Saturday 16 November 2024

Psalm 39

Background
The Church of Jesus Christ which came together in the aftermath of his resurrection, ascension and the coming of his Holy Spirit, was made up of people who came from a Jewish background and those who were Gentiles. Before they became Christians some of the distinctions between these two groups were clear. In particular Jewish males, even those who were not very observant, were circumcised and sought to obey the regulations about what they could and could not eat. Gentiles, on the other hand, were not normally circumcised and had no regulations about food. It was therefore very challenging for both groups to meet and in particular to share food and fellowship which was an important part of their life together.

Paul addresses these problems in his letters, particularly in Galatians and 1 Corinthians, while we read, in Acts 10, of new insight offered to Peter. Mark, in today’s passage, also addresses the issue. The setting is a private conversation between Jesus and the disciples. This is another occasion when Jesus is seen to be strongly critical of those closest to him. It’s a theme which develops even further as the gospel progresses.

However the conversation is not confined simply to whether Jesus’ followers will be defiled if they are relaxed about the food laws. Jesus goes on to list a variety of vices which come from within. Once again we find this teaching developed by Paul in Galatians 5 where he contrasts such degrading attitudes and behaviour with the fruit of the Spirit. Notwithstanding their different backgrounds this fruit was to be the glue that held the Early Church together.

To Ponder:

• The different approaches to food between the first Christians needed to be addressed. What differences in culture or conviction need to be addressed by Christians today?
• Shared meals were an important feature of the Early Church. How can we cultivate a culture of loving hospitality, however simply expressed?

Prayer
Lord, let your Spirit work in me to produce a harvest of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Donald Ker
Donald Ker is a supernumerary presbyter. Originally from Ireland, he now lives in the West Midlands.