Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus,
"How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?"
Mark 2:18 NIV
The Pharisees were like the culture police.
This is the way we do things. Don't step out of line.
Jesus' team were not living how their culture expected, & the Pharisees (who had real power in the community) were asking questions.
Do I do anything, live in any way, that the culture around me would ask that question?
Why do you do (or don't do) that?
That's different.
I don't like to be seen as different. I like to feel like I belong. Fit in.
The people who had been with Jesus, something in them was shifting and it found it's expression in the way they lived, and not with restriction, but with freedom!
Being with Jesus will change my choices, the way that I live, & I may not "fit in", but that's OK
Why don't you...?
You go where on Sunday?
You pray?
Choosing to follow Jesus on Monday can be uncomfortable.
I'm OK with that.
#monday
#Godsgym
#choose
...four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus... Mark 2:3-4 NLT Great account of inventiveness and determination to get their friend to see Jesus. Love this. Do you wonder about the back story? Are these the same 4 people who bring this man food? Take him to the toilet every day. Clean him up. Does he live with one of them? Are they family? Are there whole families or groups of people in the background who have supported and cared for this man? A group of children who grew up seeing their parents love in action? Probably. Healing Help Hope These things are found in community. These 4 guys are the heroes here. The upfront people. One day it will be interesting to see who the background heroes are. #loveinaction #community #inthistogether #walkingeachotherhome #gospelofmark
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