Learning Jesus' Way

"In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit of God descending like a dove on him.  And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son; the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."   --Mark 1:9-11 When he was somewhere around thirty years old, Jesus moved from his established life in little Nazareth of Galilee-- where he apparently worked as a carpenter (Mark 6:3), living among his family and belonging to the local synagogue-- and journeyed to the Jordan River in Judea where John the Baptist was immersing people in a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  John was imploring people to get themselves ready for the coming of the Messiah.  But when Jesus arrived, without fanfare, he entered the Jordan waters with everyone else and was thrust under the waters by the Baptist, who initially objected.  Indeed, Jesus would always do

Which ones engage your imagination?

What are words, names, and terms we would use to describe Jesus?  This was our list: --Son of God --A Friend --Mentor --Messiah --Self-giving --Savior --Healer --Provider --Loving --Gentle --Caring --Brother --Forgiving --Storyteller --Witness --Rabbi --Carpenter --Graceful --Peaceful --Understanding --Honest --Truthful (truth-full) --Loyal --Troublemaker --Leader --Merciful (mercy-full) --Wise (a wisdom teacher) --Curious --Homeless --Thoughtful --Humble ( humus--"earthy" ) --Lord  ( kyrios) -- Everlasting --Son of Man  (" The Human One" or "True Human") -- Betrayed --"Everybody in One" Our list is rich.  An expression of our faithfulness is in allowing Jesus to be defined by each of these terms and all of them together!

"Follow me."   It is Jesus' invitation to everyone he would like to join him; everyone who would be his disciple. A disciple is a "learner." From the beginning of his public ministry Jesus calls disciples to play special roles in his work.  They will accompany him: sharing in the proclamation of the good new of God's love; joining in the hands-on ministry of healing; embodying God's forgiveness (the receiving and the giving); and showing people what it looks like to have God's love change you.  In the gospels, there is a special focus on the stories of "The Twelve," the group of original disciples who left fishing boats, tax booths, and life as they had known it to answer his invitation. Their learning took place "on the Way," rather than in a classroom.  Over time, there were many more than twelve, male and female.  It is thrilling to discern their stories in the Bible!   In time, these "learners" become a pos