Bible: Mark 13:1-37

As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!’ Then Jesus asked him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.’ When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, ‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?’ Then Jesus began to say to them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines.

This is but the beginning of the birth pangs. ‘As for yourselves, beware; for they will hand you over to councils; and you will be beaten in synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them. And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

‘But when you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; someone on the housetop must not go down or enter the house to take anything away; someone in the field must not turn back to get a coat. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not be in winter. For in those days there will be suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, no, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut short those days. And if anyone says to you at that time, “Look! Here is the Messiah!” or “Look! There he is!”—do not believe it. False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be alert; I have already told you everything. ‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.  Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. ‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’ 

Reflection – Kate Heichler

We do not meet Jesus at his cheeriest in this passage – not for nothing do scholars call it the “Little Apocalypse.” Jesus knows he is approaching the end of his earthly sojourn, and perhaps that has him thinking about the end that will come to this phase of his movement and his followers, and to the whole created order. It can be hard to remember that God lives outside of creation – this universe is all we see and know; it is so vast – how could there be something greater, more vast – and more lasting? How could this all come to an end? Notice, Jesus doesn’t invite his followers to focus on that “at the end of the Ages” end, but to be alert to the movement of God in their own lives. “Keep awake” is good counsel for us all the time, especially this coming week as we hear again the stories of how Jesus gave himself over to the worst that humankind can do. What do we notice as we move through the various observances of Holy Week and Easter? Where is the Spirit nudging us? Stay alert… God is up to something!

Today’s Passage from The Bible:  Mark 12:13-27

Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?’ But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.’ And they brought one. Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were utterly amazed at him.

Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, saying, 

‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. There were seven brothers; the first married and, when he died, left no children; and the second married her and died, leaving no children; and the third likewise; none of the seven left children. Last of all the woman herself died. In the resurrection whose wife will she be? For the seven had married her.’

Jesus said to them, ‘Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the story about the bush, how God said to him, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”? He is God not of the dead, but of the living; you are quite wrong.’

   Reflection – Kate Heichler

I wonder if Jesus got tired of the constant attempts by the religious leaders to trap him – to get him to say something that would get him into trouble with the people who adored him, or with the Roman authorities. There are two traps in this passage – one about taxes, one about marriage, but Jesus eludes both by affirming this simple principle: the realm of God and the realm of humankind are not the same. 

As followers of Jesus, united with him in baptism, it is our calling to live in both realms, bringing the power and love of God into the human realm, while already living the eternal life Jesus won for us. In this life we pay participate in civic life and enter into covenanted relationships with one another. We engage fully with all our embodied gifts of emotion and intellect – while learning to live in that realm of God that is eternal. All that means most to us in this realm is passing away. But the love gets carried over. 

We may not love one more than another in the Life eternal, so human institutions like marriage will not apply (remember, it’s “till death us do part…”) But we will live awash in Love, with nothing to pay for. All has been paid.