Scripture: Mark 7:1-23
Seven of the 12 "evil things" Jesus mentions as coming out of the human heart directly refer to the second table of the Ten Commandments, the part that has to do with our relations with our neighbor. Surely the other five cause harm to the neighbor as well. The contrast Jesus is drawing for us is not between law and gospel per se but between God's own good instruction, which has the love of neighbor as goal, and all the human additives we devise to put extra distance between ourselves and others.
At the same time, the heart affliction Jesus points to is present in everyone, no matter how godly, good or plenteous their rules, and will need a more radical intervention. Hear what Jesus says today, but also look at what he does. He shares his table and he shares food, far and wide -- with disciples, with Pharisees, with crowds, with sinners -- and with you.
Prayer: Gracious Lord, I have too often tried to cloister myself from my neighbor, and yet you come near to me anyway and make yourself neighbor to me. Thank you for breaking bread with me and pouring your love afresh into my heart. Amen.
Seven of the 12 "evil things" Jesus mentions as coming out of the human heart directly refer to the second table of the Ten Commandments, the part that has to do with our relations with our neighbor. Surely the other five cause harm to the neighbor as well. The contrast Jesus is drawing for us is not between law and gospel per se but between God's own good instruction, which has the love of neighbor as goal, and all the human additives we devise to put extra distance between ourselves and others.
At the same time, the heart affliction Jesus points to is present in everyone, no matter how godly, good or plenteous their rules, and will need a more radical intervention. Hear what Jesus says today, but also look at what he does. He shares his table and he shares food, far and wide -- with disciples, with Pharisees, with crowds, with sinners -- and with you.
Prayer: Gracious Lord, I have too often tried to cloister myself from my neighbor, and yet you come near to me anyway and make yourself neighbor to me. Thank you for breaking bread with me and pouring your love afresh into my heart. Amen.