There's Always One 18 February 2008

Mark 3:7-19
Monday, 18 February 2008

A few memorable cuts still crop up from my childhood attention to the Sesame Street Book and Record. Who could forget Kermit the Frog's haunting ballad whose lyrics begin, "It's not easy being green"? Then there's the song about all the body parts that we have two of: "I've got two eyes and they're both the same size." But the real challenge on the album is found in "One of these things is not like the others."

Jesus' ministry has been making waves in the communities where he travels, with almost every move and miracle closely scrutinized and roundly criticized by the religious officials of his people. Reading the early chapters of Mark, one is struck by how often Jesus seems to be trying to get away from the crowds only to find himself in the middle of them again. In today's text, however, Jesus has finally got enough distance from the hoards and the multitude that he is able to conduct significant business for the kingdom with his disciples. These are the people in whom the gospel will rest undiluted. Called first to be with him and then sent forth by him, entrusted with the message and the authority. Look at the Twelve. Simon Peter, James and John, Andrew, Phillip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Thaddeus, Simon, and Judas Iscariot. One of these men is not like the others: "Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him."

The amazing thing is not that there was one in the number who proved unfaithful or perhaps even viciously disloyal. Let's face it; there's always one. What is astounding about the Lord is that then and now he does not discriminate between us, just because he knows what is in us. He still knows we fail. He still knows our indifference. He still knows that we want our own way, and that when we do not get it, we may act out destructively. But he still calls us to be with him and sends us out from him. He still prepares for us a sacred meal. He still washes our feet. He does not permit us to try to sort one another out.

Sing, "I Need Thee Every Hour"

Let us pray:
Gracious God, we confess that not one of us is worthy in ourselves to be called one of your disciples or to be sent with your message in our mouths. Yet we give you thanks that knowing when, where, and how we would fall even before the sinful thought formed in our minds or the words formed in our mouths, you still have called us. Cleanse us and make us whole. Do not allow our lot to be that of Judas who died without repentance. We need instead the grace of restoration, through the atoning blood of Jesus the Christ. Amen