This week we continue our journey in Mark and the journey of Jesus toward Jerusalem. We will see Jesus calling out His redemptive work that touches everything, turning much of life on its head. Pastor Carol captures this reality by reflecting on a modern take on this kind of flip, as pursued in a pop culture moment from the T.V. series Seinfeld. This contemporary communication form not unlike the oral story telling form of Jesus’ day, reflects and reminds us how stories influence culture with its ability to make us think and act...

“It’s not working, Jerry. It’s just not working. I had so much promise…My life is the complete opposite of everything I want it to be. Every instinct I have in every aspect of life…has been wrong.” When George shares his revelation with his “Seinfeld” friends, Jerry convinces him to try living upside down. “If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.”

George agrees, and throws himself into this new lifestyle, making choices completely counter to what his instincts tell him. To his great surprise, as he goes against his natural bent in every decision, his life begins to change. When George kicks his ‘opposite’ lifestyle into high gear, it goes better yet. 22 minutes later, he lands a dream job with the New York Yankees.

Jesus’ redefinition of culture on earth sounds equally ludicrous.

“Who is the greatest?” argue the twelve. This debate echoes up and down paths where the disciples trail behind Jesus. Every step brings them closer to Jerusalem, and to the death and resurrection of the Messiah; the significance of which entirely escapes the minds of the disciples. They are preoccupied with earthly matters. Mark’s author tells and shows his audience that Jesus is the Messiah. When Peter grazes up against this truth, Jesus builds on it: “Yes! I am the Messiah! No—it’s not about escaping or avoiding death…or fitting in, or standing out. It’s about dying. But there’s more—after three days I will rise again. And yes, it has implications for my followers.”

They listen to the words, but cannot hear the message. Consumed with the here and now, they are anxious for the “messiah” to assume his rightful place, to conquer kingdoms and establish his own—their own. Israel had waited and suffered these many years. Surely the time has come.

It has.
But not the way they picture it.
Parables and miracles and clear teaching and still they cannot see.

So Jesus tells them basically what Jerry Seinfeld told George: “Every instinct you have is wrong. The opposite would have to be right. Anyone who wants to be first must be very last, and the servant of all.” Jesus is his own visual aid, but they can’t see him. Noting the blank stares all around, he tries again. He reaches for a small child and holds him in his arms. “Whoever welcomes one of these children in my name welcomes me.”

Will they see it? Do we?

Carol Kenyon
Pastor of Preteen and Elementary Ministries