.::discover::understand::be::.

.::The Secret Message of Jesus - PT1::.

I have decided to do a mini chapter by chapter review of McLaren’s new book. I don’t want to give a complete run down of each, because the book is one that needs to be read. And reread. And discussed. And prayed about. And reread again.

Like in many of his previous book, the chapters alone, although they are rich and thought provoking, are best understood in the context of the entire book. By this I mean that the chapter you just read, takes on a new dimensions of meaning the more you read. In many spots, McLaren points us to later chapters by saying “we’ll discuss that in chapter 10”. But I found myself looking at the previous chapters more than I did the ones to come. By the end of the book, I felt compelled to start back at the beginning and reread it. As I did, it was as if the words somehow become more flavorful and filling with each passing paragraph.

So I trust that at some point you will pick up and read this book for yourself. I am glad to share my thoughts, but remember they are MY thoughts. You will have your own…they may be the same and they may differ greatly. Either way, the thoughts of both me and everyone else are needed to paint a beautiful picture of who God is revealing himself to be.

For each chapter I’ll share a quick and brief synopsis of the chapter. Also, because i typically mark up a book with notes and underlines and double underlines etc., I thought it might fare as interesting to share those. To top the review off, we’ll finish up with what I refer to as a “bumper sticker” of the chapter. (That being a synopsis of the chapter in a statement that could be on a bumper sticker.) So…




PART I : EXCAVATION

Chapter two: The Political Message of Jesus
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand…” Mark 1:15 ESV

synopsis:
In this chapter Brian paints a more detailed picture of the “political parties” that surround the people and times of Jesus; The Zealots, The Pharisees, The Herodians (Sadducees), and The Essenes. He draws many connections that Jesus’ message was not only a new message for the Jewish people, but was simultaneously in agreement and in direct opposition to the agendas being taught by all of the aforementioned groups. So, the political message that Jesus taught and embodied was fresh, affirming, and defiant. It was clear to many from the “get go” that this message was going to change everything.

quotes:

“”You are all thinking incorrectly! He says. “You’ll need to rethink everything!” Don’t follow any of these paths. Follow my way instead!” p. 14

“…this man is not just anther revolutionary; he is calling for a new sort of revolutionary revolution.” p.16

“…find your identity… in the presence of God.” p 17

bumper sticker: rethink the rethink.



Chapter three: The Jewish Message of Jesus
“…he was looking for the kingdom of God.” Luke 23:51 ESV

synopsis:
We get a look at the role of the prophet to the Jewish people over history. We get a look at the type of messages they brought, they way in which they were delivered, and the way in which those messages were received. And once again, we clearly see that Jesus affirmed the messages and the mediums of the “old prophets” and garnered some of the same responses. But in true Jesus style, he both fulfilled and expanded that message as he played the role of prophet.

quotes:
“Here’s the scandal: not just that Jesus spoke of the new kingdom,… but that he says the kingdom is at hand, available to be grasped knocking at the door – not just someday in the future , but here and now.” p. 24

“Jesus proclamation threatens the status quo…” p. 25

bumper sticker: the message has changed… kinda




Chapter four: The Revolutionary Message of Jesus
"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" Mark 11:10

synopsis:
I really enjoyed this chapter. Perhaps because it echoed one of my favorite McLaren books, The Story We Find Ourselves In. The revolutionary message that Brian relays in this chapter is that Jesus makes clear that He is the story! The story of the jewish narrative and the story of the coming future. Very cool chapter. If you haven’t read TSWFOI, go get it and read it. Beautiful!

quotes:
“Central to the story were seven characters: God, Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Moses, and David.” p. 26 (in the note Brian also includes the possibility of Joshua among this list.)

“…he is identifying himself as the new Moses.” p. 30

“He is claiming to be a new David.” p. 30

“…Jesus returns back further still to Abraham.” p. 30

“…Jesus shows this primal kinship with all people – a kind of second Adam…” p.31

bumper sticker: our story comes together



Chapter five: The Hidden Message
“…you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed the to the little children.” Matthew 11:25

synoposis:
for me The Secret Message of Jesus begins to take “shape”, or to turn a corner in chapter five. With the backdrop being laid, it is easy to see that the message Jesus brings is going to be received in a few different ways depending on where you line up “politically”, “socially”, “Jewishly”, etc. Brian makes clear points that the “hidden” message that Jesus brought was not one that was hidden from those who had ears to hear and eyes to see, but was “hidden” from those who thought they knew the message of God. Jesus brought frustration to many by answering with story or question or redirecting their questions, and by doing so he exposed, in their response, more of the message.

quotes:
“Nicodemus has only been with Jesus for a matter of seconds, and he’s already confused.” p. 38

“Jesus resists being clear or direct. Ther’s hardly ever a question that he simply answers; instead, his answer comes in the form of a question, or it turns into a story, or it is full of metaphors that invite more questions. What’s going on?” p.39

bumper sticker: your response…my message



so there is my "mini-review" of part one. i have tried to keep my opinions and thoughts out of my comments. but i don't know how long i'll be able to do that.

posted by nathan sean @ Wednesday, March 15, 2006