Six pastors/professors associated with Concordia Seminary have memorized the Gospel of Mark, each of us committing a section of the Gospel to memory. In some 30 presentations throughout the country, it’s proven a powerful presentation of the Word of God, far more impact than simply reading the printed Word.
I bring that up because today’s news out of Washington made me think of Jesus before Pilate. “‘And Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ And he answered him, ‘You have said so.’” (Mark 15:2). When the six of us retell Mark, we’re not just reciting bland words. Our gestures, facial expressions, and inflection help put the audience into the divine drama. When Pilate asks, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Dr. David Schmitt presents Jesus’ words this way: “YOU say so???” The Son of God doesn’t need you or anyone else to vindicate who I am. “He who sits in the heaven’s laughs” (Psalm 2:4).
Documentary film maker Ken Burns believes America is in the fourth great crisis of its history, after the Civil War, the Depression, and World War II. I can believe that and am worried. Just from this morning’s news: Congressmen fear guns being brought into the House chamber, the Joint Chiefs issue an unprecedented statement about the insurrection, evidence that the rioters were white supremacists, high alert at all state capitals, the possible demise of a major political party, partisan obsessions while Covid continues to kill, impeachment, and fear. Fear, fear, fear. “Pilate said to him, ‘What is truth?’” (John 18:38). As we watch what unfolds today, we well ask that same question.
Jesus promises, “You shall know the truth,” not from the news but from God’s Word (John 8:31-32). God’s truth has consequences for what we think, say, and do. “If you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile” (1 Peter 1:17). Where’s the fear of God in what we’re going through? “Arrogance cannot be avoided, or true hope be present unless the judgment of condemnation is feared in every work.” “It is certain that man must utterly despair of his own ability before he is prepared to receive the grace of Christ. (Martin Luther, Heidelberg Disputation, 11, 18).
“‘See how many charges they bring against you.’ But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed” (Mark 15:5). WHOSE is the final say-so?