July 8, 2018 Proper 9 Semicontinuous 2 Sam. 5:1 5, 9 10 Ps. 48 Complementary Ezek. 2:1 5 Ps. 123 2 Cor. 12:2 10 Mark 6:1 13 The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth Goal for the Session Adults will explore the unsettling reality that following Jesus may lead to rejection, even by family and friends. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION Focus on Mark 6:1 13 WHAT is important to know? From Exegetical Perspective, Efrain Agosto These passages link the limited perspectives on Jesus by people who should know him best and the unlimited potential of his new inner circle (even though they too have misunderstood Jesus ministry). While the people of Nazareth are astounded at his teaching and miracles because of where he is from (from among them!), Jesus is amazed at their lack of faith. Now, after facing opposition in his own hometown, the time has come to send out the twelve disciples without him, two by two, to carry out the mission of healing and delivering people from their demons. WHERE is God in these words? From Theological Perspective, Mark D. W. Edington Jesus authority derives from his absolute obedience and ultimate openness to the will of God. Jesus kingly power is exercised by sharing it freely with those who come in faith. We should not construe Mark s report of the disciples initial foray as missioners as a reward for their growing faith. It is rather a sign that faith brings authority and authority brings responsibility. We respond to the gift of faith by accepting our authority alongside the sovereign God to whom we answer, and we take up the responsibility of disciples to proclaim, to heal, and to claim victory over evil. SO WHAT does this mean for our lives? From Pastoral Perspective, Michael L. Lindvall Many Christians have made sharp distinctions between mission and evangelism between outreach in deeds and outreach in words. It is clear that both Jesus ministry in Nazareth and that of the Twelve to the villages was unitary, encompassing both healing mission and proclamation evangelism. Evangelism is not to get them on our side or even to grow the church, but simply to tell others about God. We do not need to have polished words or sophisticated theology. We are simply called to speak the truth in love, from the heart, in our own words, and never be ashamed. NOW WHAT is God s word calling us to do? From Homiletical Perspective, Beverly Zink-Sawyer The reason for Mark s inclusion of Jesus embarrassing experience at Nazareth at this point in the Gospel appears to be preparation of the Twelve for what might be a mixed reception. Just as Jesus persists in his work by healing even a few people amid the unbelief of the people of Nazareth, the disciples are commanded to persist in their own work in his name. The word for us in this text is that we are not held responsible for the response to our ministries in Christ s name, but for our own faithfulness. With such assurance, we can witness boldly and faithfully. 1
The Rejection of FOCUS SCRIPTURE Mark 6:1 13 Focus on Your Teaching Rejection is a part of life. Many of us have experienced feelings of rejection when we haven t gotten the job we wanted or when caring for another who does not return our affections. At times that rejection may lead to depression and a sense of isolation. As you prepare to teach, be sensitive to the fact that many in the group may have experienced painful rejection. For some, this rejection may be because of their Christian faith or even be by other Christians. Gracious God, help me to accept others even as you have accepted me. May I witness to your love even as I lead this lesson. Amen. YOU WILL NEED Bibles writing paper, pens board or newsprint; markers copies of Resource Sheet 1 copies of Resource Sheet 1 for July 15, 2018, unless it will be e-mailed to participants For Responding: option 1: copies of Resource Sheet 1 option 2: copies of Resource Sheet 2, pens, writing paper option 3: copies of Resource Sheet 1, pens, writing paper; poster board, widetipped markers (optional) n LEADING THE SESSION GATHERING Before the session, for Exploring, print the following four questions on the board or newsprint: What is the incident? Where did it take place? Who was involved? What was Jesus reaction? Greet participants upon arrival and introduce any new members. Ask participants to find a person they do not know well; introduce themselves, if necessary; and talk about a time when they felt rejected. It may have been as simple as not being selected for a sports team or getting a job they wanted. Or perhaps it was a life-changing event such as a divorce or family dispute. Have participants briefly name their feelings about being rejected and what they have done to move past the experience. Gather in a circle. Explain that an act of rejection plays a part in today s focus scripture. Pray this prayer or one of your own: Creator God, you gave us different gifts and you accept us even when others reject us. Help us extend that unconditional acceptance to others. Bless our study of your Word today. Amen. EXPLORING Invite participants to read the first incident from Mark 6:1 6a silently. After a brief time, refer to the four questions you wrote on the board before the session. Briefly discuss each one. Distribute copies of Resource Sheet 1 (Focus on Mark 6:1 13). Invite a volunteer to read aloud the What? excerpt. Discuss reasons why the town s people were astounded. 2
The Rejection of For various reasons, many adults are not comfortable reading aloud in front of others. It is best to ask for a volunteer to read aloud or to read verses aloud in unison. Have participants turn to Luke 4:16 30, which is a slightly different version of the same event in today s text. Form two groups and read this account in unison, alternating verses between groups. Ask: P In this account, what was the result of Jesus teaching in Nazareth? P What insight into our focus scripture does this passage offer? P Why do you think Jesus was amazed? P Where did Jesus get his authority? Continue with today s focus scripture. Ask a volunteer to read aloud Mark 6:6b 13. Once again, refer to the four questions on the board. Take time to discuss each question in light of verses 6b 13. Then ask: P From whom did the disciples get their authority? P Why do you think Jesus sent the disciples out in groups of two? In biblical law, it was necessary to have at least two witnesses to an event to prove its authenticity. Neither women nor slaves were permitted to witness. It was also safer to travel in pairs. As a group, turn to Matthew 26:60; 1 Corinthians 14:29; 2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19; and Hebrews 10:28 and have volunteers read each one aloud. Ask: P What new insight(s) into the decision to have the disciples travel in pairs do these passages provide? Ask participants to read silently the Where? excerpt from Resource Sheet 1. Briefly discuss the relationship between faith and authority as suggested in the excerpt. Call attention to the three responsibilities of Christians mentioned there: to proclaim, to heal, and to claim victory over evil. Encourage participants to identify concrete ways they see these responsibilities exercised by individuals and by the church. Explain that rabbinic law declared the dust of Gentile (or non-jewish) countries unclean. Faithful Jews were to remove all signs of these countries before reentering Palestine. Jesus, a faithful Jew, was declaring places unclean that were not willing to hear his message as told through the disciples and that were not willing to grant them hospitality. For Jesus, people were accepted based on following his message rather than on being born into a religion. Challenge participants to think of a modern example of when shaking the dust fits. For example, where is the message Jesus preaches in Luke 4:16 30 being told and rejected today? After a few volunteers offer responses, ask: P In what ways do Christians experience rejection today, and how can we respond appropriately? 3
The Rejection of EASY PREP Many people have experienced rejection as a result of their Christian witness. Consider mentioning examples of those who have suffered for living their faith. Check www. persecution.com for current examples. RESPONDING Choose one or more of these activities, depending on the length of your session: 1. The Cost of Discipleship Have a volunteer read the Now What? excerpt from Resource Sheet 1. As a group name people who have been rejected for their faithfulness to the gospel. Discuss briefly what caused the situation and what it cost this person for being faithful. Invite participants to a time of guided meditation to consider their own experiences of discipleship. Have them think in silence of a situation in their life where a faithful action may have caused rejection. Ask them to think of some steps they can take to be more faithful. Invite a few volunteers to tell the steps they might take soon. 2. For the Journey Distribute copies of Resource Sheet 2 (Preparing for the Journey) and paper and pens to participants. Have them read the quotation and then respond to the questions. After sufficient time form pairs and compare responses. Lead participants in a charge to one another by having one person in each pair hold out both hands toward their partner and repeat these words after you say them. (Allow a short pause between phrases.) Say: (Name), go in the name of Christ, and take little for your journey. Trust in God to provide what you need. Peace be with you. Repeat with the other partner. 3. Mission and Evangelism Have a volunteer read aloud to the group the So What? excerpt on Resource Sheet 1. Form groups of two or three and distribute paper and pens. Challenge each group to write one-sentence responses to each of the following: P A definition of evangelism that includes the word mission; P A definition of mission that includes the word evangelism; and P A charge to their group or their congregation that includes the reality of rejection as we witness to the Word. Return to the large group and have each small group read their responses. If there is an outstanding charge for the third bulleted item, ask a volunteer to print it on poster board to be displayed somewhere in the classroom or church. CLOSING Ask volunteers to name one thing they will take from today s study and use in their lives of discipleship. After several have done this, pray aloud: Holy Lord, guide our feet as we continue learning how to follow you. Be patient with us and give us strength. Amen. Distribute copies of Resource Sheet 1 for July 15, 2018, or plan to e-mail it to participants during the week. Encourage class members to read the focus scripture and Resource Sheet 1 before the next session. 4
July 8, 2018 The Rejection of Adult Resource Sheet 1 Focus on Mark 6:1 13 WHAT is important to know? From Exegetical Perspective, Efraín Agosto These passages link the limited perspectives on Jesus by people who should know him best and the unlimited potential of his new inner circle (even though they too have misunderstood Jesus ministry). While the people of Nazareth are astounded at his teaching and miracles because of where he is from (from among them!), Jesus is amazed at their lack of faith. Now, after facing opposition in his own hometown, the time has come to send out the twelve disciples without him, two by two, to carry out the mission of healing and delivering people from their demons. WHERE is God in these words? From Theological Perspective, Mark D. W. Edington Jesus authority derives from his absolute obedience and ultimate openness to the will of God. Jesus kingly power is exercised by sharing it freely with those who come in faith. We should not construe Mark s report of the disciples initial foray as missioners as a reward for their growing faith. It is rather a sign that faith brings authority and authority brings responsibility. We respond to the gift of faith by accepting our authority alongside the sovereign God to whom we answer, and we take up the responsibility of disciples to proclaim, to heal, and to claim victory over evil. SO WHAT does this mean for our lives? From Pastoral Perspective, Michael L. Lindvall Many Christians have made sharp distinctions between mission and evangelism between outreach in deeds and outreach in words. It is clear that both Jesus ministry in Nazareth and that of the Twelve to the villages was unitary, encompassing both healing mission and proclamation evangelism. Evangelism is not to get them on our side or even to grow the church, but simply to tell others about God. We do not need to have polished words or sophisticated theology. We are simply called to speak the truth in love, from the heart, in our own words, and never be ashamed. NOW WHAT is God s word calling us to do? From Homiletical Perspective, Beverly Zink-Sawyer The reason for Mark s inclusion of Jesus embarrassing experience at Nazareth at this point in the Gospel appears to be preparation of the Twelve for what might be a mixed reception. Just as Jesus persists in his work by healing even a few people amid the unbelief of the people of Nazareth, the disciples are commanded to persist in their own work in his name. The word for us in this text is that we are not held responsible for the response to our ministries in Christ s name, but for our own faithfulness. With such assurance, we can witness boldly and faithfully. 2018 Westminster John Knox Press
July 8, 2018 The Rejection of Adult Resource Sheet 2 Preparing for the Journey All three Synoptic Gospels include instructions to the disciples about what to wear, what not to take, and how to react to their receptions. Mark includes the bare minimum: take just a staff to help you walk and ward off wild animals, wear sandals and one tunic, but not two (v. 8). In other words, itinerant preachers in the Jesus movement depend on the hospitality of settled believers in their various communities to which they travel. Moreover, when they come to one place, they are to stay in the first home that receives them (v. 10). There should be no appearance of looking for the best meals or the most comfortable bed in town! However, should their message be rejected at a home or by an entire town, they should exercise the practice of shaking the dust from one s feet (v. 11).... [T]he shaking off of dust could be a hopeful sign if such people and places would thereby see the seriousness of the matter and mend their ways. Excerpted from Efraín Agosto, Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 3 (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009), 216. Disciples usually take more than just one journey. We are always learning from past journeys and preparing for the next one. Also, remember that the journey does not have to be far. As we learn from today s Scripture, the hardest places to proclaim the gospel are often in our own communities. Take a few minutes and answer the following questions: P What should you take on your next journey? P Jesus instructs disciples to go in pairs. Who should go with you? P What is the good news you offer to others? P What will you do if people reject you? 2018 Westminster John Knox Press