Day 2: Jesus begins his ministry: Being Tempted, Calling Disciples, Preaching (part 1)

Suddenly (perhaps because of conversations I have had since yesterday), I am aware of the Old Testament peeking through all these stories.

Jesus is led to the wilderness to be tempted by the devil for 40 days.  Can it be a coincidence that the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years?  (I think not.)

Jesus calls disciples out by the sea of Galilee, while Matthew recalls the words of the prophet Isaiah:  "the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light."

Jesus goes up a mountain and begins to teach people.  Can it be a coincidence that Moses also went up a mountain and brings down God's great teaching, the Ten Commandments?  (I think not.)

So 'Jesus' ministry begins not with miracles but with temptations and with teaching.  In fact, although Jesus will eventually do plenty of miracles, he begins his ministry by refusing to do miracles: turning stones to bread, jumping off the temple and letting the angels catch him.  (You can make the case, I suppose that the disciples immediate decision to drop everything, get up and follow Jesus was a sort of miracle.)

Then there is the Sermon on the Mount.  It begins with Jesus making some incredible statements about who is really blessed in this world.  And it goes on and on.  "You have heard it said," "but I say to you."  "Even the Gentiles love those who love them.  You're better than that!"  (By the way -- you and me:  we're gentiles....)

So, what do you think?  What is the most challenging thing you have read so far in the Sermon on the Mount?  What is the most provocative?

Why do you suppose the first thing that happens to Jesus after he is baptized is temptation?  Do you think it's important HOW Jesus is tempted?

And, notice this:  When James and John, Peter and Andrew are called -- they aren't in church.  They're by the sea.  Hmmmm.

An Invitation

When I was in high school, I once determiined to begin to read the Whole Bible, starting from Genesis 1.  I made it half-way through Numbers before I gave up, at least that time.

When I think back, I believe the project failed, at least in part, because I was reading alone.  If I had had others with whom to share insights and questions, I might have kept going.

This summer, I invite you to read along with me:  not the whole Bible, but the New Testament, in 90 Days.  There will be a list of Daily Readings, both online and that you can pick up at church.  Sign up and tell me if you will be doing the daily readings, so I can get an idea about who is a part of our project.

I'll provide occasional background information, updates and and my own reflections on this blog, which will be linked to our church website and facebook page.  You can follow along, leave comments and questions on facebook, or just check in as you read.

Use any version of the Bible that you like:  try a translation you are not as familiar with (Like Eugene Peterson's "The Messsage") or use your old standby, or the translation we use here on Sunday mornings, The New Revised Standard version.

However you participate, join us!  Read, or re-read, the New Testament along with me this summer, Hear the Good News as we navigate through the gospels, the book of Acts, and all the different kinds of letters to churches that make up this amazing book.