Readings for the week of 11/1-11/7/2009

Matthew           Mark           Luke           John

The Jews have been awaiting the coming of the prophesied Messiah, believing that he will deliver them from political bondage and be an ideal national leader. What they have not expected is a leader arising from among the common people who will establish a spiritual rather than a political kingdom. Perhaps because of this very misconception, John the Baptist is called to prepare the way for Jesus and to testify on his behalf.

The early ministry of Jesus is reported solely by the apostle John. His account shows that Jesus’ teaching quickly appeals to the common people and results in many faithful disciples. It is during this time that Jesus also performs his first miracles. Jesus makes it clear from the beginning that his message of salvation will extend beyond the Jewish nation to all people. Apparently in order to emphasize the nature of his ministry, Jesus does not come as a religious leader in any traditional sense. He holds no official position, nor is he specially trained to be a priest or other cleric. Instead, he takes his ministry to the city streets and roads of Palestine, to homes and fields, and wherever else the common people might be found.

Despite growing opposition, Jesus continues to go about teaching and performing miracles. As if to underscore the urgency of his mission in the face of opposition, Jesus appoints 12 of his disciples as specially chosen apostles to aid him in his ministry. He sends them out in pairs and with their added support, Jesus continues to attract even greater crowds from among the common people.

As his ministry nears its second year, Jesus reaches a peak of popularity among the multitudes. He continues his dialog with the Pharisees, pointing out the danger of legalism, especially regarding traditional doctrinal rules which are not a part of the law. Naturally, Jesus’ condemnation of their institutionalized religion, as well as his threat to their political power base, evokes their hostility. Opposition in Judea grows to such a point that the political and religious leaders there are seeking to kill Jesus. Jesus remains in Galilee for a while longer, and perhaps in an act of withdrawal from the Jews, or perhaps as part of a plan for a wider evangelism, Jesus turns his ministry now to Phoenicia and the area around Tyre and Dion. After that he continues his extensive tour by going north into Caesarea Philippi. He uses this time to prepare his chosen disciples for his death and to strengthen their ministry in carrying on his work.