Parables

I've always thought Jesus use of parables is interesting. He could have easily made his point without a creative story, and with a message that didn't require much interpretation. As I read the DJG, it points out that Jesus was not the first to use them. He was, however, the first to use them "consistently, creatively, and effectively." These parables "hold up one reality to serve as a mirror of another." I personally find it interesting to read the parables and find out more about the meaning Jesus had behind each one.

What kind of shirts do you wear?

We've all seen the t-shirts that Dr. Foster talked about in class on Monday...the ones that take secular images and turn them into Christian sayings. To be honest, I never gave those shirts much thoguht before that class...I mean I see them all the time...especially in my hometown. We host numerous events and designing the newest and latest t-shirt is the highlite of planning the event....okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little bit, but I'm not too far off. We should be original in what we have to say. Why do we need to take an idea that's already been used way too many times before? The slogan usually supports things that are most certainly not completely centered around Christ. So why use the secular slogans? It doesn't make that shirt any different from another one....and if it isn't different, then the message isn't portraid in a different way either. I think about it like this. If someone says they are a Christian, then they have to show it with everything they do, right? So when we see someone who conforms to the ways of this world but still says they are Christ-like, what impression does that leave? You know as well as I do that his or her witness is hindered by these actions. Same with the shirt...the wonderful message being written on that shirt shouldn't be hidden beneath the ideas of this world.

Disciples

I think one thing that has really clicked with me lately, is the fact that the disciples didn't really know that much about who Jesus was....it took them a while to comprehend his greatness. That seems odd to me since they were next to him constantly and experienced his miracles first hand. It seems that if you were around someone as great as that, you would understand a little more about him. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a disciple, or even be alive in Jesus' time. I am thankful that I can read about their experiences and accounts of Jesus time here on earth.

L.O.C. Project

The Life of Christ seminar was different than I had anticipated. The beginning hours flew by extremely fast, and by the last two or so, I was ready to edit and go. I did enjoy the project becuase I realized exactly how much I knew from the Bible and exactly how little I knew. I enjoyed working with our small groups, and I think by splitting up we were able to accomplish a lot more. I noticed that our class has quite a few leaders, and that can be a great thing. It can also be stressful for the group as well. I know there were moments where it seemed as if 20 different opinions were in the room, but only 1 or 2 oculd be heard. I also know that we would have been a lot worse off had we not had those leaders step up. Overall, our class did a great job (in my opinion) on successfully carrying out the task at hand. I gained a great deal of insight about my fellow classmates, as well as my own knowledge of the Bible.
I enjoyed this project, but I do not think I would do it again if given the option. Eight hours was a long time, even though I do not believe the project could have been completed in less. I am very thankful for the experience and knowledge that I gained though.

Jesus Didn't Get Lazy

Taking this class has been such a joy. I love being absorbed in and analyzing the life of Christ with such detail. I keep thinking about something that is completely obvious...Jesus was sought out everywhere he went, right? Well, Jesus had quite a bit on his plate. I mean, he was sent here to save the lost, make disciples, and he preformed miracles to heal and prove he was who he said he was. The entire time he did this, he was surrounded by people wanting to see and/or touch him. He definitely had a lot to deal with. He knew his time was limited, he had the worst pain of all to bear, and he didn't deserve one bit of it because he is perfect. During the time on earth, Jesus was fully aware of the events to come...and he went through it all anyway. He endured the pain. When tempted by Satan, Jesus was victorious. I realize this is a concept we were taught in Sunday school, but when I stop to re-think the mission Jesus set out to accomplish, I am in complete awe. My Jesus is perfect. My Jesus is strong. My Jesus endured humiliation and pain on that cross for not only me, but for everyone. I am more than thankful, but I also feel ashamed for those times that I fail and give him less than my best. I know I'm going to mess up, but that doesn't excuse anything. It is easy for me to slack off in my devotions and give myself excuses. I'm constantly surrounded by the "right" things...I go to church. I go to a Christian school. I hang out with Christian people. But quess what? That doesn't cut it. I have to give my best DAILY. The truth is, I get lazy sometimes. Jesus was never lazy in his ministry. I need to remember that the next time I want to slack off. He's the one I am to model my lifestyle after...

So much more than a miracle

When Jesus cast out a demon or healed someone, we often find that he commands the demon/person to remain silent. Why?...Because Jesus wanted to be distinguished from the other miracle workers of the time. He didn't set out to amaze people to create a reputation. As Dr. Foster said in class, Jesus built himself a reputation, but it wasn't in that manner. Jesus wasn't like everyone else. (Yes, we know that now, but back then, things were a little bit different.) Sometimes I try to imagine myself in those days. What would it have been like to see Jesus pass me on the street? It must have been amazing to see him perform a miracle. But then I stop to think. He knew that when the news of his miracles traveled, his days would be numbered. Jesus had much more to accomplish than miracles during his time on earth.

The Good Stuff

My best friend in high school considered herself to be very "religious". She thought if she acted a certain way and did all of the "right" things in life, she was okay in God's eyes. She still hasn't grasped the idea of forgiveness and the true meaning of Christ's death on the cross. I spoke with her the other day for the first time in quite a few months, and I realized just how lost and consumed she is with the idea of living a "good" life in order to earn her way into heaven. I couldn't help but relate this story to part of the introduction of the NIV Commentary. On page 24 it says, "In the religious world, the good news about Jesus Christ is watered down to good advice. People are told to be kind, smile a lot, to love all creatures, to think positively, and to feel good about themselves. But the true gospel about Jesus Christ is far more radical and explosive." The gospel involves my Jesus who offers unfailling love and mercy. The gospel involves my Jesus who bled and was beaten severely JUST to save all of us from the death we so richly deserve. Salvation involves complete faith and surrendering a lifestyle full of sin. I've tried explaining this concept to my friend, but because of her religion, she feels she has to earn every bit of her salvation. It breaks my heart...there's more to it than just being "good." Salvation takes faith and the ablility to step out of the 'number 1' place and let God take over that position in our lives. The message of the gospel is life-changing, and I wish everyone would accept it...

I couldn't think of a creative title

I found the reading about the scribes interesting. Our text listed in great detail the duties of a scribe in Jesus' time. They were considered to be lawyers, theologians, guardians, and of course, keepers of the text. In the paragraph about the scribes being "curators", I couldn't help but notice the part that says "Even though the sacred text was known by heart, a written edition had to be before the copyist who would read aloud the text as he worked." If someone were this familiar with the information, wouldn't it make sense that they, of all people, would realize and accept who Jesus is?? Instead, they were considered his opponents, and became jealous if his ministry. Jesus labeled them as hypocrites for knowing how to enter heaven, but they prevented others from entering by placing such a high value on things they shouldn't have been as focused on. They were too consumed with the law to realize they were standing face to face with the Son of God.