"Housewarming Party"

Mark 2:1-19

In this scripture, Jesus, whom some called Rabbi,  is in a home and so many have gathered around to hear what he has to say that no one can even come close. The house is full of people and the yard area is full of people. People everywhere trying to hear the rabbi teach and to seek healing from him.

Some people wanted their paralyzed friend to receive healing, healing that they had heard Jesus could offer.   Because of the crowd they couldn't get close, so they went on the roof and dug a hole through it and lowered the man on his mat down to Jesus.  Now, I'm not sure what happened with the insurance claim on that roof, but Jesus was impressed with the faith of the crew who lowered the paralyzed man down and with his faith. He offers the man forgiveness of sins and this upsets the scribes. Who does he think he is to offer what only God can offer? Jesus challenges their rebuke and does more than that.  Long story short, the man is healed and takes up his mat and walks.

Next, Jesus goes to the home of a tax collector for dinner.  Again a challenge to the scribes who say, "Who does he think he is to eat with sinners and tax collectors?"  Jesus calls them out once again for their critique of his inclusive ministry.

These stories show Jesus challenging authority, yes. But they also show Jesus inside of homes, being among the people, eating with them, praying with them, offering them a new life, a forgiven life, a healed life. He is not on some distant pulpit offering God's love; he is within the contexts of the people's lives. Without regard to what someone else might think.

These stories show us that faith is all that is needed to connect to this new and radical Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God only has to be trusted to be true.  Chapter 26 of We Make the Road By Walking says "when people trust it is true, they act upon it, and it becomes true. Our faith unlocks its potential."
Thinking of the Kingdom of God like an uprising, a faith uprising, is a kind of exciting prospect.  Even though it seems crazy to think of a world where the least are first and the shunned are saved, it isn't as crazy, says McLaren, as thinking that "a little more hate can conquer hate, a little more war can cure war, a little more pride can overcome pride..." and so on.

Perhaps trusting in the message of Jesus and following Jesus are one in the same. We can't help but follow if we trust in the radical message of discipleship he preaches.  These stories today suggest that our faith is what transforms the world. If we have faith, then our hearts and heads are transformed to a new way of living and that will allow us to change the world.

If the paralytic man or the tax collector had distrusted or been suspicious or cynical of the message of Jesus, they would not have had their lives transformed. But because they chose to open their hearts, to take a chance and invite themselves into the life of Jesus, their faith changed them.

What does it mean that Jesus changes these people's lives within the context of a home?  What does it mean that his message was received by many as life-saving, but by the religious leaders as blasphemous?  Who do we act more like today... the people who wanted to see Jesus or the cynical religious leaders?

Questions or comm