Faith Venture

For some reason the personalities of Jesus’ closest friends has been on my mind this week. We like to look at Peter’s reactions and criticize his lack of consistency and his denial under stress. We think we’d be better. I doubt it. Honestly. I don’t deal with authority figures well. Just ask my wife about times she tells asks me to do something. How about in a life and death situation where the authority figures have weapons and legal right to use them–on you?

Aside from Judas, the only other glimpse we have at a friend in this crisis situation is John. I have a feeling that whereas Peter was borderline manic/depressive–subject to mood swings and impetuousness–John was more balanced. He seems to have had more control over his emotions, was accustomed to leadership (probably his father was in the Jewish elite) and more “spiritual.” (I’ll define that someday.)

It was John to whom Jesus entrusted his mother as he was dying. (One wonders where Jesus’ brothers were.) John was the stability that is sometimes needed, whereas Peter was the forceful personality that, when harnessed and guided correctly, propels a movement.

Jesus picked people carefully. He obviously saw a need for both personality types. He saw that Peter had trouble coming to grips with his thoughts and feelings. But he knew that once Peter had fully digested the situation he would be the rock upon which all could stand. And he know that John would bring that stable, intelligent, unifying force to the movement.

We have different personality types. They are neither right nor wrong. They need to be understood. Weaknesses need to be addressed and strengths emphasized. Personality types are not for judgement about whose is better. They are to be understood so that you can assume your proper role in the furtherance of God’s kingdom.

Ask yourself honestly. How would you react? Are you a Peter? A John? Something else? How can you absorb the experiences of Jesus’ dying and use it to the glory of God?

Betrayal. What is it? Judas betrayed Jesus. He visited the Jewish religious/political leaders and offered to betray Jesus for money. Jesus said that one of his inner circle would betray him. But I don’t understand exactly what it meant.

We know from the Gospels that the religious/political leaders were threatened by Jesus. They wanted him out of the way. That meant, they needed him killed. Even though he had not organized a movement, he led a loosely organized protest movement that could get out of hand at any time.

Then Jesus used theater (always a good protest movement tactic) to enter Jerusalem in the manner of a newly crowned king at the beginning of a holy time when the population was greatly expanded due to the presence of pilgrims in the city. Sort of like pouring gasoline on the flames. But the removal of Jesus had to be done quickly and quietly lest the pot get stirred any more.

Here’s what puzzles me. Jesus taught openly in the temple. He was arrested by the temple police. I cannot believe that the leaders of the police did not know who Jesus was. But, what we know about what Judas did was that he led the police to where Jesus was when he was away from the crowds, late at night, in a quiet place. He identified Jesus to the police and the arrest was made.

People have speculated about why Judas acted this way. John says it was because he was greedy and wanted money. I guess I’d believe a guy who was there rather than someone speculating about psychological motivations without ever meeting the person.

I guess the act of betrayal is one where someone trusts you and you act against them. I wonder how often I’ve let some need of mine get in the way of the needs of someone else. I wonder what would happen if we all acted in such a way that we noticed that we were about to betray a friend by gossiping about them or not being there when they need help or working to prevent them from doing something they want to do. Would we all get along better and live with more justice? Would God smile?

What does it mean to be free? Can you even be free?

We use the word free a lot. Sometimes it means no value–this product is free. Sometimes it has high value–free from political or religious oppression. Sometimes it means free from restraint–I should be able to do what I want.

This last one is tricky. Perhaps what you want isn’t a free choice. Perhaps you are controlled by inner desires and you only think you’re free to choose to go to the bar, but you’re really driven by a craving for alcohol or adventure or hopes of sex.

I’ve studied this concept for years. Still trying to figure it out. But I just saw a quote from a man in China, “You Westerners confuse freedom and irresponsibility.”

Wow, does that ever describe much of our culture. I hear lots of talk about “rights” but little (or no) talk about responsibility.

Paul wrote a lot about freedom. See especially his letter to Galatia. Paul was worried about this very thing. If Jesus died to absolve us from our sins, does it leave us free (that word again) to do whatever we want? Well, no. Jesus expects us to live a responsible life.

Because we are free (that is released from the oppression) of sin, we are free to actively live with God. And to do that will involve being responsible. God does not enslave us by piling up regulations, laws and religious rites. No, people do that thinking that they are guiding others to God.

In reality, because we have freedom by living a life intimate with the source of all creation, we are free to live a responsible life content in the fruits of the spirit. It’s a much happier and more fulfilling life than one of irresponsibility trying to “do my own thing.” Don’t get seduced by that phrase. Real freedom is union with God. And thanks to Jesus for showing the way.