What do you think — was John the Baptist Jesus’ teacher, ie was Jesus a follower of John? I’ve been on a kick lately that they were both extra-Temple reformers, but where John’s forgiveness-for-free happened via baptism, Jesus’ was via meals.
That's an interesting couple of ideas. You could make the inference for the latter, but scriptural warrant seems indirect to me. Nothing wrong with the inferring things, but I would love to see how you get there. (I'm sort of assuming that's it's the baptism thing, still...) And I would like to know a bit more about how you're using the terms "extra-Temple" and "reformer." Not meaning to quibble. Just looking for clarification.
- The Temple and sacrificial system was originally meant as a redistribution center of resources to the poor (you brought an animal, it was slaughtered, the priests ate some, you ate some, and the rest went to feed the hungry)
- In gospel times it had been co-opted by Rome as a system to collect tributes (you bring your animal, which by now may be your family’s only means of subsistence; the priests get some and Rome gets the rest)
- Both John and Jesus gave forgiveness away for free, outside the Temple (hence their executions)
- John’s MO was repentance and baptism
- Jesus is not depicted as baptizing (except for one multivalent ‘he’ moment), but several of his public meals were occasions for forgiveness — associating forgiveness with the Temple model of shared meals with the poor
- The fact that Jesus said ‘keep doing these to remember me’ at a meal, and that most of his resurrection appearances were at meals, associated with recommissioning scenes, lends weight to meals being Jesus’ MO for free forgiveness
Not saying all this is hard & fast truth, but I think there’s ample warrant for it.
There's a lot here. And to be honest I'm sitting in BNA awaiting a flight. Not the best context for intellectual heavy lifting (at least not for me). You and I are on different paths, as you've probably noticed from my writing. So I enjoy hearing the different places that your explorations are taking you.
I recently made a decision to contact our rector concerning a friend who lives alone without family support. She is in chronic pain and should not be driving or living alone.
No medical interventions have helped.
The rector has made an appointment to speak with her next week.
This may cost our friendship if she figures out I contacted him.
However, I feel it is the just thing to do, out of love.
Tina, I'm confident that you made your decision on the basis of sincere concern for your friend. If she is upset about it, you can both talk it out. I know how hard a call such a situation can be.
What do you think — was John the Baptist Jesus’ teacher, ie was Jesus a follower of John? I’ve been on a kick lately that they were both extra-Temple reformers, but where John’s forgiveness-for-free happened via baptism, Jesus’ was via meals.
That's an interesting couple of ideas. You could make the inference for the latter, but scriptural warrant seems indirect to me. Nothing wrong with the inferring things, but I would love to see how you get there. (I'm sort of assuming that's it's the baptism thing, still...) And I would like to know a bit more about how you're using the terms "extra-Temple" and "reformer." Not meaning to quibble. Just looking for clarification.
Chain of thought:
- The Temple and sacrificial system was originally meant as a redistribution center of resources to the poor (you brought an animal, it was slaughtered, the priests ate some, you ate some, and the rest went to feed the hungry)
- In gospel times it had been co-opted by Rome as a system to collect tributes (you bring your animal, which by now may be your family’s only means of subsistence; the priests get some and Rome gets the rest)
- Both John and Jesus gave forgiveness away for free, outside the Temple (hence their executions)
- John’s MO was repentance and baptism
- Jesus is not depicted as baptizing (except for one multivalent ‘he’ moment), but several of his public meals were occasions for forgiveness — associating forgiveness with the Temple model of shared meals with the poor
- The fact that Jesus said ‘keep doing these to remember me’ at a meal, and that most of his resurrection appearances were at meals, associated with recommissioning scenes, lends weight to meals being Jesus’ MO for free forgiveness
Not saying all this is hard & fast truth, but I think there’s ample warrant for it.
There's a lot here. And to be honest I'm sitting in BNA awaiting a flight. Not the best context for intellectual heavy lifting (at least not for me). You and I are on different paths, as you've probably noticed from my writing. So I enjoy hearing the different places that your explorations are taking you.
Likewise! And your book just arrived in the mail today so Wheeeeeeeeeeee!
Tina from Little Rock
Dear Bishop Jake,
I recently made a decision to contact our rector concerning a friend who lives alone without family support. She is in chronic pain and should not be driving or living alone.
No medical interventions have helped.
The rector has made an appointment to speak with her next week.
This may cost our friendship if she figures out I contacted him.
However, I feel it is the just thing to do, out of love.
Tina, I'm confident that you made your decision on the basis of sincere concern for your friend. If she is upset about it, you can both talk it out. I know how hard a call such a situation can be.