Clay in the Hands

The first time Jesus spoke publicly, according to the Gospel of Mark, was in a synagogue in Capernaum on the northern end of the Sea of Galilee. The customary order of worship in the Jewish synagogue of that day was to have a time of prayer and scripture reading, where someone, most likely an elder, would read from the law of Moses.

It was also customary after the reading, for someone to stand and expound on the passage read. These scribes would cite a particular rabbinic school and give commentary on the scripture from the sources that had been developed in the Mishnah and other works.

By the time Jesus entered humanity, having someone speak with original thoughts was almost unheard of in synagogues. In fact, it is believed by historians that it had been generations since the people of Israel had heard a word from God.

So when someone arrived with fresh ideas people were amazed and listened. Word began to spread about this man from Galilee who “taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.” (Mark 1:22)

Jesus’ teaching is still fresh – it is still relevant.  His truth is constant.  I am reminded yet again of the importance of going back to the source. We often read books about what Jesus said. How about today, we commit this week to read what Jesus actually said.

Jesus called his followers to a new social order.

He still does.