A day of judgment is followed by a day of teaching. That's the way I would want it, and I'm thankful that this day two follows quickly upon the chastisement I feel from day one (see yesterday's blog). I know how often I stray off the path, now, Lord, guide me back on to it...
The transition is clear in the lesson of the fig tree in 11:20-25. Jesus and the disciples come upon the tree he cursed yesterday, now withered and dead. But the message isn't one of judgment, but of the power of faith activated by a confident prayer/conversation with God.
There are two main locations for Jesus' teaching today: The Temple and the Mount of Olives. Each location brings forth a unique message from Jesus, delivered in a unique way. Jesus was a master teacher, able to adapt his message perfectly to the context, the question, and, most importantly, the people with whom he was engaged.
I think about the teachers, the mentors, the spiritual guides who have most influenced my life and the focus of my spiritual lens. Maybe you might do the same right now. Of course, I remember something of what they taught - nuggets of wisdom, insight, and information I needed and could immediately apply. But their influence was not linked to content, but to engagement. They came along at the right time, with the answers (and the questions) I was looking for, with the connection which would most cut through my defenses and pride. I was ready to learn, and they were ready with the presentation which would best teach. The time was right for a teacher with a willingness to speak was brought together with a student primed to listen. I am so thankful for them, and their engagement with me is why I remember their lessons to this day.
The Temple was not only a place for the worship of the people of God, it was also a place to come for instruction from some of the most gifted teachers Judaism had to offer. But the heart of Jewish-style teaching wasn't lecture/sermon, it was a dialogue...questions and answers. Three sets of Jewish leaders come to Jesus and pose the questions in these verses. Their agenda is oppositional, but teacher Jesus is undeterred from teaching despite their unwillingness to listen. His message is for a broader audience.
It's difficult to sum up Jesus' teaching in this section (11:27-12:4), but on way might be in the phrase: "dedicate yourself to God, and everything else will come clear." The religion Jesus is teaching isn't bogged down in rituals, legalities, or oversimplified feel-good platitudes. To each question, ultimately Jesus uses parable and insight to urge his listeners to make God the primary focus of their life; and if they do, their worship, their behavior, and their perspective will be guided by divine wisdom and truth.
The Mount of Olives was a place of celebration and contemplation. Pilgrims to Jerusalem went out of their way to crest its ridge and get a magnificent view of the holy city. I remember going there myself in 1987, taking in the sweeping vista of the ancient walls, turrets and domes. Here, Jesus is speaking privately to his disciples, and while he is answering their questions his teaching is more urgent and therefore more direct and one-sided.
Where the Temple teaching speaks of the beginning point - dedicate yourself to God - the Mount of Olives speaks of the end point: the signs of the end of the world, the second coming of the Son of God, the final judgement (13:1-37). But Jesus is less intent on describing what will happen, and more intent on teaching the disciples how to be prepared for it. If it could be summed up again in one phrase, it would be: "Live life attentively and urgently." Life will be life all the way to the end, it will be difficult - maybe even more so for Jesus Followers - but don't be distracted! Continue to lean on God for energy and insight as you live into your purpose as a Jesus Follower up to the end.
Finally, though, there is one teaching location we've missed. It's short, over quickly, easy to overlook. It's a transition between the teaching courts of the temple and the Mount. Jesus sits down in front of the place in the Temple where people bring their offering. This will be the most important lesson of the day (12:41-44).
As Jesus points out the poor widow giving everything she has as an offering to God, surrounded by the rich and well-blessed offering a greater amount but a small percentage of themselves, he teaches you and I about how to live in the moment, this moment followed by the next moment. Dedicating yourself to God means trusting him completely with your whole self, and giving away the margins of your life. It means living generously, pouring yourself into the work of God and holding nothing back. Why should you? If you trust him...you are safe and provided for, competely equipped to do whatever he calls you to do and go wherever he calls you to go.
This is the only way to be truly prepared for life's end, whenever it may come.
Prayer:
Gracious Lord, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life, king of our hearts. Increase in our minds and hearts the riesn life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people toward the fulness of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
