Wednesday 23 February 2011

Background

When we read these verses from Mark's Gospel - and indeed theGospel as a whole - it's worth keeping in mind that the writer isaddressing not only individual readers such as you and me, but alsoa community of believers. He wants to tell the story of Jesus notonly for the record but also in response to the questions and needsof those for whom he is writing.

The disciple John comes running to Jesus like a kid telling tales:"Sir, sir, you'll never guess what I've seen sir. A man casting outdemons in your name, and we tried to stop him sir, honest, becausehe's not one of us." You can almost see John tugging Jesus by thesleeve, urging him to come and see what he's talking about. But,for Jesus, the Christian life involves recognising variety andopportunity, often in unexpected places. Who are we to say howGod's work will be done? "Don't stress about it," Jesus might havesaid. "Don't waste your breath trying to stop the exorcist."

Jesus' response - "Whoever is not against us is for us" - is agentle call to generous acceptance, not only on the part ofChristian individuals but also on the part of church congregations,denominations and movements. John - for all his eagerness -represents groups whose instinct is to exclude those who don'tconform to local patterns and expectations. He stands for thosechurch communities which, for all their talk of being 'an open doorchurch' and 'a space for all', really believe that there is onlyone way of doing things.

To Ponder

What in this story relates to your own experienceof community?

Have you ever been surprised by God moving 'in amysterious way'? What happened and what can you learn from it?

How can we be more open in our daily lives tomeeting Christ in other people?