Sunday 30th January 2000
Theme: Jesus - the teacher
The book of Deuteronomy 18: 15 - 20
Today we might describe a ‘prophet’ as a facilitator, or ambassador. Someone chosen as a go-between, a messenger with authority. God will choose a prophet for the People of God, and God will “put the words into his mouth…the one who doesn’t listen to the words spoken in God’s name, will be answerable to God.”
First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians 7: 32 - 35
Not a popular choice of lifestyle today, anymore than in the city of Corinth in Paul's’ day probably, celibacy for the Kingdom of God, is recommended by the apostle Paul as allowing the Christian disciple to devote self wholeheartedly to preaching and the living of the gospel. There have always been Christians ready to give up all for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Gospel according to Mark 1: 21 - 28
This gospel reading is really to focus our understanding on the person of Jesus as the chosen ‘prophet’ of God, and an ambassador with authority. Jesus is the one who teaches, “with authority,” the one whose “teaching makes a deep impression on them.” maybe, an invitation to us to listen to the voice of Jesus.
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