Mark 9:32 “. . .afraid to ask . . .”
Sometimes I don’t want to know the answer to a question. I would rather operate out my ignorance. I maintain my ignorance thinking that if I know the truth I will be required to do something that I don’t want to do.
With similar motivation I have sometimes gone forward on the principle “it is easier to get forgiveness than permission.” My ignorance gives me a cover for doing what I want even if I suspect I should not do it. It would be hard for me to disobey my conscience directly, but if I am not sure what is required or expected then I am tempted, and frankly I give into the temptation on occasion, to go forward with my wants or to avoid my fears. I act in a way that says it is better not to know what is required.
In Mark 9:32 we read about the mind set of the disciples, “. . . they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.” Jesus had just told them about the cross that he was soon to face and the resurrection that would follow. They did not know what he meant by these words, and they did not ask for clarification.
Underneath their ignorance there was a layer of resistance. They did not ask Jesus what he meant because they did not want to know the answer. They were afraid. At least, I know that in my own heart such resistance exists. Danger and loss--even when a promise of resurrection accompanies it--gives me pause. I’m not sure I want to know more or hear more.
In 1742 Thomas Gray published "Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College.” He concluded his final stanza with the words, “ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.” Although I am tempted to remain ignorant in fear of what knowledge will require, I have learned that discipleship calls me to face the truth. What’s more, silence and subsequent ignorance are acts of self-deception. Even if we close our ears to words about the cross we will inevitably face suffering and loss.
If we embrace the cross of Christ we receive the good news that God is able to transform suffering into redemption. We hear the promise that God’s power is stronger than death. To be lost in ignorance will not save us from what will come, but to listen to Jesus and his teachings, to pray to him and to embrace him as Lord is to know the truth, and the truth will set us free. (John 8:32)
___________
Grandchildren. This week I went to the funeral of a man whose life of sixty-two years was well lived. It was an emotional time and brought back a memory from Sweetie Pie’s attendance at the funeral of my mother two years ago. Sweetie Pie was four years old. She came with her father from Boston just for the day. In her overnight bag she had packed a party hat because she thought that a funeral was a kind of party. Jesus told us that a little child can often lead us into truth (Mark 9:36-37). Indeed, gratitude for my mother is greater now than my grief, and I am praying for all of us who grieve at our friend’s passing this week. May God help us to see with the eyes of a child. A funeral is a kind of party. As the preacher said at the service this week, when we die we are leaving the land of the dying to go the land of the living. We give thanks and rejoice when a life is lived well; we rejoice in the promise of eternal life in Christ. We know that in heaven there is a party to welcome our friend and soon all of us will come to the party as well. Pack your hat.
No comments:
Post a Comment