Individualism is not the reality of Jesus’ political and social context. Instead, it is a western ideology that has damaged the search for the historical Jesus. Jesus’ ministry was in the midst of a massive political-economic struggle under Roman Imperialism. This oppressive reality significantly shaped Jesus’ mission and message.

Horsley provides a thorough background of the political, economic and social context of first century Israel starting with the dominant Roman Empire. The Rise of Roman rule in Israel-Judea brought about what Horsley calls “the new world disorder.” This significantly altered the way of life for the people of Galilee and Judea who were the recipients of Jesus’ ministry. Horsley further highlights differences among the people of Galilee and those of Judea, as well as between people in positions of power and privilege, with the peasant majority. The Jewish high priesthood was a part of the Roman rule, but the vast majority of the Jewish people were peasants, being oppressively ruled over. In this system, Rome was portrayed as the powerful protector, offering peace and salvation to those who would “believe” in the empire. It is this religious, political-economic, and social context that Jesus presents his message.

With Jesus’ context illuminated, Horsley argues that a “relational approach” to Jesus’ ministry is drastically needed. If the words of Jesus are taken as isolated sayings and are heard not as communicating something significant to a particular people in a concrete historical situation, then Jesus has been limited to a dehistoricized “talking head” (56). To illustrate this, Horsley uses the example of taking statements made by Abraham Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address out of its literary and social context. Yet another example would be taking Martin Luther King Jr.’s statements and sermons out of the context of the civil rights movement. Horsley argues that doing this would cause one to completely misunderstand their actual message. Thus, it is important not to do that with Jesus’ message. When a relational approach is taken with Jesus’ message, Horsley contends that it is clearly about the “Kingdom of God.” That is, it’s about the renewal of Israel in the midst of their earthly oppressive from empire. With the authority of judgment, Jesus (as prophet) proclaims condemnation on Rome, the political-economic oppressor, and announces the end of the Roman rule, displayed through exorcisms, healings and miraculous signs.

To demonstrate the significance of Jesus’ ministry and message in its correct political and socio-historical context, Horsley analyzes both the Gospel of Mark and the Jesus-speeches in Q. Taking the whole reading/story of Mark, he reiterates that the dominant theme running throughout is clearly the presence of the kingdom of God. This overarching theme encompasses Jesus’ prophetic condemnation of oppressive rulers as well as his prophetic renewal of Israel. Thus Jesus preaches the “kingdom of God” in opposition to the existing unjust social, economic and political structures and presents a direct challenge to the representatives of the Roman imperial order. Jesus is both embedded in the native Israelite tradition, as well as the distinct socio-political context. Therefore, his teachings cannot be isolated from this if they are to be truly understood. Jesus challenged the system by preaching a message of hope, deliverance, empowerment and renewal to the Jewish people. In bringing the kingdom of God, no earthly empire will stand, but all will be condemned.

Horsley concludes the book by making a bold and somewhat controversial claim that America represents an empire much like Rome did in Jesus’ time. Though many like to think of America as the “new Israel,” it is more characterized as the “new Rome.” There is no denying that America is powerful and holds a significant amount of control over the world’s resources. Horsley points out that the proportion of goods consumed by ancient Rome never even came close to the 75 percent of the world’s resources currently being consumed by Americans (143). Given the current realities, it would be difficult for an American to claim that they are representative of the biblical people of Israel, who were constantly the “little guys” fighting the oppression of superpower after superpower. This doesn’t present a pretty image of America, but one cannot deny the realistic picture Horsley so vividly paints of empire.

Overall, Horsley is thorough in his historical research and strong in his critique about how New Testament scholars have missed the point of Jesus’ mission and message. He is articulate in his writing, handles scripture with care, and is not afraid to draw his own conclusions from the data available. At times, this leads him to present ideas that are a stretch at best, like his interpretation of the “legion-ary” reference in the story of the demon possessed man (Mark 5:1-20). While Horsley overemphasizes particular ideas often, his main idea of the importance of reading and understanding Jesus in the political, economic, and social context of Roman imperialism is solid and commendable. If Jesus’ message is read as isolated religious sayings out of his original context then his message has been all but lost.

“All you got to do is ask…”

I often hear this phrase in the form of that oh-so-subtle ‘gentle whisper’. But I’m a worrier. I get anxious really easy. It’s hard for me to ask for help. I’d rather stress out and believe that the world is actually caving in. Why? I have no idea.

Right now I’m at a time in my life where all I can do is ask God what’s “next.” If I don’t start seeking I’m not going to find anything. I’m at a crossroad and not sure which way to go. And then I hear it: “All you got to do is ask…” Wait… There it is again. “God? Is that You?”

I’m sure everyone would love to receive a personal visit from God and listen intently while He reveals His grandiose plan for their life. I know I would. But somehow I don’t think that’s going to happen. What I can bank on though is that if I ask, I’ll receive — if I seek, I’ll find — and if I knock, the door will be opened. Agh, it sounds so easy, but what if I don’t get the answer I want? What if I don’t like what’s on the other side of the door? Hmmm… That could be a problem. I think the real question is Do I believe that the Father is good?

Yes.

So the answer I receive should be good. Right?

What I find will be good.

What lies on the other side of the door is good.

Even IF it’s not what I had in mind.

The bottom line is this: The Father is good and He gives good gifts to His children.

I am His child. So if I ask, he’ll give me something good.

All that’s required of me is to have faith that He’s the good Father He promises to be. And I do.

So I stand outside the door and knock, waiting for the surprise that awaits me. God, thank You for Your goodness. Thank You for Your promises. Help me to treat others with the same goodness You have shown me. I’m looking forward to the journey of what lies ahead — the joy, the suffering, the pain, the adventure. No matter what it looks like, I know that it will be completely and utterly rewarding, so long as You are at the CENTER. Amen!

What do you need to ask for? To seek after? What doors are waiting to be opened in your life?

Matthew 11 // Jesus fulfills the Messiah requirements of Isaiah 35:5-6, 61:1, healing the sick and preaching the good news. Jesus is the One, the Messiah, the Son of God, who is gentle and humble in hear, who gives us rest for our weary souls.

Matthew 12 // Jesus breaks the ‘rules’ but proclaims he is the ‘Lord of the sabbath’. He’s also accused of healing and driving out demons in the name of satan, yet a kingdom can’t be divided among itself. Either you’re good or bad. Good produces good.

Matthew 13 // Jesus speaks in parables about the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven is like good soil, good seed, a mustard seed, yeast, treasure, a pearl, and a fishing net. A disciple hears, listens, and follows with obedience in the kingdom.

Matthew 14 // John the baptist is beheaded. Upon hearing this, Jesus wants to be alone, but has compassion on the crowds and miraculously feed them. Then he gets his solitude to pray. Peter walks on water. Jesus has compassion. Do I?

Matthew 15 // Jesus isn’t about tradition, but about serving God. It’s not what enters the body, but what comes from the heart that’s evil. Another story of a woman with great faith & Jesus continues to have compassion on people, healing & feeding multitudes.

Below is a video of Phil sharing the story behind the song and then performing it. I hope it touches you in a supernatural way like it has for me.

LYRICS //
At Your Name, the mountains shake and crumble
At Your Name, the oceans roar and tumble
At Your Name, angles will bow the earth will rejoice
Your people cry out

Lord of all the earth
we shout Your Name, shout Your Name
Filling up the skies
with endless praise, endless praise
YAHWEH, YAHWEH
we love to shout Your Name
oh Lord

At Your Name, the morning breaks in glory
At Your Name, creation sings Your story
At Your Name, angles will bow the earth will rejoice
Your people cry out

There is no one like our God
we will praise You, praise You
JESUS is our God
we will sing, we will sing

Matthew 6 // Don’t fake it and be an ‘actor’. Focus on today and don’t worry about earthly things. Follow Jesus’ model of prayer and seek first the Kingdom of God. Where is my treasure hidden?

Matthew 7 // Focus on dealing with your junk, not others’. Ask, seek, knock. Take the hard road and treat others how you want to be treated. True listening is obeying and putting it into action. Actions speak louder.

Matthew 8 // Jesus heals the sick and commends an ‘enemy’ [Roman Centurion] for his faith, while rebuking His own disciples for their lack of faith. What would Jesus say about my faith? Do I believe that He can still command the seas and calm my storms?

Matthew 9 // Faith is a key component in Jesus’ healings. Jesus spends a lot of time healing and hanging out with sinners and tax collectors. He has compassion on them because they are like sheep without a shepherd. He is the Good Shepherd.

Matthew 10 // The disciples are sent out and given authority to do awesome things. With this though, they are also warned that they will be persecuted. The life of a disciple is a hard road. The cost is loving God above all, taking up our cross and losing our life. Only then will we find it.

“…the gospel of Jesus Christ is about the presence and coming of the kingdom of God. We’ve seen that the gospel is about God coming to us in Jesus Christ to establish his reign over all creation, every nook and cranny Yet our traditional conceptions of the gospel are much more individualistic, focusing on individuals finding reconciliation with God through the death of Jesus rather than on God’s restoration of his entire creation. It’s more about people getting “saved” and less about bringing God’s will into every aspect of life and society. It’s more about helping people escape this earth to get to heaven rather than working to see more of heaven invade this earth. But the gospel is more than the good news that we can be saved; the good news of the kingdom is about creation being restored.”

“Look around you. God has put you in situations right now that give you opportunities to seek God’s kingdom agenda of peace, justice and reconciliation. Is his kingdom at work? Is it in your neighborhood? What are those opportunities and how might you be able to get more involved? What would it mean for your church to reach out with the love of God to flesh out the kingdom of God?”

For my reading and SOAP Journaling I’m going to seek to have a “big idea” take-away from each day’s reading. I’ll post and share these each week. I’d love for you to share your thoughts as well.

WEEK 1

Matthew 1 // The amazing account of Jesus the Messiah, God’s King, Emmanuel ['God with us'], who saves His people from their sins.

Matthew 2 // Some came to worship and adore the King while others were threatened by Him. This cycle continues today. Is Jesus the King of your life or a threat to your kingdom of ‘self’?

Matthew 3 // The kingdom of heaven has come near! Turn towards God and follow His son with devotion and passion.

Matthew 4 // The Holy Spirit tests us, and God’s Word strengthens us. Jesus is stronger than any tactics of Satan. Jesus extends the invitation to come and follow — an invitation to love and serve people.

Matthew 5 // Discipleship training and the teaching of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus brings a new interpretation of TORAH / LAW — serve, love, make peace, forgive, be meek, righteous, and pure. Be perfect, because Yahweh is perfect.

Here are a few scriptures that I have held on to through the storms of life:

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Philippians 4:4-7

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

What hope we have in the God of peace that transcends ALL understanding! Even when we may think we have our lives all figured out, it is God who is in complete control and who fully understands beyond our limited, human comprehension.

I was recently introduced to a new worship song by Matt Redman called Never Once. It contains the incredible truth of God’s faithfulness and the reassurance that never once has He left us on our own to face the battles of life. I invite you to take a moment and hear from Matt himself regarding the origin and theme of this song. I pray it blesses you and reminds you of God’s faithfulness no matter what you’re currently experiencing in life. We never walk alone!

Song Lyrics:

Standing on this mountaintop

Looking just how far we’ve come

Knowing that for every step

You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground

Seeing just how much You’ve done

Knowing every victory

Is Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way

But with joy our hearts can say

Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone

Never once did You leave us on our own

You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Scars and struggles on the way

But with joy our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone

Carried by Your constant grace

Held within Your perfect peace

Never once, no, we never walk alone

What if church was like the DMV?

Seriously.

What if someone’s church experience was a stale, stuffy, unfriendly waste of time?

Here’s my typical DMV experience:

I walk in and wait in a long line just to get to the welcome counter. A person who never makes eye contact with me then asks “what are you here for?” in a monotone, frank, mile-a-minute demeanor. After asking her to repeat herself, she finally gives me a number that says “M139” and I’m told to have a seat “over there.”

Still, no eye contact.

I take my seat in the middle of the most boring, stale, funky smelling room I’ve ever been in and play on my phone to pass the time. I occasionally look up at the screens that read, “A19, F59, P133” and I wonder how many hours it will be till I’ll see “M139.” Finally, after forty-five minutes or so, I surprisingly see my number and am overjoyed. Now, I’m off to the booth to take care of my business.

As I approach the booth I don’t receive a “hi sir, how are you today?” greeting, but instead another monotone spatter of “what do you want?”

Still, no eye contact.

Okay, maybe just a little.

After being made to feel stupid because I don’t know some secret DMV “insider lingo,” I’m sent over to another station to do who knows what. By this time I just want to go home!

I could go on and on, but you get the point. Maybe it’s just me, but if there’s one thing I wish I could avoid in life it’s the DMV.

I wonder if some people feel the same way about church?

Imagine if you walked into a church that was stale, smelly, unfriendly, and just downright cold. I’m not only talking about the physical environment, but even more so, the relational atmosphere. I’ve heard many people feeling this way about church, coming into a place that is supposed to be welcoming and full of love, yet experiencing quite the contrary.

This is sad and unfortunate.

Although this is a reality, luckily, not everyone’s church experience is similar to the DMV.

I am thankful that Central is a place full of life. Excellence is apparent physically, programmatically, and relationally. I’ve heard story after story of people experiencing the warmth and love they so desperately needed in their lives while at Central.

I am thankful that Central and the DMV are antonyms.

Overall, this whole conversation is a reminder for me that I am the church, I represent it, and I represent Christ. Therefore, I represent love and compassion and grace. No matter where I am or what challenge I face, my identity in Christ requires me to practice these virtues.

When I go to the DMV, I am the church.

When I’m at work, I am the church.

When I’m driving on the street, I am the church.

And so are you.

We are the CHURCH.

Are we representing it well?