Wednesday, December 11, 2002
"Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" Mark 6: 3a

Biblical writers described people by their lineage. The Gospel of Matthew opens with an elaborate pedigree of Jesus that spans 40 generations and includes the great patriarchs. No so in the Gospel of Mark. The difference here is striking. There is no mention in this passage that Jesus is descended from kings. There is no mention of Jesus being a son of Abraham, or Isaac or Jacob or David. Instead, he is defined by his trade, his mother, his named brothers and unnamed sisters. He carries not the legacy of the patriarchs in the eyes of the townspeople, but as a carpenter and the son of a woman who was apparently without a husband. Perhaps it is difficult for those reared in U.S. culture to sense this attempt to disparage Jesus. We say that titles and pedigrees are not important; it is what you make of yourself. It is okay to be an average Joe. Yet, in law school, I learned to de-legitimate the "other side" by referring to them only as "the plaintiff" or "the defendant." The party represented in contrast, was to be called by name, often with an advantageous title or flattering adjective. Surely, it is easier to disregard the words of this man if he is without a significant birthright, title or claim. Yet, the tactics are deceptive because they do not change the ultimate truth. How often do we hide the truth, even from ourselves to avoid understanding others because it might reflect our own jealousy of failure? This is a rejection of Jesus.

Kate Jones


All contents copyright 2002 by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Permission is granted to United Methodist congregations, individuals and groups to reproduce and distribute this devotional without charge. All other use requires the advance permission of the editor.