Mark 3:7-12
Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.
The Context of Mark 3:7-12:
Looking at the previous chapters in Mark's gospel we find Jesus in a number of different places, he is at the Jordan river being baptized by John, in the wilderness being tempted by Satan, in Capernaum teaching and healing on the Sabbath and in the Synagogue. We find Jesus in solitary and lonely places too! We find him in the villages, in the homes of people, Levi (Tax collector) In a home where he heals the paralysed man. We also find him by the sea of Galilee, calling Simon and Andrew, James and John, being mobbed by the crowd, this tis rue for the rest of Mark’s gospel too, Jesus is found in so many different places, with all kinds of people.
The lake itself:
People and Places: - We see from the passage that a large crowd from seven Frontier towns that are mentioned. (Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, Perea, Tyre and Sidon,) A closer look at the history at these towns tells of there distinct ethos and culture.
Galilee: The sea was the highway for considerable traffic between Damascus and the Mediterranean, , there was a continuous development of settlements and villages around the lake, plenty of trade, . It is also reported a that there was a thriving fishing industry at this time, with 230 boats regularly working in the lake, Hot springs along the western shore, especially at Tiberias, brought multitudes to be cured. It was a frontier of activity and development.
Judea - was a a third-class Roman province, which meant that it was so unimportant in terms of revenue, there were two distinct groups of subjects: on the one hand there were the monotheistic Jews, Samaritans and Idumeans, on the other hand the Greeks and Romans, who believed in many gods.
Jerusalem. – Jerusalem was a tale of two sectors the lower city and the upper city – Commerce and Pomp, a class divide. The very poor and the very rich. Again two distinct groups of people.
Idumea – Edomites originally – Semitic people hated by the Israelites, Desert people, nomads even, held in contempt by the jewish people.
Beyond Jordan – Perea – forcibly converted to Judiasm, originally the people of Ammon and Moab who were Israel’s bitter rivals.
Tyre and Sidon, The doorway to the east, It’s people were among the richest and greatest merchants and sailors of the ancient world. It’s shipping fleets worked the trade routes of the entire Mediterranean Sea. This trading hub brought indescribable wealth to these great cities.
Some questions to ask at this point:
1. Is Jesus really interested the people who are involved in commerce and trade?
2. Has Jesus got a heart for frontier towns, and trading ventures?
3. Is Jesus interested in the exchange of money and wealth?
4. Does Jesus have an interest in the class divides of emerging societies and cultures?
5. Does Jesus have a missional agenda for the frontiers that he sees?
Jesus by the lake:
“Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake” vs7
1. Some of the commentators suggest the reason for withdrawal from Capernaum was because of the opposition?
2. Some of the commentators suggest the reason for withdrawal from Capernaum was because he was under pressure?
3. Some of the commentators suggest the reason for withdrawal from Capernaum was because he needed a retreat?
4. Some of the commentators suggest the reason for withdrawal from Capernaum was because of the need of the people.
As I was reading through this passage I began to see things in a different light. I believe it could be God speaking. Often this starts with a whisper. Here is the whisper that is in my heart.
Withdrew, - placed his focus somewhere else. This word “Withdrew” puzzles me. Anachōreō – (Literal translation means – UP-SPACES - to move on or to be in another place)
I'm going to focus on this for a little while, in this study.
To be in another place:
Jesus and the disciples moved on to another place, another place, full of greater challenges, of real need, of commercial activity, of class divide etc… the fact is that they moved on. I’ve begun to imagine what it is like to be in another place. (In heart, mind, spirit, and presence) Ive begun to reflect on this, as I consider mission and church planting.
1. This may mean we may need to be in another place physically
Employment,
Housing,
Community,
There are more things than this, add your own.
the bottom line is that we as disciples of Jesus will need to learn what it means to travel light, not lumbering, but responsive
2. This may mean we may need to be in another place mentally.
A different theological mindset.
A world view change.
Repenting and getting things right, seeking reconciliation,
laying to rest of the past.
Again there are a few of the challenges, you can add your own.
3. This may mean we may need to be in another place socially
This will be a challenge to our privacy.
"Our" way of doing things.
Our prejudices will have to be dealt with.
There will be dangers, opportunities and risks as we seek out new friendships.
Developing community will be important.
Learning a new language, learning about a community's culture and customs.
4. This may mean we may need to be in another place spiritually.
The reluctance for personal discipleship, accountability, and responsibility may have to be dealt with.
We will need to open ourselves up to God in new ways.
Conclusion/ Reflection.
I'm challenged by this thought on "UP SPACES" on what it means to be different people, with a different outlook, occupying a different space, with mission in mind.
I’m hoping that this whisper will grow in the days to come, and that it will grow in all of us, that we may people a people who are rising to the challenge of being in another place with God.
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