valley vine
Valley Presbyterian Church June/July 2018 Volume sixty-three, Number five
Dear friends,
Jesus is the greatest teacher of all time. The unique power of his teaching was immediately evident from the outset of his ministry. During his first moment of instruction in Capernaum, Mark describes the reaction of his synagogue audience: “They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as someone with authority…” Authority and accessibility marked his pedagogy. He used images and pictures drawn from ordinary life, and he told dramatic stories that revealed profound truths about life and about God. But sometimes his teaching was met with skepticism, confusion, or hostility. This reaction is neatly summed up in John 6 where some of Jesus’ disciples respond to his words by saying: “This teaching is hard! Who can accept it?!” (John 6:60) Our summer series will explore this “Other Jesus,” who issued what some have called “hard sayings.”
It is important for us to come to terms with these more difficult teachings because in doing so we avoid a classic error—selective appreciation. The easiest way to distort our discipleship is to follow only those aspects of his teachings that are already congenial to us and to our cultural instincts. But this means Jesus cannot challenge us! We end up following a teacher who simply reinforces our existing viewpoints, rather than a Lord who reveals unexpected and often counterintuitive information. So whether you are going to be here in person, or you are following online at vpc.church from your home or vacation location, be ready to wrestle with some of Jesus’ deepest teachings. May we grow this summer in our faith and understanding! Yours in Christ,
The hard sayings of Jesus 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342 Phone: 480-991-6424 Fax: 480-991-6427 Email: church@vpc.church Website: vpc.church