There is an easy-to-miss statement by Jesus toward the end of Mark’s Gospel.
Jesus, at the sight of the withered fig tree, says to the disciples that if they have faith, they can move mountains. That’s familiar enough. But then he says:
“When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance.”(Mark 11:25)
That’s an interesting way to start one’s prayer. (Standing, by the way, was the normal posture of prayer for the Jews.)
Note that Jesus isn’t talking about forgiving people who have a grievance against you. He says to begin the prayer by forgiving anyone “against whom you have a grievance.
The Easter Season is approaching the half-way mark. What would happen if, each day from now on, whatever the topic of prayer, this “prayer tip” of Jesus were followed by everyone using these posts?
“When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance.”
It might actually create a blip on the radar screen of world peace.
This, one of the most loved parables, describes the close relationship between the sheep and the shepherd. They are not just a “flock”. The shepherd knows each by name (a name that he gave them). They recognize his voice, and they follow him because they want to follow him.
The same special bond between the shepherd and each of his sheep is also seen in Luke’s parable of the lost sheep.
It’s just an image, of course. But Jesus is clear about what it means – the individual relationship he has with each of us.
What is the chemistry between Jesus and me?
Look at it first from his side. Well, there’s a good chemistry there: "As the Father loves me, so do I love you.” (We know that, but we might want to think about whether we know it in our heart.)
How about the other side – my chemistry toward Jesus?
Now it gets personal.