Today's sermon was an experiment with narrative preaching or preaching in the first person. It seemed appropriate to try this type of sermon since Mark was written in a style that invites the reader to join in the journey. After living in Palestine for awhile, watching Jesus at work and listening to his teaching; it's time to come back to the 21st century and live in our world again. The real question is not what DID it mean to follow Jesus; but what DOES it mean today? One thing we learn from studying Mark's Gospel is that NOBODY follows Jesus without experiencing changes. Following Jesus requires changes in thinking, changes in attitudes, changes in what's valued, and changes in actions. In other words, when someone follows Jesus they experience, not just a make-over, but a complete do-over!
As we study Mark's portrayal of Jesus, it is encouraging to me that EVERYONE is in the process of discovery. We, as readers, are invited to join in as learners, students, and disciples. Nobody has Jesus all figured out (and the people who think they do are the most scary). We are always to be following and to continue learning.
I'm looking forward to our continued journeys together with Jesus. So, grab your walking stick and let's keep following him wherever he leads. And when you go to your 21st century workplace tomorrow - remember who you are and keep following your leader.
