On Goodness

On goodness

There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns from Him. And the higher and mightier it is in the natural order, the more demoniac it will be if it rebels. It’s not out of bad mice or bad fleas you make demons, but out of bad archangels. The false religion of lust is baser than the false religion of mother-love or patriotism or art: but lust is less likely to be made into a religion.

From The Great Divorce

Sin and Self

Traditional doctrine points to a sin against God, an act of disobedience, not a sin against the neighbour. And certainly, if we are to hold the doctrine of the Fall in any real sense, we must look for the great sin on a deeper and more timeless level than that of social morality.

It's easier to look at society's ills and avoid introspection into our own hearts. Sin is personal and public; our sin contributes to the "ills of society"

This sin has been described by Saint Augustine as the result of Pride, of the movement whereby a creature (that is, an essentially dependent being whose principle of existence lies not in itself but in another) tries to set up on its own, to exist for itself. 

Without introspection, we begin to believe we exist for ourselves and our pleasure alone. 

Such a sin requires no complex social conditions, no extended experience, no great intellectual development. 

Sinning takes no talent. Only tremendous lack of willpower. 

From the moment a creature becomes aware of God as God and of itself as self, the terrible alternative of choosing God or self for the centre is opened to it. 

The crisis of belief. 

This sin is committed daily by young children and ignorant peasants as well as by sophisticated persons, by solitaries no less than by those who live in society: it is the fall in every individual life, and in each day of each individual life, the basic sin behind all particular sins: at this very moment you and I are either committing it, or about to commit it, or repenting it.

From The Problem of Pain

The Turning Point

YWednesday is a somewhat quiet day during the Passion week. However, what Wednesday lacks in activity is more than matched by the weight of two major events, clearly marked in the point of no return category.

Although most commentaries show little or no activity, a trusted source, Bible.net, have the two events I'm looking at taking place today. 

Scholars speculate that after two exhausting days in Jerusalem, Jesus and his disciples spent this day resting in Bethany in anticipation of the Passover.

Bethany was about two miles east of Jerusalem. Here Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha lived. They were close friends of Jesus, and probably hosted him and the disciples during these final days in Jerusalem.

The Plot To Kill Jesus 

Matthew 26:1-5 Key passage: Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people. 

The word dolō carries the idea of deceitfulness, underhandedness, cunning, or treachery

Mark 14:1-2  Key passage: It was now two days before the Passover. 

The conspirators do not capture Jesus until after Passover; they orchestrate His death during the festival of Unleavened Bread. 

Luke 22:1-2 Key Passage: for they feared the people. 

John 11:47-53 John unpacks the account much more than the other gospels with a lengthy exchange between Caiaphas and the religious leaders. 

Key Passage: Caiaphas says to the leaders, "You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.

Caiaphas is exactly right and his prophetic words earlier in the year are right on. 

Judas and The Betrayal Agreement 

Matthew 26:14-16 Key Passage: Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. 

In the Faithlife Study Bible Notes, a plausible reason for Judas wanting to betray Jesus is when Jesus was anointed at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13), Judas saw it as a huge waste and he had reached his tipping point about how Jesus should be doing things. 

John elaborates on what Judas thought when he records this: "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.

Mark 14:10-11 Key Passage: And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him. 

Luke 22:3-6 Key Passage: Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd. 

Satan and his minions do their best work 1 on 1. 

John 13:2 - Jesus had already explained the devil’s control over the Jewish people: prompting them to believe a lie and follow his evil desires (John 8:44). In this moment, when facing Judas, Jesus is not encountering a mere demon; He is facing the one He has called the “murderer from the beginning” of time - From Faithlife Study Bible Notes

John 13:27 - Here, the term Satanas is used instead of diabolos, as in v. 2. The two are equated in different gospel accounts that exchange the terms in their descriptions of Jesus’ temptations - From Faithlife Study Bible Notes

John 6:70-71 - For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.

Yes, a quiet day with eternal significance. But, isn't that every day? 

Tuesday Is a Long Day or The Game Goes Into Extra Innings

Jesus and the Twelve head out from Bethany to Jerusalem, specifically to the Temple. If the Twelve had known what was coming this day, they may have stayed in Bethany. There is a lot of action in words and deeds today!

I'm working from Mark, as Mark is closer chronologically to the events throughout the week, but including the references from other gospels when applicable. 

The Morning to Mid-afternoon:

The fig tree is withered. Matthew 21:20-22 & Mark 11:20-26

The tree points to something beyond itself as Jesus uses this symbolically, most likely toward the chief priests and elders of Jerusalem, who have not produced fruit in keeping with repentance. Jeremiah 8:1-13 is a good reference. Jesus takes the opportunity to tell the twelve, who are surprised to see the tree withered, to have faith when praying, believing God to do what we've asked with a condition: forgiveness. 

The Question about Authority. Matthew 21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20:1-8

Jesus stays consistent in avoiding the traps laid by the religious leaders by asking his own questions...with a promise to the leaders- If they can answer His questions, He will answer theirs. Of course, up to,this point, they have been unable to match wisdom with the King. The leaders have already declared their intent to destroy Him (v18), they're just looking for some tinder now. Since the leaders are image conscious, they fear looking bad, as do all image conscious people when challenged. Thus they use their authority to avoid challenges. Jesus destroys the carefully held images we have set up. 

The Parables: Two Sons (Only in Mt) , Tenants (appears in Mt, Mk, & Lk), The Wedding Feast (appears in Mt & Lk)

The parable of the tenants was told directly within earshot of the religious leaders but they couldn't act on what they wanted to do. Mark 12:12, And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. Ha! Astute men, they were, as well as frustrated and agitated. 

All three parables have the same message of condemnation against Israel’s religious leaders, as Jesus is taking aim and getting bulls-eyes. 

The Tax Man Cometh (Mt, Mk, Lk) Mark 12:13-17

It's interesting that the leaders praise Jesus for not caring about the very things they're all about: "Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances..."  When this charade was over, all they could do was marvel at Him. 

Sadducees Debate Jesus on the Resurrection and Are Quite Wrong (Mt, Mk, & Lk) Mark 12:18-27

The main point here is one for all of us when we lose our way: "Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?" Most of our problems are the result of no knowledge and no power. Jesus tells the Sadducees that God is the God of the living. 

The Great Commandment (Mt 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 10:25-28)

An expert in the law asked Jesus about the most important commandment. This expert seems to be the most thoughtful of any of the leaders and appears to be really seeking an answer, although it still has the form of a test, per Luke. However, in Luke, the leader asks about eternal life while in the previous gospels, it's a commandment question. In all cases, Jesus sincerely says, "You have answered well." in some form or fashion. An exchange that had to be refreshing for Jesus- no contention, truth seeking and satisfaction upon answering. Jesus tells him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God". 

The Question about Who is David's Son (Matthew 22:41-46, Mark 12:35-37, Luke 20:41-44)
While Jesus was still in the Temple Courts teaching, another round with the religious leaders begins with a question initiated by Jesus, which is a great starting question with anyone seeking: 

"What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?"

The Judean society believed in a messianic Son of David, so this question cut right to the heart of a belief deeply and passionately held by the scribes. The Psalms were considered highly prophetic and Jesus uses Psalm 110:1 to further deepen the chasm between himself and the religious leaders.

The Seven Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees or All Hell Breaks Loose  (Matthew 23:1-36, Mark 12:37-40, Luke 20:41-44
Interestingly enough, Mark and Luke use just a small portion of the Jesus' warnings to the disciples and people gathered at the temple about the religious leaders. This discourse follows a barrage of attempts by the scribes and Pharisees to publicly discredit His ministry. As Jesus finished, he looked up and saw people putting in their offerings, both the rich and the poor- one in particular- a widow.
She gave all she had while the rich gave out of their abundance, costing them nothing.

Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem ( Matthew 23:37-39, Luke 13:34-35)

According to Matthew, this follows the seventh woe and illustrates Israel's refusal of God's prophets and unwillingness to believe and repent. "Gathering her brood under her wings" is rich with imagery and found in Psalm 17:8, Psalm 36:7, and Isaiah 31:5





Before Jesus and the Twelve leave the temple for the day and head to the Mount of Olives, John records three events not found in any other gospel. In John 12:20-36, some Greeks had made their way to worship at Temple and found Philip to request a meeting with Jesus. Jesus alluded to his death and the benefits from his death for us. He also pointed out his was "troubled and greatly distressed" (v 27) but made sure they knew it was for a purpose. In John 12:37-43, we find that many rulers did believe on Jesus but because they were so image conscious and feared expulsion from the synagogue, they kept quiet. Why? They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Finally, the last recorded event before the Olivet Discourse is John 12:44-50, in which John writes, "Jesus shouted out..." making it clear that all knew if one believed in Him, they believed in God and if you've seen Him, you've seen God. That had to be enough to send those still opposed to Jesus right over the edge.

Afternoon 

Mount of Olives Discourse (Matthew 24-25, Mark 12-13, Luke 21)
Lots of discourse here and I won't break it down but summarize what Jesus covered. The Mount of Olives overlooks Jerusalem and is east of the Temple.

1. Prediction of Temple's Destruction (as they were leaving the Temple) 
2. Sign before the End: They are now at the Mount of Olives
3. Persecution Predicted/Foretold for the Twelve 
4. Abomination of Desolation (Daniel 8:13- referred to an altar of Zeus erected by Antiochus over the existing altar in 168 B.C.)
5. False Christs & Prophets
6. The Coming of the Son of Man
7. Fig Tree Parable and the Signs. It's interesting he uses the fig tree for fruit to tell if the time has come. 
8. Take Heed and Watch!
9. The Parable of the Flood and relating to "life goes on"
10. The Parable of the Servants and being about our work
11. Sheep & Goats and the Last Judgment

Evening 

Lodged on Mt. Olives (Luke 21:37-39)

There isn't a clear time when Judas Iscariot made the deal with the religious leaders but according to Bible.net, it is Wednesday. Some commentaries point to Tuesday, but for the sake of the timeline from which I'm working, I'm using Wednesday. It was a pretty quiet day and probably for good reason. I'd imaging today was exhausting in all forms- mentally, spiritually, and physically. 

What Being a King Means

"Hurrah! Hurrah!” said Corin. “I shan’t have to be King. I shan’t have to be King. I’ll always be a prince. It’s princes have all the fun.”

“And that’s truer than thy brother knows, Cor,” said King Lune. “For this is what it means to be a king: to be first in every desperate attack and last in every desperate retreat, and when there’s hunger in the land (as must be now and then in bad years) to wear finer clothes and laugh louder over a scantier meal than any man in your land.”

From The Horse and His Boy

I love the simplicity of the line, "to be the first in every desperate attack and last in every desperate retreat". 

Many want the adulation and power which comes with positions of rank. With that rank comes the responsibility I'm afraid many in those very positions have forgotten. Serving, Protecting, and taking the hit when things go wrong, giving credit beyond ones own domain. 

Windows of Something Other

A single plastic lawn chair sits small and unbefitting in the jungle of massive concrete pillars Atlantans know as Spaghetti Junction. A tangled intersection of two major interstates and its deluge of exits, onramps, over- and underpasses, Spaghetti Junction is a colossal picture of ordered chaos, the arteries and veins of a massive, active organism. To say the least, the small chair positioned to sit and watch from the side of the road, its matching side table suggesting space for a cup of tea, is incongruous of the congested, noxious web of concrete and frustrated motorists. Spaghetti Junction is far from relaxing, and people who sit still on Atlanta highways sit with enormous risk.

As I drove, I was immediately struck by the ridiculousness of the chair from the perspective of a driver. Who would sit in the middle of a knotted mess of highways? But as I sat in my car, barely inching forward, with a scowl on my face as I watched the car in front of me trying to cut off the merging motorist in front of him, it occurred to me how ridiculous I must have looked from the perspective of the chair. Taking in the soaring overpasses and congested ramps of an anxious world always on the move is perhaps to see some of the absurdity in our distracted lives.

One could say that King Solomon spoke as if a man sitting in a chair under Spaghetti Junction: “What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which they toil under the sun? For all their days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest. This also is vanity”(1) It was from such a perspective that Solomon concluded wisely, “I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. God has made everything suitable for its time; moreover, he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end”(2)

Every so often in our busy lives there comes a moment of heightened perspective. Life is grasped in a way that usually goes unnoticed. What is usually unseen becomes jarringly visible. Such moments, if helpful, even beautiful, are disruptive when they come, and we often seem to position our lives so that they will not come. I had never looked at Spaghetti Junction through the eyes of a still and silent observer; I had never considered the absurdity of my own frantic scurrying to get nowhere on that tangled patch of highway. But I have seen it habitually as an impatient motorist inching along without seeing much at all. “Look at the birds,” theologian Miroslav Volf writes, quoting the invocation of Jesus, “our lives are more like the frantic scurrying of rats and disciplined marching of ants than the joyous singing of birds.”(3)

Along the daily roadways of life and labor, the workings of a creative Spirit, a storytelling Father, or a sorrowing Son are easy to overlook. It is with good reason that Karl Barth refers to this God as “wholly Other.” And it is no wonder that we have been given the command to be still and know who God is. How else would we learn to see?

Other times, we are something more like bystanders in God’s decision to jarringly appear. When Jacob fell asleep at Bethel, he had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. Above the ladder stood the LORD, and he said: “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac… I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.”(4) Waking from his sleep, Jacob exclaimed, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it. How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven”(5)

Each time I imagine this story, I am struck by the image of a world where there are windows and gates to heaven. There are places where heaven and earth meet at great crossroads, moments when we are given opportunities to see things both beyond and in front of us, to see things as they really are. Perhaps the intersection between heaven and earth is a far busier place than we usually know. Like Spaghetti Junction, it is full of activity we must stop and strain to see lest we speed past unknowingly or inch along without a care. Sometimes, like Jacob stirred to reality, we discover that God was there all along, though we were not aware of it. Other reminders of the Wholly Other come less boldly and with greater responsibility: a conviction in the heart, an answer to prayer, the gift of the suffering Son in the midst of pain. What if the LORD is in this place? This very place is none other than the house of God, the day filled with the windows of heaven.

 

Jill Carattini is managing editor of A Slice of Infinity at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

(1) Ecclesiastes 2:22-23.
(2) Ecclesiastes 3:10-11).
(3) Miroslav Volf, (MiroslavVolf). 14 Mar. 2016, 2:46 p.m. Tweet.
(4) Genesis 28:13-15.
(5) Genesis 28:16-17.

Scandal & Mystery

From Slice of Infinity

Alister McGrath, Professor of theology, ministry, and education at King’s College, London, writes: “Just as God has humbled himself in making himself known ‘in the humility and shame of the cross,’ we must humble ourselves if we are to encounter him. We must humble ourselves by being prepared to be told where to look to find God, rather than trusting in our own insights and speculative abilities. In effect, we are forced to turn our eyes from contemplation of where we would like to see God revealed, and to turn them instead upon a place which is not of our choosing, but which is given to us."

In other words, nothing in one’s history, experience, or knowledge can prepare us for God’s means of drawing near. At the cross, something we are not expecting is revealed, something scandalous unveiled, something we could never have articulated or asked for is given to us. Philip Yancey, the renowned author, offers more on this: “Here at the cross is the man who loves his enemies, the man whose righteousness is greater than that of the Pharisees, who being rich became poor, who gives his robe to those who take his cloak, who prays for those who deceitfully use him. The cross is not a detour or a hurdle on the way to Kingdom, nor is it even the way to the Kingdom; it is the Kingdom come.”

I have come to realize that wrong ideas and images are responsible for much misery and disaster in our lives. And I think many of us have significantly distorted ideas about the purpose and meaning of the cross. When many people think of “sin” or the human condition before God, what comes to mind is perhaps something like the image of a child caught with his hands in the cookie jar. Such an image might well be understood as disobedience or maybe even naughtiness, but is it really that important? It is certainly not bad enough to justify extreme reactions. As a result of such a metaphor, our moral reflections on sin tend to foster incredulity or disgust. The response seems totally out of proportion to the offense. 

Whatever the cross and the gospel are about, it is not a slap on the hands for kids refusing to heed the rules of the cookie jar. It is not mere advice to get you to clean up your life and morals. It is not mere ideas to inform you about what it takes to be nice. It is about treatment, a physician’s mediation; it is about providing a solution and discovering life. 

The cross may seem an extreme and offensive measure to the problem of sin and death and sickness—but what if it is the very cure that is needed? McGrath describes our options at the cross of Christ. “Either God is not present at all in this situation, or else God is present in a remarkable and paradoxical way. To affirm that God is indeed present in this situation is to close the door to one way of thinking about God and to open the way to another—for the cross marks the end of a particular way of thinking about God.” Shockingly, thoroughly, scandalously, the cross depicts a God who throws himself upon sin and sickness to bring the hope of rescue miraculously near.

Some find it shocking, some overwhelming, some almost too good to be true. It is, however, for all.