Hard Lessons for Jesus’ Disciples

This meditation is based on a passage for March 22, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Mark 9:30-41

Reflection and Question: Knowing that His death is near, Jesus is trying hard to get the disciples to understand His mission. Part of his teaching here is His inclusive response to a question about an unknown healer who was using Jesus’ name. Luke also records Jesus’ answer, “Whoever is not against you is for you (Luke 9:50).” So it has always mystified me that only a few chapters later in Luke, Jesus teaches the opposite, “Whoever is not with me is against me (Luke 11:23).” I know who is writing about what is important to solve this. How do you reconcile contradictions in Scripture like this?

Prayer: Jesus, our Teacher, help us grasp Your lessons for we, like the disciples, so easily take Your words the wrong way. Give us hearts to understand and when we do not, give us the courage to ask the right questions so that we may welcome You with joy. Amen.