In the name of jesus print copy

“In the Name of Jesus Canon Graeme Winterton at Holy Trinity Kew Sunday 27th September 2015 Text: Mark 9: 38 -50

Contentious concerns The Gospel set for today (Mark 9:38-50) is one of the most difficult and contentious passages to interpret. So difficult in fact that busy clergy could be forgiven if they decided to choose an alternative passage for exposition on this particular Sunday. However, Anglican priests have an obligation to faithfully expound the Word of God and difficulty does nor exempt one from the responsibility.

The passage is difficult because it touches upon topics which modern people with tenuous church connections do not accept as reality and regard as objectionable and offensive.

Demons, exorcism, miracles, judgement, purification, reward and loss, hell, eternal fire, and the Kingdom of God are generally relegated to the world of myth, legend and superstition.

Difficulty is compounded since this passage has been variously interpreted, and worse, misinterpreted in order to formulate doctrine or justify questionable actions.

The subjects are not only difficult, they are serious because, despite the fact that modern philosophy and academia in particular, has discounted faith and the practice of religion, people remain deeply concerned about what happens after death. The life to come really matters and the fear of death can not be dismissed just because one prefers not to believe.

The alleged ‘objectionable and offensive’ topics Of course there are matters which we would prefer never to confront! If we are honest, we confess they not only make us afraid, they are magnetic in their fascination. Death is frightening; we fear what we may discover, or we may fear nothingness. Evil, sin and guilt is universal; we fear the consequences.

God is perfection; we fear judgement because we know we are imperfect. It is impossible to ignore these concerns for they are universal.

Humanity’s response to the issues vary enormously and Religion and philosophy are the traditional ways of managing them. For example: primitive religions practise rituals to placate supernatural forces.

Another example is that of several religions which look to reincarnation in the hope that life continues in one form or another. Still another is the pantheistic view that we all continue as a constituent element of the cosmos.

In Australia, these issues are managed by denial. By and large the majority of Westerners in First World countries like our own are committed to philosophic views transmitted in our schools and universities. Scientific humanism is the religion of the modern world. It is fundamentally atheistic, or at the very least, agnostic.

Modern people are exposed to it at every turn of every day through heavily promoted popular culture and biased journalism.

A clear example of just how increasingly offensive faith and its observance has become in Australia is found in the step taken this year to eliminate religious education from Victorian state schools. Some influential educators and politicians have publicly stated they aim to take further steps to completely eliminate any form of religious presence in the schools.

Why should we be surprised if non believers regard spiritual entities as offensive? Let us admit that atheists who voice an objection to spiritual practice are acting consistently with their beliefs. However it is deeply disturbing if Christians are not granted the same courtesy and are restricted from voicing an objection to atheistic propaganda.

Numerous allegedly ‘objectionable and offensive’ subjects arise in the Scriptures for the Bible touches upon matters which have always concerned and impacted the human race. Its compass reaches from eternity to eternity. It enfolds us all – our history from before recorded time, our darkest and most vile actions in contrast with the highest and most beautiful accomplishments of life and spirit. It dares to speak of the origins and purpose of life; of good and evil; of human responsibility and the consequences of individual and corporate choice.

The Scriptures reveal the Living God. Every thing of which they speak and every subject raised is always in connection with the relationship which we as human beings have with the one whom Jews and Christians believe always takes the initiative to draw us into communication with the eternal Godhead and with each other.

Jesus’ approach to the issues Jesus leaves us in no doubt about the existence of the spiritual world. It is as real as the physical. It is an element of all that is, an orb without division, an actuality in which humanity participates. Evil is active within the world as we know only too well from history and personal experience. Evil is rampant in the spiritual dimension. It erupts in direct confrontation with Jesus during the forty days and forty nights of temptation in the wilderness and breaks out in further encounters as Satanic forces manifest themselves through people, circumstances and demonic activity. Today’s Gospel is one of the more direct and challenging accounts in which the Satanic forces attack brazenly as the events of the cross draw closer. Jesus is the ultimate target but others around him become involved.

A look at the text – ‘What actually happened?

1. John was concerned about an encounter which had taken place between the disciples and another man who was not one of their number.

2. The man was exorcising demons in the name of Jesus, and he was successful.

3. The disciples tried to stop him because he was not one of their number.

4. John spoke for them all. – ‘We tried to stop him’ 5. Jesus took the whole affair seriously and told them not to forbid the man from acting in his name.

6. The situation raised topics of spiritual and eternal importance.

7. Jesus took care to expand on the implications of the disciples' action and the reasons for his position on the matter.

8. Jesus also used the occasion to teach and warn of the consequences of personal choice in matters affecting one’s eternal destiny.

Significant issues raised by this event.

Authority. The unauthorised use of power and of Jesus’ name disturbed the disciples. They were aware that they alone had been commissioned to act in his name as his representatives and with his power. ‘Should it be permitted?’ ‘Who was this presumptuous nobody?’ ‘We told him to stop!’

Motive. John is sensitive and although he shares the concern about authority he probably is also anxious not to stand in the way of a good work. ‘Did we do the right thing?’ We may question the motives of the other disciples. Were they being legalistic and protecting their turf, or was wounded pride and jealousy driving their attitude?

Priorities. The disciples were concerned about the present implications of the unauthorised exorcist. They could not permit his success to show up their ineptitude. The disciples had tried to exorcise a possessed boy just a few days before. They had failed, whereas this stranger’s success revealed their own inability to achieve results by the exercise of the authority and power which Jesus had entrusted to them. It must have been particularly galling. The failure of the disciples revealed their conceit. They considered the power had been given to them - that it was theirs to control and wield. No wonder they failed.

Gospel readings over recent weeks have been emphasising just how much the disciples misunderstood the person and mission of Jesus and just how their attitude might be best understood if you heard them ask. ‘What’s in it for me?’ How very human. Preoccupied with themselves and the trivia of life. You might well say they were ‘blind men leading the blind’ so great was their misunderstanding and lack of spiritual awareness. We must confess to finding ourselves to be no different from the disciples.

We have become preoccupied with the affairs of a consumer society and too often allowed the ways of a secular society to infiltrate and dictate terms which impact upon the mission of the church.

Understanding It is noteworthy that St. Mark relates this event within the context of reporting their response to the question ‘Who do people say I am?’, the Transfiguration and the scrabble for position in the Messiah’s kingdom. Mark is underlining the fact that the disciples really don’t understand.

In spite of three years of discipleship, detailed explanation concerning his death and resurrection, followed by supernatural revelation, they still had not grasped Jesus’ true identity and his mission to fulfill God’s intended plan for humanity’s salvation. They just didn’t get it!

The unknown exorcist had grasped the essential and central dimension of Jesus’ mission. It was a cosmic spiritual conflict which involved the confrontation and defeat of Satan. Note the positive nature of his action.

He used Jesus’ Name! (“I command you to come out in Jesus’ name” remains to this day and forever as the command used by an exorcist.) He recognised Jesus as the source and centre of all cosmic authority and power. He was aware that it was Jesus who ordered the action – it could be no one else. This man is revealed as a true believer by the active effective power of Jesus because the name of Jesus only discloses its power when a person joins Jesus in faith and obedience to the will of God. Perspective The disciples held an unduly narrow perspective of the work of God. The Kingdom of God is wide ranging. They had overlooked the history of the work of the Spirit who is not limited by human institutions and rules.

There have ways been people Jesus acknowledges who are repudiated by recognised authority. Their choice to act in his name means they have decided for him. They share his name they therefore share his mission in exactly the same way an ambassador stands in the place of his country - what is said of done to the ambassador is said or done to the country.

Jesus applies this same principle to the unknown exorcist and to the person who extends hospitality with a cup of cold water. He is in effect saying “I own all who own me and they too are part of my kingdom and will be honoured equally with those who are publicly authorised and recognised.” ‘He that is not against us is for us.’

Isn’t it true that we are far too often like the disciples - swift to judge and condemn and slow to approve and include others whom we consider outsiders and strangers? The church is a place where warm friendship and acceptance is expected to reveal the hallmark of Christ, a people of whom outsiders will continue to say “look how much they love and care for one another!”

Cautionary remarks I remarked earlier that this passage has sometimes been misinterpreted in order to formulate doctrine. It has often been cited to support the notion that every one who does ‘good works’ is assured of salvation and will receive a reward.

While explaining the role of the exorcist to his disciples Jesus used the example of a gift of water to stress how deep and wide was God’s awareness and acceptance of every person who shared in Jesus’ work of demonstrating the grace of God. - No one will be ignored or left out! That’s the point Jesus wants them to get - They must not forbid the unknown exorcist!- And by extension - you and I can never shut out or shun the misunderstood and ‘different’ people who enter out lives and particularly those who enter our churches.

Note particularly, and with very great care, because this is something which impacts upon our own personal eternal destiny. When we do act for others, and in whatever capacity we serve in the affairs of life, whether it be physically or spiritually, In no way can such activity ever be understood as something which accrues merit and is deserving of reward. Let it be clearly understood that the idea of depending upon the good a person does in order to gain salvation misunderstands and contradicts the saving work of Christ. Such a notion is anathema, it is a total denial of the Gospel and is a travesty of the life and death of Jesus.

There is nothing that we can ever do which merits our salvation. We are saved by grace through faith alone. Not of works lest one should boast.

Responsible Discipleship (Mark 9:38-42) The final section of the passage is a solemn cautionary reminder for disciples of every generation.

‘The buck stops here.’ could well be a suitable motto for 21st. Century disciples for service in Christ’s cause demands dedication which accepts responsibility.

Note the contrast between the behaviour of the disciples towards the stranger who dares to trespass on their turf and the behaviour Jesus expects from disciples towards others.

They have treated the exorcist and each other without respect or consideration. Now it is clear that they will be held responsible for the outcomes of their ministry.

‘These little ones who believe in me.’ Refers to the unknown disciples like the exorcist whom they despised, the host who gives water, and their own brother disciples whom they would like to defeat in a push for pride of place. ‘Millstone’ execution by drowning, like crucifixion, was a familiar method used by the Romans in the time of Jesus.

The disciples couldn’t miss the message. Ministry and caring loving relationships are inseparable elements of ministry and disciples are accountable for their behaviour.

The scandal of child abuse is a tragic comment on how far the church of our time has fallen from the responsible ideal Jesus underlined here. However, society at large still needs the example of Christ’s loving care in the areas of it’s own blindness. Family violence, homelessness, exploitation of the marginalised and the abuse of the law by the rich, powerful and corrupt are indicators of how desperately our own land needs disciples who will administer the cup of cold water, exorcise evil and catch those who stumble.

Conclusion Jesus never lost sight of his destiny. His decisions and actions were always governed by eternal values which would always be regarded as objectionable and offensive. Through the power of his life death and resurrection he turned the values of this world on their head and commissioned a small group of very ordinary Spirit filled disciples to go and make disciples who in turn would fulfil their destiny to share the same eternal values which continue to be regarded as objectionable and offensive.

Did you catch a glimpse of yourself in one of the scenes during our exploration of the ‘difficult text’?

Where would Jesus find you? Where do you stand?  A bystander yet to make up your mind to declare yourself and accept his invitation to join him?  Standing among the Pharisees and doctors of the law - professing the faith but bound by the thinking of the dominant mindset of modern academia?  Rushing around organising and doing all the good things in the hope that you might win your place in the kingdom if the good things outweighed the bad things in your life?  Perhaps you are unaware of what is happening, you know Jesus loves you, and are just there with a water jug sharing what you have with those who need it because it is the best you can do in his name. ?  Are you standing with the disciples, a well known active member of the group but sidetracked with the trivia dictated by the busy cultural expectations of the church and the life style givens of society?

Human destiny is intimately bound up in the destiny of Jesus the Son of the Living God and individual destiny is determined by personal choice. He looks for each one of us to choose where we stand. The writer to the Hebrews points us to the one sure and certain place to take our stand. The world considers it as foolish, objectionable and offensive, however, it is the guaranteed place of eternal security.

‘Look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.