"More Stories About Grace: Grace Beyond Understanding"Dr.
James L. Mayfield
March 2, 2002
Text: Mark 8:27-9:10 (in worship read 9:2-10) As Mark tells the story, wherever Jesus went, there was a crowd because people had heard about his healing the sick, casting out demons, and helping people understand what we call the Old Testament. Jesus knew people were talking about him, so as he and his disciples were walking to Caesarea Philippi he asked: "Who do people say that I am?" "Some say you are John the Baptist, returned from the dead." "Yeah, and some say you are Elijah." "I have heard them mention other prophets also." Then, Jesus asked: "But who do you say I am." That is when Peter blurted out: "You are the Messiah." As they continued walking along, Jesus began to teach them what it meant to be the Messiah. Because he was the Messiah, he would be rejected, endure a lot of suffering, be tortured to death; but after three days he would rise again. This was not what they were expecting to hear. The Messiah was to come in triumph and deliver the people from foreign domination, and set the people free from their problems. It must have seemed obvious to Peter that Jesus could do this because in the time he had been with Jesus he had seen Jesus calm a storm and walk on water. He had seen Jesus bring a young girl back to life. Twice he had seen Jesus feed a multitude. It did not make sense that Jesus would be rejected and tortured to death. Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him. There is no record of what Peter said, but my guess is Peter tried to persuade Jesus to take a different course in his ministry. Perhaps he even tried to tell Jesus that his understanding of what it was to be the Messiah was incorrect. The Messiah should not have to suffer. Whatever Peter said, it caused Jesus to lash out with perhaps the most harsh statement Jesus uttered to another person: "Get behind me, Satan! You are not trying to understand God's will; you are focused on your desires." Why was he so harsh? I suspect it was because what Peter said was all too tempting. It was like the temptations Jesus had dealt with in the wilderness -- temptations to use his gifts for some purpose other than God's purpose. From what Jesus prayed in Gethsemane we know he did not want to endure suffering: "Let this cup pass from me." But Jesus knew his role as Messiah was more that of suffering servant than celebrity hero. This is why he would also pray in Gethsemane, "Not my will but thine be done." Here was Peter, tempting him again, and Jesus lashed out: "Get behind me Satan!" About a week after having this confrontation with Peter, Jesus took Peter, James and John with him to the top of a high mountain for a prayer retreat. And there Peter, James and John had an experience of the presence of God that was beyond understanding. They saw Jesus as they had never seen him before. He seemed to be clothed in a dazzling white; and he did not appear to be alone. Moses appeared to be with him -- Moses, the one God had used to deliver the Hebrews from bondage and to tell them how to live. And there was also Elijah, the first of the famous prophets who had called Israel back to ways of God when Israel had gone astray. It was a wonderful mountain top experience for Peter, James and John, and just as we try to hang on to such moments, so did they. Peter said: "It is good to be here. Let us make three dwelling places: one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." Perhaps Peter was remembering Jesus' words about the suffering that lay ahead. Why not stay here? Why not simply enjoy this personal relationship with God and with one another? Why even think about going back to the world of temptation and danger? As Mark tells the story, Jesus does not say anything in response, but the shadow of a cloud came over them. Peter, James and John probably remembered it had been a pillar of cloud that had led the Hebrew people through the wilderness, and when God spoke to Moses in the wilderness, a cloud settled on his tent. Now, there on that mountain, a cloud cast its shadow over Peter, James and John, and they became aware of being told: "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him." "This is my Son, this Jesus, this Joshua, who refuses to abandon the mission that is his. This is my Son, who willingly takes on the role of servant of God, even though that will bring him suffering, This is my Beloved Son who told you to pick up your cross and follow him. Listen to him." Then, the cloud was gone and so was the vision of Moses and Elijah. As Jesus, Peter, James and John were coming down the mountain, Jesus told them not to tell about this experience until after the resurrection. The disciples understood and said okay, but they really did not understand -- especially his talk about rising from the dead. We know what it is to understand and yet not really understand. I see it each time a young couple exchange the marriage vows. They understand they are promising to be husband and wife in easy times and hard times, in good times and bad times, for as long as they live. They understand, but they do not really understand. How could they? They have not had to struggle through the distractions that come with success and good times nor have they had to endure the pain and stress that come with bad times. They understand; it is just that they do not understand. Coming down from that mountain top experience, Peter, James and John understood; it is just that they did not understand. They were convinced God had spoken to them, declaring Jesus was God's Beloved Son, and telling them to listen to him. They understood, but they just did not understand. If Jesus is the Messiah, why must he suffer, be rejected and killed? They understood; they just did not understand. And what about the other part of his message? "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. (Mark 8:32-35) They understood; it is just that they did not understand. But God was not through with them after that mountain top experience. Peter, James and John would grow in grace and mature in faith. It would not happen all at once, any more than a child grows up all at once. But God in Christ would nurture them to maturity in faith and faithfulness. Like Peter, James and John, coming down from that mountain top experience, we too are still immature in our faith; we still have much growing in grace to do. We do not become mature disciples all at once. Like Peter, James and John we too must be nurtured into maturity. And God provides the nurture we need so that we too can grow in grace and mature in our faith. This is why we must stay close to this table, and this is why we must stay involved in prayer. It is in receiving what is offered at this table that we are nourished by the grace of God. And it is through our disciplined, regular prayer that our relationship with God grows, and our faith matures. God, help us grow in grace and mature in faith so that we can be the persons you intend us to be - even when discipleship is costly. Amen. Pastoral prayer: Let us thank God for the gifts and blessings we have received. We have come here with a variety of concerns and problems. Let us ask God for guidance and help. God, in the midst of our personal problems, the downturned economy, and the terribly real possibility of war, we know what it is to sing: "It's me, it's me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer." Like little children with problems beyond their ability to solve run to their mothers and daddies, we come to you. We are not seeking to avoid our responsibilities as much as we are longing to know what we should do in the midst of these complicated problems, challenges and crises. Teach us to pray so that we are able to discern your will. Help us set aside time to pray, so that our prayers are more than hurriedly mumbled requests. And as we pray, rescue us from playing religious games, trying to manipulate you to do what we want. Help us be clearly honest with ourselves and with you, so that you do not have to wade through the sticky molasses of phony piety in dealing with us. Teach us the art of prayer listening; help be still in our souls so that we are able to listen deep within ourselves for what you have to say to us. Help us, O God, discern what you want us to be doing as we struggle with our problems, as we deal with today's economic realities and as long for peace in the face of war. God, teach us to pray, so that we will be able to live, saying and doing what you want said and done. Amen.
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