My friend Sylvia (yes, the same friend as last week!) and her husband always go to the National Prayer Breakfast, eager to see how the Lord will show up, for He always has. He did it again this year. The speaker was Arthur Brooks, a professor at Harvard, a Catholic Christian, and the author of “Love your Enemies,” a book with this sub-title: “How Decent People Can Save America from The Culture of Contempt.”
With President Trump on one side and Nancy Pelosi on the other, Brooks proceeded with the revolutionary message of Jesus. This followed days of contempt: Pelosi ripping up Trump’s speech on national television, Trump refusing to shake Pelosi’s outstretched hand, and intense sarcasm from each political party about the other.
I will give a link to the entire 15-minute talk, but below are a few of Brook’s stand-out comments:
I am here to talk about what I believe is the biggest crisis facing our nation and many other nations…the crisis of contempt — that polarization that is tearing our society apart.
I want to turn to the words of the ultimate original thinker…my personal Lord and Savior, Jesus…: “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
In the words of the 19th-century philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, contempt is “the unsullied conviction of the worthlessness of another.”
The world’s leading expert on marital reconciliation is Dr. John Gottman…he can predict with 94 percent accuracy whether the couple will divorce within three years. How can he tell? …The biggest warning signs, he explains, are indicators of contempt. These include sarcasm, sneering, hostile humor and — worst of all — eye-rolling. These little acts effectively say, “You are worthless” to the one person, a spouse, you should love more than any other.
My sisters and brothers, when you leave the National Prayer Breakfast…see the world outside this room as mission territory. We might just mark this day…as the point at which our national healing begins.
What happened next is that Trump stood up and told Brooks he wasn’t sure he agreed with him and that he wouldn’t like what he was about to say. What followed was a diatribe against the impeachment attempt on the part of the Democrats. My friend Sylvia cringed, thinking:
No, no, no! President Trump! Don’t blow this opportunity to bring healing.
Trump continued on, yet near the end of his venting, he looked at Brooks and said, “But I’m thinking about what you said…”
Later, in a break-out session, a young man shared the anger he felt at Trump, but then the Spirit convicted him of his contempt. Sylvia said, “That convicted me of my contempt.”
Likewise, Sylvia’s story convicted me of my contempt against people of both parties, contempt against those who post political jibes on Facebook, even contempt against those who see things differently during this time of Covid 19 than I do, when in truth, no one really knows the sure way out of this. How far I am from giving grace!
As the old song says, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” How? Only through submitting to the Spirit of the living Lord in every relationship. The world tries to change things through force, through anger, through power. That was the kind of revolution everyone thought Jesus was bringing. So the Roman soldiers (between 300 and 600) came after Him, armed and angry, expecting a fight.
Jesus asks us to change things by dying to ourselves, by giving grace, by praying for our enemies:
Do not resist an evil person…love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you and persecute you.
A very different kind of revolution.
Upside down from the way the world thinks.
This is our symbol for the week:
Highlight from Last Week:
We are in the last few weeks of a journey that began after Christmas — and I remember wondering at the start who would still be here at this point, and you have been so faithful and steadfast. It’s been so good, and I congratulate you for hanging in there! We didn’t know when we began what we would be facing as a world, but it has been especially sweet in a time of social distancing to come and find you here! Many of you are facing great stress, yet it has caused you to press in instead of backing up. This touched me early on in the week from Chris, who has started a new and stressful job, but is determined to stay with us and also give herself grace in not doing it all “as thoroughly as she would prefer.” I thought this would be good for all of us to hear, not matter your circumstances:
Going from having nothing to do all day but exercise and make dinner to a week of being interviewed, hired, and then working every single day was a shock to my system.
I did follow along with the study, reading, thinking, and listening to sermons, but I do prefer doing the whole thing in an orderly fashion. I need to be reminded that the Lord doesn’t love me less when I am not as thorough as I prefer to be.
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above, and why?
- Where do you need to turn from contempt and toward grace, toward living out the upsidedown Kingdom?
Monday: Replacing Contempt
3. Listen to Arthur Brooks above and share your notes and comments.
4. Read Luke 6:20-26
A. Name some of the ways this is a revolutionary approach to life.
B. “The weeping or mourning” refers to truly mourning our sin. How has contempt in your
heart for another hurt you, others, and the name of Christ?
C. It isn’t enough to stop the symptoms of contempt (name-calling, eye-rolling, sarcasm…) We
must replace these behaviors with love, through the Spirit. How might you do this?
Tuesday: Inverted Kingdom
5. Read the opening of Chapter 16 in Keller’s book (The Sword) and share your notes
and comments. (Read up to The First True Revolution)
Wednesday: Am I Leading A Rebellion?
6. Read Mark 14:43-46
A. Who came with Judas and who sent them?
B. How were they armed?
C. Mark says “a crowd,” John says “a troop.” A troop consists of 300-600
soldiers. Why, so many, do you think?
D. What did Judas do? Keller asks, “Why all this subterfuge?” Why do you think?
7. Read Mark 14:46-49
A. John says it was Peter who cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. Why, do you think?
B. What question does Jesus then ask?
C. How are you like Peter?
Thursday: An Inverted Kingdom
8. Read the section in Chapter 16 called “The Inverted Kingdom” and share your notes and comments.
Friday: The Inversion of the Revolution
9. Read Mark 14:48-52
A. Why did everyone desert Jesus?
B. What happened to one man? What might this bring to our remembrance?
10. Read this last section in chapter 16 and share your notes and comments.
Saturday:
11. How might you apply this lesson right now to your life?
97 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? I am inspired by Mr. Brooks to speak truth in a very hard place. I am anxious to listen to his words. I am disheartened at the realization that most people lack the skills to take in information for their benefit if they disagree with it initially. We are so fueled by image and “being right” that we miss any benefit in processing new information.
I love the picture of the upside down castle – I imagine those inside are clinging to the floor trying not to fall but if they let go they may find that they can fly.
I am convicted that “eye rolling” is a symptom of contempt.
2. Where do you need to turn from contempt and toward grace, toward living out the upside down Kingdom? I am ashamed to say that I see covert contempt in a lot of my relationships, thinking that I know better is a form of arrogance which is the first step towards thinking others are “beneath” me (which would eventually progress to thinking they are worthless). I repent every day coming home from work for something I said that revealed I just think I am better, know better, and plead with God to change my heart to see all as He sees us all. There is one close relationship that I have found myself growing more frustrated with (I have even begun to secretly roll my eyes at this person which is why it convicted me) but I keep hearing the voice of God urging me to be right with Him and pray for the spiritual health of those I encounter instead of wasting my time being frustrated or trying to change the, to be like me. God, help me!!
Yes, Jill it’s the internal eye rolling and, for me, the negative things that I am saying to myself about that person that are the worst because there is only One who knows what we’re doing and that the One we are really sinning against.
Jill — love your heart – I can’t quite imagine what it must be like to working in health care in these times.
What stands out to you from the above, and why? President Trump’s warning to Brooks that he probably wasn’t going to like what he was about to hear. I can see where people were hoping for the president to be gracious and change what he was about to say, but these speeches are written and practiced well ahead of time so there is little chance that anyone would have deviated from their prepared speech. The fact that he ended by telling Brooks, “But I’m thinking about what you said…” shows that he was listening and being mindful of what was said. Most people just ignore what’s being said and don’t even acknowledge the things that they don’t agree with at the prayer breakfasts (at least that’s how it seems to me).
Where do you need to turn from contempt and toward grace, toward living out the upsidedown Kingdom? At work. I have worked in the same department for 30 years. The first 25 with the same manager and very few supervisor turn over. In the last 8 years we have had 7 different managers (3 of which were hired as contract employees till the position could get filled) and 4 supervisors. Right now our temporary manager is making huge changes, but he is also going to be gone in less than a month. Half of our staff is outside contract people. My current supervisor turned in her resignation this week so we are going to down to one 2nd shift supervisor who hasn’t even been with us for a year. I have found myself thinking very disdainfully of all of newcomers who aren’t going to be with us for more than 12 weeks. They make almost twice what we do and they work for the same company as the temp manager so they are more at home then we are. I’ve gotten to where I go to work begrudgingly, speak to almost no one, avoid most personal interactions with any one even my long term co-workers and I know that this is not how I should be living out my faith. I know “love God, love people” is what I should be desiring, but I’m not there yet.
I have been trying lately, by helping a co-worker, who constantly stabs me in the back, get some of her work done. Making conversation with one of the guys who gets on my nerves a lot. What I’m really struggling with is that my main problem with these people is that they are 2 faced. They are nice to a person’s face then they go behind their backs and bad mouth them. I don’t want to be like that, even in my mind. I am trying to get to a place where I can be sincere with a person even though I know that they go out of their way to make me look bad. I’d much rather just keep to myself.
Your workplace sounds very challenging, Dawn. So proud of you for helping those who hurt you. Upside down Kingdom indeed!
What stands out to you from the above, and why?
Oh, I LOVE the theme this week!! Thank you, Dee, for this focus!
I have been so saddened by the response of some of my Christian friends to a secular item from PBS I posted on my Facebook page recently. I cringed when I saw the article because I thought it was going to be one side damning the other, but the way I read it was that we all need to be less sure of our own opinions. People are often so ready to eviscerate anyone who has a different opinion than the one they hold. I took from the piece that we need to be less confident of our own opinions and give grace to those with whom we disagree, we need to learn from one another.
All of these especially stood out to me:
“the unsullied conviction of the worthlessness of another.”
The world tries to change things through force, through anger, through power.
Do not resist an evil person…love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you and persecute you.
A very different kind of revolution.
Upside down from the way the world thinks.
Some time ago now I was strongly convicted by this passage:
The Message Matthew 7:1 “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults – unless, of course, you want the same treatment. 2 That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. 3 It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. 4 Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt?
I also thought of this:
Luke 6:
English Standard Version
46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.[a] 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”
When I compare myself to others in ANY way that make me feel superior to them I am building on sand.
Where do you need to turn from contempt and toward grace, toward living out the upside-down Kingdom?
I think while we live in this world our struggle will continue in this area. Wanting to compare ourselves with others and find ways in which we think we are better.
For me, I can struggle with people who are unkind and with people who are racist. Having my son’s girlfriend and her son be black and having Asian daughters in law has heightened my awareness of racism, it is different when people you really love are the ones who are treated badly.
I can feel superior to people who are mean-but the right response is to pray for God to open their eyes.
I feel superior to my husband when he fails to put his dishes in the dishwasher, or when he feeds the dog differently than I do.
I can feel superior to people based on music preference, eating styles, hairdos, what they drive, even the color scheme of their flower beds!It is impossible to really give an exhaustive list of the ways I measure myself and others, I am thankful for that passage from The Message and how often God has brought it to my mind when I find myself doing this and the correction it brings.
Oh Chris — you made me laugh out loud. I need to go check the color scheme of my flower beds.
Great quote from Message too!
Yes Chris, it can be so subtle how I compare myself to others unhealthily. Thank you for your honest words here.
Wanting to compare ourselves with others and find ways in which we think we are better.
Help us please, Lord.
1. What stands out to you from the above, and why?
You amaze me Dee! Willing to “go there…”
I read Chris’s post last week and appreciated it then because I have had to spread my blog study out over the course of the day because of my circumstances. I can’t do much in the morning and I am feeling guilty. Life is WAY too busy for me right now and I can’t believe anyone could be bored!
2. Where do you need to turn from contempt and toward grace, toward living out the upsidedown Kingdom?
oh wow…this is difficult to admit. I have a very hard time with people in our society who do things to look good themselves, and not because it’s coming from their heart. I have a hard time understanding people who are not responsible for themselves. Lots of work needed here 🤷🏻♀️.
4. Read Luke 6:20-26
A. Name some of the ways this is a revolutionary approach to life.
I remember watching a newscast about an area that had extreme flooding. A woman was being interviewed whose house had been destroyed. She was so angry, she was beside herself saying NO ONE, should EVER have to go through anything like this. Her family and her pets were safe. I remember thinking her idea of what life should be doesn’t measure up with human experience, there is so much misery.
I have a friend at my old job who isn’t a believer who questions why God allows things he does. Jesus teaching that people who are poor, hungry, weeping, and hated now are actually blessed, that is something our culture refuses to consider. Many think that if we are not rich, full, laughing, and well thought of then God is not good.
3. Listen to Arthur Brooks above and share your notes and comments.
Old- problems require new solutions
Love your enemies= thinking differently
How do we do it?
Make the problem personal
People who disagree with me aren’t stupid or evil
I should seek to persuade them with love
I need moral courage to stand up to people with whom I agree on behalf of those with whom we disagree
Contempt is the conviction of the utter worthlessness of another human being
Contempt kills relationships- contempt kills love
how do we break the pattern of contempt?
Answer hatred with love
How?
1) Ask God for the strength to follow Jesus teaching
2) Make a commitment to someone with whom you disagree to reject contempt ask for someone to hold you accountable
3) Go out looking for contempt, be a missionary, bring light to darkness, see the world as mission territory
Way to go with great notes, Chris.
Such a common question from your friend — but I believe you are equipped to empathize and give an answer for the hope within you!
I’m learning so much from this study. I really appreciate the honesty. Praying I can apply this to my life. Relationships can be so complicated. How in the world can we find ourselves loving someone so much and yet at the same time being so angry with that same person? The answer is here. Our love needs to come from a place that puts that person above our own needs. As soon as we put ourselves first, the contempt sets in. So, how do we hold this person accountable, who has caused hurt in the relationship? By communicating—boy is this a challenge when we ALL think we are right. 1 Peter 4:8Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. THIS is the key, however, we can’t love selfishly, but sacrificially, continually laying down our right to our own way. Continually forgiving and showing God’s grace WHILE communicating what scripture teaches and holding one another accountable. I still have much to learn in this. Seeking my Lord and his wisdom and help in this.
The Lord showed me that when I pray for someone it teaches me to love them and not have contempt for them. I had a lot of bad feelings for my son in law but I started praying for him as the longer I did the more I loved him. I am so grateful.
Wonderful testimony, Jennifer
Jennifer, thank you for the encouragement to pray for those we have contempt for. “but I started praying for him as the longer I did the more I loved him.” Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. Yes, Lord let peace begin with each one of us.
Jennifer,
Thank you for this reminder to pray for those we have contempt for….. I needed this reminder this morning. The contempt in my heart for someone close has become quiet contempt and I haven’t been calling it what it really is. Needing the Lord to remind me to pray for this one. Sin can be so insidious.
3. Listen to Arthur Brooks above and share your notes and comments.
Notes: Do you love someone with whom you disagree? Are you uncomfortable hearing someone that you love insulted?
Eye rolling
Contempt is belief in the utter worthlessness of someone
How do we get rid of contempt? Not tolerance, civility. We need love.
homework – 1. ask God to give you the strength to love your enemies
2. make a commitment with somebody else to forsake contempt
3. go out looking for contempt and love them – run toward the darkness, bring your light
Comments:
While I agree that contempt is a serious problem in our world, I am wondering what the sin or idol is beneath the problem of contempt. I am thinking it is pride. I am reading a very challenging book by Rosario Champagne Butterfield right now. It is her biography called “The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert”. (This has been a book that I have hesitated to read because I thought it might be hard to read; yet I think this is going to be one of those books that is going to be life-changing for me – because it speaks so honestly right to my heart from God.) She says that her homosexual lifestyle was the manifesting sin of the idol of pride in her heart. I had never thought of this before. This has challenged me to look behind my manifesting sins and wonder what the “underneath” sin is. I am seeing a lot of pride in my heart that I dismissed before. Until I let God change my heart and deal with the “underneath” sin, I cannot get rid of the manifesting sins.
If contempt is the belief in the utter worthlessness of someone, it is because I believe I am right and they are wrong. I am better than them, holier than them. It is pride.
Diane, I am challenging myself as well “to look behind my manifesting sins”. Pride. There is so much of this in me.
Diane, I finished reading Rosaria’s Secret Thoughts a couple months ago! I really enjoyed it – challenging, convicting, inspiring… SO much to chew on and ponder … yes, a life-changer… I wish she would write a sequel just so I could keep reading her thoughts on life. =)
I appreciate your thoughts and honesty. The additional problem I have had is bitterness. There ARE times when I have been right-when I have been wronged. In those cases where I found myself wronged in a pattern of behavior in a relationship-and unable to see a way out-this is where bitterness set in. So many years of this created a deep wedge of bitterness. Now that the patterns of behavior are becoming more healthy, and the wedge is visible-it needs to be removed with all its hurt and tears built up over time. Trusting God’s sovereignty in the past and the present and into the future. This makes me think of Joseph, when he cried over his brothers in Egypt and told them,’ what you meant for evil, God meant for good, that many could be saved.’ I need to look for God’s purpose in these trials. I need to keep on forgiving and showing His grace. I need to move past and look to the future.
Wow Chris this whole post is so good!
God has been gracious and giving wisdom in trials where I was lost to the way back.
Simmchris, I can identify with a lot of what you are saying. Long term hurt is deep. I like your thoughts on Joseph and his tears. The tears might be caused by his letting go of hurt/bitterness and forgiving his brothers. Lord, help me to do that. I can only do that if you help me.
Yes, Diane. I think this as well. I will pray for you.
Diane, very good points. I have heard Rosario speak on Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth’s podcast and she is convicting.
Pride is definitely a problem I have had 😔
I too read and loved “Confessions of an Unlikely Convert” I am a big Rosaria fan 🙂
I have not read Rosario’s book but I watched an interview with her at Patrick Henry College a couple of years ago that was absolutely stunning. So grateful for her ability to articulate from the heart.
4. Read Luke 6:20-26
A. Name some of the ways this is a revolutionary approach to life.
We naturally desire wealth, full bellies, laughter (pleasure). Deliberately forsaking wealth for poverty, choosing to go hungry, and seeking suffering is upside-down to the world.
B. “The weeping or mourning” refers to truly mourning our sin. How has contempt in your heart for another hurt you, others, and the name of Christ?
Now that my husband is “retired”, we are spending a lot of time together. It is easy to get annoyed with each other over little things, to think I know best. Words of impatience and attitudes of contempt destroy trust and corrode intimacy.
C. It isn’t enough to stop the symptoms of contempt (name-calling, eye-rolling, sarcasm…) We must replace these behaviors with love, through the Spirit. How might you do this?
I think this is only done by prayer and humility before God and others. I need to loosen my “To Do” list and listen to God and others.
Diane, I like your idea of replacing contempt with love. This is putting feet on our faith. Praying for this in my life. The hardest thing I’m facing now is the poor example I have displayed, in the way I have responded to the hurt in my past. Now to change this.
Sunday:
What stands out to you from the above, and why?
a. The title stood out to me especially the word, “revolution”. I looked up the meaning of revolution “a forcible overthrow of a government or social order, in favor of a new system.” Also of revolutionary: “Not like anything that has existed or been done before. Involving or causing a complete or dramatic change.”
Based on the first meaning with the use of the word “forcible overthrow”, I smiled thinking that even then Jesus already had a different kind of revolution against its meaning because what He did was NOT forcible at all!
I feel like our present times have brought out many opportunities to be a revolutionary Christian- kindness vs. self-gain; understanding vs. judgment; prayer vs. detachment, etc.
b. “As the old song says, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” How? Only through submitting to the Spirit of the living Lord in every relationship. The world tries to change things through force, through anger, through power.”
Am I of the world? When things are not the way I want them to be, do I respond through force, anger, or power? Or do I think of peaceful ways? Do I base my actions on godly thinking-true, noble, right, pure, excellent, admirable, praiseworthy based on Philippians 4:8? Holy Spirit, living in me, help me submit to you in every relationship I have.
Where do you need to turn from contempt and toward grace, toward living out the upsidedown Kingdom?
Living out the upside-down kingdom runs contrary to my natural inclinations. I have an instinctual tendency to protect and defend myself and to make myself look good (idol of approval). Not surprising is my internal “eye-rolling” when I read or hear of other people’s opinions different than mine. And I confess that at times, my contempt is toward those that I love the most! I expect them to act like I think they should. I need help from God to be gracious to others. To see them as God’s creation and worthy of love and respect.
I can relate with you on your last two sentences -I need help from God to be gracious to others. ❤️
3. Listen to Arthur Brooks above and share your notes and comments.
I agree with what Dr. Brooks is saying. You can’t seem to have a civil conversation with people of the “other persuasion“ without an argument ensuing. There is small tolerance for people who are differing in opinion than us. I would have to add that I believe this stems from our college and university systems. It used to be that it was OK to disagree at that level. Even though you argued points, you were still friendly with the people with whom you argued. I do not think that is happening anymore. I think you have to believe one way in your college community, and if you disagree you are a marked target. And, I believe it begins at the top.… The people hired to teach are usually a high percentage of one-way thinkers. Unfortunately, I think this has to change before anything else will here in America.
Now, about the mission field. I think it’s probably a good idea to follow Jesus’ way if we are Christians. That means love your enemies. How difficult this can be at times. I guess I can start today with one person, and that would be a beginning.
Laura, loving our enemies is not possible without help from our Lord, as you know. And prayer is a huge part. Let’s pray for each other 🙏🏻 I need help with this as well.
Absolutely Chris! I will pray. 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you 😊
I love this-sisters linking arms relying on God in this battle of loving our enemies 🙂
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above, and why? – I find it interesting how many times I have the opportunity to make a difference and I blow it. Out of fear, rejection or just being unsure of what to say. The impact that Arthur Brooks had on that audience must have been great. I want to go back and listen to the whole segment. Our sermon yesterday was on Luke 6.27-36 “We Love Because He Loves Us” and then our Life Group discussed the sermon notes on this. We know we need to love others whether they are like us, agree with us or hurt us in some way, but oh how hard that is to do. Just like President Trump and Nancy Pelosi are on separate sides and to me seem as though they hate each other, what a difference they both could make if they would just love like Jesus loves. Loving as Jesus loves means we are to forgive and give grace. Lord, help me see and recognize that others may not agree with me and help me to allow that to be as it is.
2. Where do you need to turn from contempt and toward grace, toward living out the upsidedown Kingdom? – Oh my, I would say every aspect of my life needs to be lived in and upsdiedown Kingdom. I need to constantly remember there is only one me and everyone else is different then me. I don’t have to be right in others eyes, I just have to show love, the love like Jesus shows me.
4. Read Luke 6:20-26
A. Name some of the ways this is a revolutionary approach to life.
It’s like everything is upside down from what we believe! God blesses the poor, the hungry, and sad. He blesses those who are mocked and excluded now for loving Him.
Sorrow will come to those who are rich, fat, and prosperous. Sorrow comes to those who laugh and are praised now.
B. “The weeping or mourning” refers to truly mourning our sin. How has contempt in your heart for another hurt you, others, and the name of Christ?
I believe I have lost friends, made enemies and not shown myself to be very “Christian” at times. It usually breaks relationships and they are sometimes irreparable. Christ wants us to love no matter what.
C. It isn’t enough to stop the symptoms of contempt (name-calling, eye-rolling, sarcasm…) We must replace these behaviors with love, through the Spirit. How might you do this?
I think it’s important to take a minute to put yourself in the other persons shoes and try to feel as they do.
Monday: Replacing Contempt
3. Listen to Arthur Brooks above and share your notes and comments –
We need to think differently – This will be tough at times I think because it could cause confrontation and of course disagreements.
Old problems need to be thought through in a new way. – Why keep doing something over and over the same way if you are not getting any new results from it. It’s ok to have new ideas it could just make things easier in the long run.
Love your enemies is new thinking but the devil is in the details – Love this, I never thought of this before, he will try anything to squash our efforts.
Make the problem personal – This to me is powerful. For me I definitely try harder when the issue is closer to home and closer to my heart.
There are no mistakes, there are only opportunities. – Lord help me to make everything an opportunity to make a difference.
Moral courage is standing up to someone you agree with on behalf of someone we love that does not agree with us. – Wow to defend someone on the other side is definitely a new way of thinking but is so needed for this world to find peace.
Contempt kills love – How sad Jesus must be to see all this contempt in this world, especially from His own children.
Lord I ask you to give me the strength to do anything that comes my way no matter how hard it is. Help me to remember you will be there with me through it all. Help me Lord to make a commitment to you and myself to reject contempt so this world can be filled with love. And Lord, help me to look for contempt but to answer with love in every situation. Don’t let me be the one that breaks the love you have shown to all of us. Help me Lord to see the world as a mission field where everyone needs to know the love of Jesus. I pray these things in Jesus Name. Amen.
Dee, I believe you shared a Youtube video of Dr. Dyana Glyer on “intellectual hospitality” before. I found this article but not sure I have the right Youtube one. I often remember this phrase whenever I listen to somebody who has a different opinion than what I have. https://www.apu.edu/articles/intellectual-hospitality/
Don’t mean to digress from our discussion here. This Youtube might not be the right one” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7GTtZEW9Kk
Bing, thanks for sharing this! It is so good and what I needed. I would encourage others to take time and listen to the video.
Diane, I loved this, too. Dr. Glyer was so eloquent and enlightening. I have been finding myself more intentional in listening to others whenever I think of how she explained intellectual hospitality. God is good at helping me understand these scholars when I struggle with understanding the English language as it is not my primary language.
How are you doing as a pastor’s wife during these COVID times? I should ask Diane as well. We probably have some common challenges in our churches.
Bing, thank you so much for this link! I cried near the end. I also shared it on Facebook. So good!
Let’s try this again. Lost connection and my post was lost…
4. Read Luke 6:20-26
A. Name some of the ways this is a revolutionary approach to life. – I think these verses are all out of the normal way this society has been brought up or taught or at least some of us. It was always think and do for yourself first. Take care of yourself before others and work hard to succeed. But Jesus is saying the opposite here. He is saying to worry about others and how your treat them. That if you don’t take care of others as Jesus has done, then in the end, even though you were first, in His Kingdom you will be last and lose it all. This is not the normal way of thinking.
B. “The weeping or mourning” refers to truly mourning our sin. How has contempt in your heart for another hurt you, others, and the name of Christ? – When I have contempt in my heart toward someone else for something they did to me that hurt me or hurt someone that is close to me, I lose the joy in my life. I’m upset and worrying about what was done when in reality the one who hurt me most likely doesn’t even know what they did. And holding contempt against someone is going against the one thing God is truly all about, to LOVE EVERYONE.
C. It isn’t enough to stop the symptoms of contempt (name-calling, eye-rolling, sarcasm…) We must replace these behaviors with love, through the Spirit. How might you do this? – First thought that came to my mind was apologize, to say sorry for my part in the situation. This act does not show weakness in any way, I think it actually shows a stronger person. Also to show love, kindness and grace. We are not always going to agree and there will be times when we may have to just let the person know we don’t agree and not discuss it unless you can discuss peacefully. But I know the most important thing is to be loving and give grace like Jesus did to me.
What stands out for me is the subject of the speaker, Arthur Brooks, Love your enemies, at the National Prayer breakfast. I am appalled daily by how our political leaders treat one another publicly. He was speaking on an important issue, but how brave he was…
2. Where do I need to turn from contempt to grace? Well I need to face my own feelings, I think. I never would have named it contempt, but I do have very judgmental thinking on those who differ from me on spiritual issues. I need grace as I do not have all the answers. I only have strong opinions which I base on my understanding of the Word of God and what I have been taught by Bible teachers.
I’ve listened to him interviewed on The Olasky Intervew (a free podcast) and really enjoyed him. He is such a clear thinker.
I wish I were a ‘clear thinker’!
Loss of estrogen has muddied my thinking a lot :~)
🙂 He who turned the water into wine can work with estrogen.
“the unsullied conviction of the worthlessness of another.”This definition of contempt hit me like a ton of bricks and that I have shown contempt of others breaks my heart. Forgive me, Lord. Jesus has made me worthy in your sight, how can I not show the same to my fellow human beings? I believe that an awareness of my sinfulness and gratitude for what Christ has done for me can help me not show contempt for others.
Contempt kills marriages, relationships. Contempt kills love. Lord, help me to love just as you love.
“Run towards darkness and bring your light.” Not an easy thing for me to do as I do not like confrontation or disagreements. But I am learning by the grace of God to stay put and listen sincerely when all I want to do is dismiss the other person or run/walk away from him/her.
4. Read Luke 6:20-26
A. Name some of the ways this is a revolutionary approach to life.
Being poor, weeping, hungry, excluded and hated-these are not the type of people who are seen as acceptable by the world’s standards. It is counterintuitive.
B. “The weeping or mourning” refers to truly mourning our sin. How has contempt in your heart for another hurt you, others, and the name of Christ?
Me-bitterness or frustration; others-they do not feel loved, name of Christ is maligned.
C. It isn’t enough to stop the symptoms of contempt (name-calling, eye-rolling, sarcasm…) We must replace these behaviors with love, through the Spirit. How might you do this? By being willing to listen and understand the other person’s point of view. Listening does not mean that we agree with the other person. It means we value them and therefore value what they have to say. And asking the Holy Spirit to work in my heart to love the other person.
I love your heart, Bing. And thanks for your note and gift!!!
Love your whole post here Bing! I relate so well to it.
Tuesday: Inverted Kingdom
5. Read the opening of Chapter 16 in Keller’s book (The Sword) and share your notes
and comments. (Read up to The First True Revolution)
self-regarding ethic vs other-regarding ethic which is characterized by humility, service, peaceableness, modesty, respect, equality
Christians will prize what the world considers pitiable and suspect what the world calls desirable.
The top of the list of the kingdom of God is at the bottom of the list of the kingdom of this world based on Luke 6-weakness and poverty, suffering, and rejection.
I feel like during the times of “weakness and poverty, suffering and rejection”, God was always close to me ministering to my spirit in a level I do not experience with success and recognition. Jesus, the anointed one fulfills His ministry of Isaiah 61:1-4 in my life:
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.
They shall build up the ancient ruins;
they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations. (ESV Bible)
Tuesday: Inverted Kingdom
5. Read the opening of Chapter 16 in Keller’s book (The Sword) and share your notes and comments. (Read up to The First True Revolution) – I loved the description of what happens when a new administration comes in to the situation. Things change, priorities change and what was important to one may no longer be important to the new administration. Just like what the religious leaders instilled to the people in Jesus’ time. That is what they knew, that was what they were taught and, like our world today, a new administration came in and people are not happy. Jesus starts his ministry and things start to change, the religious leaders are no longer in charge, they no longer are getting the people to follow them, they are seeing a new side of things that is more appealing to them now and they start to follow Jesus. There will always be someone not happy of how things are run but the important thing is how will we treat those we disagree with? Will we have contempt, hatred and dislike, or will we love as Jesus loves.
5. Read the opening of Chapter 16 in Keller’s book (The Sword) and share your notes and comments. (Read up to The First True Revolution)
Keller says there are two types of people, those who are self serving and those who think of others first. He gives an example of a professor who shares a story with his students about a small, old woman carrying a large purse. You pass her and think it would be easy to steal the purse. But in the end you don’t. The reason? Because maybe you realize the pain it would cost her; you put her feeling first. He asks his students which person they would be. Then the professor says his students all pick not stealing from the woman. He proposes to them that the reason comes from Christianity. He believes they actually want more of that type of behavior even if they don’t care for Christianity.
I’m not sure I entirely agree with the professor. I think we learn at an early age that stealing is wrong. No one actually says why it’s wrong, just that it is. You know not to hurt an old woman. That is wrong too. I don’t think I have actually thought the things he proposes (like how hard it would be on her body or finances) in the detail that he suggests.
Keller then goes on to examine what the Christian ideas are that have shaped people since the days prior to Christianity. He says Jesus Is always talking about a “kingdom” which is really just a way of ordering things and getting things done. Two contrasting groups in Luke are those who are blessed and those who are not. Things that are meaningful in this world are not so much in the kingdom of heaven.
What do you think about why children know it is wrong, Laura. I’m thinking of the passage in Romans about God putting His law in our hearts.
D. What did Judas do? Keller asks, “Why all this subterfuge?” Why do you think?I really hate that Judas kissed Jesus, it makes me sick to my stomach.I don’t have any ideas why, except maybe it displays Judas’s contempt for Jesus?
I look forward to seeing what others have written here.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The contempt we can have toward others. Convicting. It can seep in so subtly. As many of you know, Ravi Zacharius passed away two nights ago. I was reading an email obituary of his life and these words caught my attention:
“He saw the objections and questions of others not as something to be rebuffed, but as a cry of the heart that had to be answered. People weren’t logical problems waiting to be solved; they were people who needed the person of Christ.”
I remember one evening when we were newlyweds (44 years ago) we were driving by Christian & Missionary Alliance church here in Billings, Mt. and the parking lot was full, so we were curious and decided to go in. A young man was speaking ~ someone I hadn’t heard of. I do not remember what he said but I remember the palpable presence of the Lord.Thank you, Ravi, for your gentle, humble, and faithful influence on my life. Your “long obedience in the same direction” (Eugene Peterson) has been a profound encouragement to many.
Ravi’s example of clearly stating the Truth with Love and humility has often been the encouragement we need to do the same.
(My daughter and two young children, including a newborn, have moved in with us and I am not having as much time to respond here. But I am reading along and following.)
Nila, I love the quote of Ravi Zacharias. Yes, a wonderful gentle and humble man who influenced my thoughts as well.
Nila, I loved what you said of Ravi. I found him somehow on the internet and have listened to him many times. Such an intelligent, articulate man who loved the Lord and stood for the truth. That quote from the Email obituary speaks resoundingly of his life: “He saw the objections and questions of others not as something to be rebuffed, but as a cry of the heart that had to be answered. People weren’t logical problems waiting to be solved; they were people who needed the person of Christ.” I need to copy and paste and print this and put it somewhere accessible. Applicable as I see and relate to students, church members, friends, etc.
I agree with this! A cry of the heart-people who need Christ
Ravi’s approach to others is so good . “He saw the objections and questions of others not as something to be rebuffed, but as a cry of the heart that had to be answered. People weren’t logical problems waiting to be solved; they were people who needed the person of Christ.” If only we could have this thought drilled deeply in our soul when others argue about Christ with us. A gentle spirit and answer. Logic has its place as Ravi knew but love is the key. Please pray for me as I try to answer the caustic arguments against Christ of someone I dearly love.
LOVE that quote from Ravi! I’m dialoguing with unbeliever now — so good to remember.
The speech by Arthur Brooks has impressed me very much. I have been thinking about the crisis of contempt, but had not given it that name.
However that is what it is! Yes, I agree that we need to think differently to an old problem. Make it personal! Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44 How do your do it? Remember that the other person is not stupid and not evil, but just has a different perspective than I do.
It does take moral courage to stand up to people who disagree with me. I need to think about the habit I have of internal eye rolling( maybe it shows). And we need to break it, not by civility and tolerance, but with love.
Yes, we need to do the homework:Pray for God to give strength to love my enemies. I may disagree,but not with contempt. I may even need to “fake”it, but continue to ask God to give me love toward those with whom I strongly disagree. In closing he advises us to run toward the darkness, which is our mission field!
(maybe it shows) 🙂
4.A.Name some ways that Luke 6:20-26 is a revolutionary approach to life. Each of these beatitudes looks at a condition that our society d oes not value:Being poor does cause us to look to God and pray for his help, being hungry does cause us to wait on God and be thankful for all He does provide for us, weeping is difficult, yet we know that God is a God of all comfort and is with us through our sad times.
Verse 22 is a hard one for me, as I look at the victim mentality of “poor me”, yet the Word says, Rejoice for your reward is great in heaven!
B. Weeping and mourning refers to mourning our sin. Yes, I think how contempt for another has hurt me as it has caused bitterness in my spirit and for me to have an attitude of suspicion toward that person. And the name of Christ is hurt if my attitude is causing an interference in my worship. When I had the problem with several in my church I realized it was taking too much of my thoughts, even at times in worship.
C. How might I replace this with love? I have prayed and need to continue to pray for a family who seem to always criticize my decisions as I do my job in the church. I need to pray for strength and for the joy of the Lord to fill me and give me peace, and ask God to help me let the thoughts be replaced with whatever thoughts are lovely…
5. Opening of chapter 16, The Sword: An exercise was done by a professor: If an elderly woman was coming down the street and you thought it would be easy to rob her, why wouldn’t you? One, it would make you a despicable person, or you think, what would happen to her if she lost her money?The first is based on honor, which is a self-regarding ethic, the other is based on charity which is an other-regarding ethic.
The first system is what the ethical system was based on before Christianity arrived. He proves that Christianity has much to do with our values. All through the gospels and Mark in particular, Jesus Christ contrasts the kingdom of this world with the kingdom of God, as stated in Luke 6. A Biblical scholar observes that “Christians will prize what the world calls pitiable and suspect what the world calls desirable.”
At the top of the list is power and money, success and recognition for the kingdom of this world. However God’s kingdom lists weakness and poverty, suffering and rejection. The list is inverted in the kingdom of God!
Wednesday: Am I Leading A Rebellion?
6. Read Mark 14:43-46
A. Who came with Judas and who sent them? – There was a crowd with Judas that was sent by the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders.
B. How were they armed? – They were armed with swords and clubs.
C. Mark says “a crowd,” John says “a troop.” A troop consists of 300-600 soldiers. Why, so many, do you think? – I think the chief priests and teachers of the law expected his followers to put up a fight. They had previously backed off from arresting him because of the crowd of people always around Jesus, so they probably thought they would need that many to fight Jesus’ followers.
D. What did Judas do? Keller asks, “Why all this subterfuge?” Why do you think? – I wonder if Judas did this because he wanted to make it look like it was not really him betraying Jesus. That he honored him with the kiss as he normally would greet Jesus and the ‘crowd’ just happened to follow him and knew that the one Judas was kissing was of honor and would have been Jesus.
7. Read Mark 14:46-49
A. John says it was Peter who cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. Why, do you think? – My first thought was because Peter was a rebel. But I think because Peter was always right by Jesus’ side and was wanting to protect him from the crowds. I think too that Peter sometimes acted before thinking of what he was doing.
B. What question does Jesus then ask? – Jesus asked them “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have to come out with swords and clubs to capture me?”
C. How are you like Peter? – Oh wow, I’m like Peter in the way that I unfortunately act or speak before I realized what the consequences may be. How I may hurt someone by what I say or how I act. I’m not putting others feelings before mine. I just want to make my point and I just throw it out there. I really need to just stop, keep my mouth shut and think before I speak or act.
6. Read Mark 14:43-46
A. Who came with Judas and who sent them?
Judas has “a crowd of men” with him. They were sent by the religious leaders.
B. How were they armed?
They had clubs and swords with them.
C. Mark says “a crowd,” John says “a troop.” A troop consists of 300-600 soldiers. Why, so many, do you think?
Maybe John wants to emphasize that there were a lot of people?
D. What did Judas do? Keller asks, “Why all this subterfuge?” Why do you think?
Judas tells the men to watch for the one he kisses and he will be the one to arrest. Judas walks up to Jesus and greets him saying, “hello Rabbi!”
It is pretty dramatic. I don’t really know why. I wonder if he thinks that he is “pulling the wool” over the eyes of the other disciples? Like, he wouldn’t be blamed if he pretended he was “caught” along with Jesus?
Wednesday
6. Read Mark 14:43-46
A. Who came with Judas and who sent them?
A crowd of men. The leading priests, the teachers of religious law and the elders.
B. How were they armed?
They were armed with swords and clubs.
C. Mark says “a crowd,” John says “a troop.” A troop consists of 300-600 soldiers. Why, so many, do you think?
I think they were expecting Jesus and His disciples to resist. I also wonder if seeing the powers Jesus had they would need a lot of men.
D. What did Judas do? Keller asks, “Why all this subterfuge?” Why do you think?
He walked up to Jesus, and exclaimed Rabbi! And gave Him a kiss.
I looked up the work kiss and the specific Greek word (kataphileo) for kiss used here is not just a ‘friendly” on the cheek or forehead kiss, but to kiss fervently and with passion. It was more demonstrative then the simple kiss of salutation. To me this makes it even more sickening what Judas did. I think Judas wanted there to be no mistake who Jesus was, even calling Him Rabbi. This was all about Judas getting his money!
7. Read Mark 14:46-49
A. John says it was Peter who cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. Why, do you think?
I think Peter acted on impulse and the flesh was weak. I wonder if he’d acted differently if he had obeyed by watching and praying rather than falling asleep.
B. What question does Jesus then ask?
”Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest Me? Why didn’t you arrest in the Temple?
C. How are you like Peter?
I act on impulse. I think I know best. I need to be sure that I watch and pray so I don’t fall into temptation.
Interesting about the kiss!
5. Read the opening of Chapter 16 in Keller’s book (The Sword) and share your notes and comments.
Tim Keller describes those who are “self-regarding” and “other-regarding”. He quotes biblical scholar Michael Wilcock’s observations that in the life of God’s people there will be a remarkable reversal of values.
It is an up-side-down kingdom where broken is useful. That made me think of a little book by Nancy Leigh Demoss Wolgemuth entitled “Brokenness” that I read years ago and need to re-read now. In it she describes the contrast of proud (self-regarding) and broken (other-regarding). Here is a link:
“Proud people focus on the failures of others.
Broken people are overwhelmed with a sense of their own spiritual need.
Proud people have a critical, fault-finding spirit; they look at everyone else’s faults with a microscope but their own with a telescope.
Broken people are compassionate; they can forgive much because they know how much they have been forgiven.
Proud people are self-righteous; they look down on others.
Broken people esteem all others better than themselves…….”
https://www.reviveourhearts.com/articles/brokenness-bookmark-the-heart-god-revives/
This is good Nila!
Nancy Leigh Demoss Wolgemuth’s book “Brokenness” sounds like a book worth reading, Nila. Thanks for the quotes.
Love Nancy!
Thanks, Nila!
4. Read Luke 6:20-26
B. …How has contempt in your heart for another hurt you, others, and the name of Christ? I see it as a slow acid that makes friendships necrotic, starving true love (service) and eating away at all involved. It erodes relationships, it erodes my own heart, and it erodes my hearing of the Holy Spirit. It hurts the name of Christ because in contempt I serve my pride and not Him so my testimony is not of love but of valuing ME over others…this is not Christ.
C. It isn’t enough to stop the symptoms of contempt. We must replace these behaviors … How might you do this? I must choose to serve, put the other above me and my wants. Pray blessing on them not just lament at how burdensome they are and “please, God change them” …. yes, God CAN and may indeed want to change them but for His Name’s sake, not for my comfort and convenience…. and doesn’t He want to change ME, too?! I can give thanks for the sanctification. I can choose to see me in them… a sinner with a Redeemer who loves and cherished me. I can remember that these contemptuous feelings come from idols, a seeking of my glorification and not from a love for others (which should be my filter for people interactions). Above all I must hold my tongue and ask myself WHY I feel I need to “vent” and what purpose will it serve? OST of the time I just want someone “on my side” which is a me vs them attitude and perpetuates all the wrong motivations. Or do I need someone to help bear the burden of prayer and sanctification?
Jill,
As I read this post I thought of Romans 7:24-25
Paul surely describes the fight we are in this side of heaven.
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
Thursday: An Inverted Kingdom
8. Read the section in Chapter 16 called “The Inverted Kingdom” and share your notes and comments. – I think I have a different version of the book. I don’t see The Inverted Kingdom, but I have The First True Revolution. My notes are from this section. Keller talks about how Judas’ kiss to Jesus became the kiss of death instead of the kiss of life like it should be and this is how our term came to be. I never realized this before reading this. As I read the last part of this section Jesus describes how his kingdom will be different He’s going to put others in front of himself. He’s going to love his enemies. He’s going to serve and sacrifice for others. He’s not going to repay evil with evil. He’s going to overcome evil with good. He will give up his power and his life. And says that weakness, poverty, suffering and rejection will now be at the top of the list. This makes it clearer to me now. Jesus did these things. He was rejected and suffered because of that rejection. And I guess for a bit, he became weak so we could become strong in the eyes of God. What Jesus endured is so much more than I think we will ever go through, but because of his love for others, we have overcome those things and will see this Kingdom in the end.
6. Mark 14:43-46 who came with Judas? a crowd, with chief priests, and scribes and elders.
b. How were they armed? With swords and clubs…
c. Why so many? They must have thought Jesus and the disciples would have power to resist- no, couldn’t be. Can’t imagine
d. What did Judas do? He came to Jesus and kissed him, saying “Rabbi.”
Why all this subterfuge? Well, that again is a mystery since Jesus already had announced that he would betray him.
7. Mark 14:46-49 John says, Peter cut off the ear of the servant, why? Well, he was one to quickly react in defense of Jesus. Peter often acted before thinking, it seems.
b. What question does Jesus ask? “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me?”
Why are you like Peter? Well, I probably would speak before thinking, yet I am not a violent person. I would want to defend a very special teacher as Jesus was, and Peter seemed to know that he was the Messiah, sent from God. It must have been a frightful time for all the disciples.
10. Read this last section in chapter 16 and share your notes and comments.
That the end of the chapter had a career focus is so appropriate.
One thing I have focused on in prayer is that I would learn what it means to make the Lord my refuge. For those familiar with our story, that photo of the lighthouse in the storm, the confusion I felt looking at it in the ER waiting room, the realization over the time since that my work is to trust God and that it is work, trust doesn’t always come easily for me. Well anyways I have been praying for growing faith in the fact that God is a very present help in times of trouble.
Starting my new job, my desire to do well has had mixed motives. Part of it is good, part of it is bound up in my approval idol issues. So as I have been on my way to work and I have felt anxiety rising up and choking me, my prayer has been for my identity to be secure in Christ, that I will desire to do a good job for the right reasons, that I would do what I do heartily and unto the Lord, not out of fear and people-pleasing because I can’t bear the possibilities of failure and rejection.
My destiny is secure no matter how badly I might botch things up in my life.
I have felt the anxiety lessen steadily and I think my job performance has actually improved as I have relaxed and re-oriented my heart (again & again!).
It occurred to me as I was praying that maybe I have begun to understand a little what it means to make the Lord my refuge.
Chris,
Yes, me too. My work is to trust God and that it is work, trust doesn’t always come easily for me.
Yes Chris!
I have felt the anxiety lessen steadily and I think my job performance has actually improved as I have relaxed and re-oriented my heart (again & again!).
It occurred to me as I was praying that maybe I have begun to understand a little what it means to make the Lord my refuge.
7. Read Mark 14:46-49
A. John says it was Peter who cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. Why, do you think?
He was trying to make the men leave, so Jesus would be safe? He was taking up for Jesus? Scaring them to leave? I’m not sure.
B. What question does Jesus then ask?
He wonders why they didn’t arrest Him when they were with Him everyday in the synagogue where He taught.
C. How are you like Peter?
Sometimes I get afraid of the way life is “playing out.” I want to lash out at others because I am frustrated and don’t know what to do. It seems to relieve the tension.
8. Read the section in Chapter 16 called “The Inverted Kingdom” and share your notes and comments.
A few things that stood out:
~ “Jesus is saying, ‘If you come at me with swords, because you think I will retaliate with the sword, it shows you don’t understand me at all.'”
~ “Jesus is not a revolutionary you can stop with swords, because he’s not about the sword at all. ”
~ “Aren’t we kind of like Peter? We say were on the side of justice, of peace, of fairness; but when a challenge arises, we feel for the sword hilt.”
~ “To Peter and to all of us, Jesus is saying, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. It’s completely different. This is how I’m going to change things: I’m going to put others ahead of myself. I’m going to love my enemies……. I’m not going to repay evil for evil.”
How often my knee-jerk reaction to someone who has hurt me or hurt someone I love is a quiet contempt. I may not strike back verbally immediately, but that dangerous unforgiveness begins to grow again and when I take offense, then I often need His correction in my heart. In order to love any enemy it always comes back to choosing forgiveness. This can be bloody heart-battle. But better to battle than to end up with a stony heart.
Thanks for your post Nila. I often find myself in situations where I am taking too much of a personal look at what is going on. Many times it has nothing to do with me! I am self focused when that happens. I need to step back and not have that “knee-jerk” reaction as you say. Thanks for helping me reflect.
Thursday
8. Read the section in Chapter 16 called “The Inverted Kingdom” and share your notes and comments.
Judas and Peter didn’t get that “Jesus was bringing a totally different administration of reality – the Kingdom of God.”
“His Kingdom is not of this world, it’s completely different…
I’m putting others ahead of myself.
I’m going to love my enemies.
I’m going to serve and sacrifice for others.
I’m not going to repay evil for evil; I’m going to overcome evil with good.
I will give up my power, my life.
Weakness, poverty, suffering and rejection will now be at the top of the list.”
The revolution that Jesus brings is without a sword, the first true revolution!
9. Read Mark 14:48-52
A. Why did everyone desert Jesus?
I guess they were afraid?
B. What happened to one man? What might this bring to our remembrance?
He had on a long linen shirt and it tore off when he was escaping the mob trying to grab him. He ran off naked.
Well, in biblical times, when people were upset (Job) or they had some awful event happen, they would tear their clothes to begin a sort of ritual of praying, and fasting to God for the time to end. Might this be one of those times?
6. Read Mark 14:43-46
A. Who came with Judas and who sent them? A crowd sent from the chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders.
B. How were they armed? With swords and clubs.
C. Mark says “a crowd,” John says “a troop.” A troop consists of 300-600 soldiers. Why, so many, do you think? Great question. I am not sure but I am thinking “war”..they must have taken this as seriously as war or a revolution but in their mind-worldly. Maybe Jesus and His Disciples were their biggest enemy-bigger than Rome for they feared Jesus’ impact over time would wreck the religious empire they have set up. Jesus was after hearts, and emphasized humbling ourselves, laying down our life for others-not obeying a list of rules and punishing those who don’t follow them-rather Jesus was willing to be punished for us breaking the rules-totally upside down kingdom compared to this world. I don’t think they wanted their way of thinking, or their hearts shaken or changed.
D. What did Judas do? Keller asks, “Why all this subterfuge?” Why do you think? It would make more sense to just show up and capture Jesus-without deceit. Maybe it is as simple as why should we expect anything different from Judas when his heart is ruled by the worldly kingdom which is me first and others should lay down their lives for me, but not me for them. The darkest place idol worship can takes us is to betray with a kiss of endearment. Judas must have considered Jesus his enemy and that is how the world responds to enemies. Just pondering and guessing..great great question.
Wow: The darkest place idol worship can takes us is to betray with a kiss of endearment.
10. Read this last section in chapter 16 and share your notes and comments.
The heart of this passage for me was: “Jesus Christ as only an example will crush you; you will never be able to live up to it. But Jesus Christ as the Lamb will save you.” What sweet relief our God offers us every single hour of the day. The human default mode is to make myself right before God, to somehow prove myself.
I was raised in a predominantly Mormon community and my family heritage on my dad’s side is Mormonism. So, most of my childhood friends and much of my extended family lived by a strong works/righteousness framework. Many wonderful people, please understand ~ Just caught in an impossible lifestyle. I love the stories of how God rescues us, regardless of our religion, from trying to earn his favor. I shared this link here a few months ago. Beautiful stories of how Jesus’ mercy interrupts lives and breathes life into us:
https://www.adamsroadministry.com/
Chapter 16 The first True Revolution: The 2 kingdoms met in the Garden of Gethsemane; Judas comes to Jesus with the kiss of death, an intimacy that causes destruction. However everyone who was intimate with Jesus always has the kiss of life…
But Judas’ problem was that he was intimate with swords and clubs, which indicates to me that this represents power of this world. Apparently Judas was expecting resistance. Jesus says, “Am I leading a rebellion that you come armed with swords and clubs to capture me?” It shows that you don’t understand me at all. The Kingdom of God is different from the kingdom of this world. And Judas is not the only one who doesn’t get it. For Peter drew his sword and cut the ear off of the servant of the high priest. Peter knows about the kingdom of God, but instinctively pulls out the sword.
We are kind of like Peter, though we desire peace, justice and fairness, but instinctively we merge the 2 kingdoms: the sword, then money, power, success…and settle for the kiss of death. Jesus teaches us to put others ahead of self; love our enemies, sacrifice and serve others, overcome evil with good. He shows us that weakness, power and suffering and rejection will now be at the top of the list. This is the first true revolution.
9. Mark 14:48-52
A. Why did everyone desert Jesus? Apparently the disciples were overcome by fear at this armed crowd, and instead of supporting Jesus, they fled the scene.
B. One man, wore nothing but a linen cloth and when he was seized, it came off and he ran away, naked.
10. The young man who fled may have been Mark! This first real test resulted in failure. It reminds us of the first garden (Eden) where the first two were tested and failed. But in this garden someone is passing the test. That, of course, is Jesus. Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden because their sins separated them from God. Now Jesus is facing the ultimate sword of divine justice, and he stood firm.
The kingdom of God seems like the upside down kingdom because it seems impossible. It is impossible for us! We will never be able to live up to it, but Jesus is the Lamb of God who saves us. We can never save ouselves. Jesus took what we deserve so we can get what he deserves.
Friday
9. Read Mark 14:48-52
A. Why did everyone desert Jesus?
I think they were in fear of being arrested with Jesus.
B. What happened to one man?
“One young man following behind was clothed only in a long linen shirt. When the mob tried to grab him, he slipped out of his shirt and ran away naked.”
What might this bring to our remembrance?
Interesting question…The path to following Christ isn’t easy. We must be watchful and prayerful.
It is believed that this young man was Mark and I like this quote from Spurgeon…
“The modest spirit of Mark seemed to say, ‘Friend Peter, while the Holy Ghost moves me to, tell thy fault, and let it stand on record, he also constrains me to write my own as a sort of preface to it, for I, too, in my mad, hare-brained folly, would have run, unclothed as I was, upon the guard to rescue my Lord and Master; yet, at the first sight, of the rough legionaries, at the first gleam of their swords, away I fled, timid, faint-hearted, and afraid that I should be too roughly handled.’” (Spurgeon)
Thursday: An Inverted Kingdom
8. Read the section in Chapter 16 called “The Inverted Kingdom” and share your notes and comments.
The upside-down kingdom of God is unnatural:
Biologically survival of the weakest
Psychologically masochism? Jesus prizes weakness, poverty, suffering, rejection
We can’t live this life. But Jesus the Lamb has saved us from the world’s kingdom. Because of what He has done, we can live freely. My real identity is no longer based on power, money, and achievement but based on the love of Christ for me and the righteousness imputed to me by his death.
Friday: The Inversion of the Revolution
9. Read Mark 14:48-52
A. Why did everyone desert Jesus?
The Scriptures must be fulfilled.
B. What happened to one man? What might this bring to our remembrance?
He was following Jesus but when the soldiers seized him, he fled naked and left his garment behind.
11. How might you apply this lesson right now to your life?
Lord, let me “get” it. Help me be in the world as a light for you but not be of the world. May I always look to Jesus when I am in a quandary and unsure of what to do. Your kingdom is not of this world. Let me not be satisfied with what the world has to offer. Give me, Jesus.