The Kingdom and reign of God in Jesus is marked by lowliness, by humility, by the setting aside of one’s rights, by laying down one’s life, by dying, and specifically, by Jesus dying.
It is an election year. I know that, in part, because of the unsolicited text messages I receive nearly every day on behalf of a campaign, party, or platform. And elections are important. I have friends and colleagues who are passionate about being engaged in the political process in America and elections seem to energize them.
But election years fatigue and discourage me. “E pluribus unum” looks great on our coinage, but we seem to delight in division. Our sinful nature thrives on “us versus them.” Rather than weeping over the hostilities which separate one side or group from another, I see people with an almost diabolical grin and invigorated zeal over the division. Ostensibly, we are divided over policies and struggling alongside one another to find the best solutions to extremely complicated problems. But in practice, it seems like the other side is the greater problem against which we are fighting. The problem will be solved when “they” join “us,” or are soundly defeated and gone.
And even when we do focus on the issue, topic, or problem instead of the idiots on the other side, this labor in the name of justice or mercy ends up being just another form of idolatry. Certainly, God calls us to work for justice and mercy, but even when the just or merciful cause has biblical backing, much of the political discourse I hear elevates the cause itself to the level of savior and god. The greatest evil we face is “their” stance on this topic. The greatest good we can hope for is “our” stance on this topic.
Thus, the hope of our country, the cause of justice, the future of freedom, and the well-being of the Church of Jesus Christ and the Gospel itself depend on getting a bill passed or blocked. So, the weight of the world rests on the voters, who, in their ignorance, need me to inform them, which means that, at the end of the day, it all rests on me. Therefore, once again, I am savior, lord, and god. It is an awful burden, but I will do my best.
I would love to hear that the political climate feels different in your community (and heart), but this is the context I find myself in. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Mark 9 speaks to such a climate. In the context of Mark, Jesus has already made two of His three Passion predictions, but the disciples still find themselves vying for power and authority, position and prestige. The previous paragraph shows the disciples responding to Jesus’ second Passion prediction by arguing about which one of them is the greatest.
Then, Mark 9:38 shows they still do not get it. They are still thinking “us versus them.” They want to know who is in and who is out, who is with us and who is against us, who is on our side and who is on the wrong side. John’s boasting in 9:38 reveals a heart that is embracing division in Jesus’ name, but Jesus will have none of it.
John’s comment also betrays the assumption that just because God is working through the twelve, that God must only be working through them. John cannot grasp the idea that the reign of God is bigger than him, that maybe God is up to something beyond John’s purview, and God did not need to consult with John before extending His reign however He wants.
The disciples did not have access to the full mind of God or an understanding of all the Lord is doing to bring the world towards His gracious Kingdom... and neither do we. But make no mistake about it: God is at work. The Lord reigns. Jesus is Lord and of His Kingdom there shall be no end!
But make no mistake about it: God is at work. The Lord reigns. Jesus is Lord and of His Kingdom there shall be no end!
The Kingdom and reign of God in Jesus is not marked by winning arguments, coercing behaviors, or legislating financial or physical rewards or punishments. The Kingdom and reign of God in Jesus is marked by lowliness, by humility, by the setting aside of one’s rights, by laying down one’s life, by dying, and specifically, by Jesus dying.
Jesus will be arrested, tried, and executed in the name and by the authority of earthly political processes which are plagued by injustice. Jesus has all the authority of Heaven and Earth, but He does not need to flex it before Pilate to make a point or usher in the Kingdom. In fact, Jesus demonstrates and enacts the Kingdom of God by exercising restraint and silence and not making use of the authority which is His.
He is led to the cross, and there He dies. He does it to pay for the sins and failings of people; those people, you people, all people. In the injustice of the cross, Jesus fulfills the justice and righteousness of God, so that we would be one. One in Him. One with the Father. One by the Spirit. One with one another. Paul unpacks the unity accomplished by Jesus in Galatians 2-3 and Ephesians 2. Or you can read Jesus’ prayer in John 17 on His heart for unity among us.
Jesus does not win the day with force, or petitions, or getting the right person elected or removed from office. He dies. He loves people so much that He is willing to die for them. He is willing to give up all of His rights, so we would have unity with Him and in Him.
And Jesus does this according to the Father’s will. God is almighty. As the classic song says, “He’s got the whole world in His hands.” The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof. This means, in part, that He is working in ways beyond our seeing, our knowing, and our control.
John does not need to worry about what other people are doing. He is called to trust in Jesus and do what Jesus has called him to do. John (and we) can rest in the fact that the reign of God is bigger than us. John (and we) can trust that even when we do not understand what God is doing or why He is doing it that way, God is still the Lord of all.
So, seek unity. Work towards unity, and most especially a unity that is in Christ, which is ours with all who receive His grace by faith (even if they vote differently). Labor towards this end, and in this, just as in everything else under the sun, trust that the Lord reigns.
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Additional Resources:
Craft of Preaching-Check out out 1517’s resources on Mark 9:38–50.
Concordia Theology-Various helps from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO to assist you in preaching Mark 9:38–50.
Text Week-A treasury of resources from various traditions to help you preach Mark 9:38–50.
Lectionary Kick-Start-Check out this fantastic podcast from Craft of Preaching authors Peter Nafzger and David Schmitt as they dig into the texts for this Sunday!
Lectionary Podcast-Dr. Peter Scaer of Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN walks us through Mark 9:38–50.
