And Then Jesus Let Out a Great Big Sigh
Krystalynn
Saturday and Sunday’s Sabbath school lesson dives into the first part of Mark 7, and what an incredible text! Mark 7: 1-13 describes a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes. They criticize Jesus’ disciples for not following traditional hand-washing before eating. Jesus responds by calling the Pharisees hypocrites. He quotes Isaiah to highlight how they honor God with their lips but their hearts are far from Him. The quote is a powerful one, concluding with the phrase: “and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” Jesus adds, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.” These phrases are just as relevant to us today as they were then.
I was thoroughly impressed with the quarterly’s thought-provoking question at the end of Sunday’s lesson. “Might we have some “traditions” that perhaps conflict with the principles of God’s law? If so, what might they be?” Questions like this one are rare in the quarterly, and I feel they could open up an important dialogue surrounding man-made traditions unique to Adventism. An example that comes to mind is the response some Christians have toward the Olympic opening ceremony, assuming a disrespectful depiction of the Last Supper. Others have pointed out that it had nothing to do with the Last Supper, rather, a reference to a painting depicting Greek gods. This is a prime example of how Christians prioritize tradition and offenses over more substantial issues. I am struck by how bold Jesus is in this story. Perhaps this boldness is due to His audience. These people are the best of the best, religious scholars, and they are missing the point. This is a lesson for us as well as them. Perhaps the temptation to know the “truth” and become part of “the remnant” leads to worshiping our traditions rather than Jesus. Why are we so offended when traditions are questioned or broken? How many times have we kicked Jesus out of our churches because our traditions were threatened?
Ezrica
The discussion surrounding the Olympic opening interests me because on one hand, I do understand the tension that comes with seeing something that might undermine an ideology close to our hearts. However, I think you make an excellent point! As Christians, we can get so passionate about the most irrelevant things like becoming upset that a non-Christian event has non-Christian entertainment. I think it’s terrifying that we as human beings act as if our belief system should be the center of everyone else’s world. Ironically, Christians are notoriously offensive. We continue to step on other people’s traditions without a care!
Monday’s lesson touches on this concept that nothing entering a man from the outside can defile him. I’ll admit, the statement is somewhat unsettling, but also freeing. I think God is calling attention to the fact that faith and life follow an order of operation. The heart is at the center. The difficulty of explaining this is that there are no concrete guidelines. My relationship with God will look different from someone else’s. We see in the pendulum swing of legalism, an avoidance to explore the nuance of that relationship. Rules are defined and upheld. In a faith tradition like ours, where systems like the health message and dress reform are so closely tied to salvation, the concept of nothing outward can defile us feels wrong. I loved the question the lesson posed on Monday: You might have the right theology, but who fully and ultimately has your heart? Chef’s kiss — that feels like a mic drop moment and a rare win for the lesson!
I typically shy away from using a strong word like “hate.” The story in Tuesday’s lesson has always been hard for me, but I despise it. A Greek woman’s daughter is possessed by a demon, and she entreats Jesus to heal her. The conversation after always makes me feel a little sick to my stomach. I understand that He is teaching, but it feels like the lesson is written at the woman’s expense, making me uncomfortable. I do find beauty in the woman’s engagement with Christ. She persisted despite what seems to be an unfavorable exchange. Maybe this displays her trust in Christ’s character and maybe this showcases a great love for her daughter. The mother was willing to push forward despite pushback. Ultimately, Jesus does heal the daughter as requested. Nonetheless, I still struggle with this story. I’m curious, Krystalynn, when you read the story, what thoughts emerge in your mind? How do you relate to or respond to this story in your heart?
Krystalynn
This story of the Syro-Phoenician woman and Jesus does come across as harsh and bigoted. However, I think Jesus was brilliant in this encounter. Many scholars believe that Jews of the time were referred to Canaanites and non-Jews as dogs, unclean. In Matthew’s account (Matthew 15:21-28), Jesus is with his disciples when this encounter happens, and they urge Jesus to send her away. I believe Jesus used this as a teaching moment to His disciples, using the words commonly spoken. Almost like He was using the rhetoric the mother was used to hearing, but doing it in a way that feels like banter, with a twinkle in His eye. I think that’s why she banters back, stating “Even dogs can eat the scraps that fall from the table . . .” I believe this reply was a teaching moment for the disciples as this woman states that there is still room at God’s table, regardless of their and other Jew’s prejudices. I also find it interesting that Jesus used a different Greek word for “dog.” In the Bible question and answer website, the writers state that the word Jesus used was “kunarion,” meaning “small dog” or “pet dog,” which is notably different from “kuon,” the term for unspiritual people or “unclean” animals. Perhaps the disciples are happy Jesus seems to be putting the woman in her place. But, Jesus turns it on their heads. He does so in a way that empowers her. In Matthew’s account, we hear Him call her “dear woman” (Matthew 15:28).
I appreciated the question at the conclusion of Tuesday’s lesson surrounding the topic of personal prejudices, and I hope time is given on sabbath morning to share.
The story of the deaf and mute man is covered on Wednesday. I appreciated the application the author tied in, encouraging the reader that God can help those who feel tongue-tied as to how to share their faith.
Thursday’s lesson covers a conversation Jesus held with His disciples after a dispute with the Pharisees. There is so much to love. First, verse 12 states that Jesus “sighed deeply in his spirit. . .” after the Pharisees asked to show them a sign from heaven. His phrase says so much, giving me hope. The God of the universe understands the depths we face. I sense a human side of Jesus. Perhaps exhaustion, maybe frustration? Some might wonder if these emotions are ok for God to have? I feel like it’s very telling that this happened after talking with the religious leaders who should know better. Not only that, but they have already witnessed several signs. Jesus’ deep sigh makes total sense and is very relatable.
I also love the interaction between Jesus and His disciples after they get in the boat following the conversation with the Pharisees. The group doesn’t seem to have enough bread, and Jesus used it as a teaching moment. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. . .” He says. The disciples think Jesus is saying this because they don’t have enough bread. Another telling of this story hints that the group starts playing the blame game. Jesus, being a great teacher, redirects the conversation. “. . . do you not remember?” I love seeing the patient teaching methods Jesus uses here. It’s almost funny how dense the disciples seem to be. So, I’m curious Ezrica, what do you think would be the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod in our world today to beware of?
Ezrica
As I read your thoughts on Wednesday and Thursday, my love for science and biology were piqued. What intrigues me most about the story of the deaf and mute man being healed is that he spoke clearly. Although Christ restored his hearing and touched his tongue, there should have been residual effects discernible in the man’s speech pattern, as deafness affects development. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “It is well recognized that hearing is critical to speech and language development, communication, and learning. Children with listening difficulties due to hearing loss or auditory processing problems continue to be at risk for developmental delays.” It would have made sense if the man still had an accent or impediment. Yet, he was not stunted in any way; he spoke clearly.
The Sabbath school lesson notes that God touched his ears and tongue to reverse the disability. But God did more than that, He reversed the man’s entire developmental patterns. With His touch, Christ rewired the neuronal pathways responsible for language and speech. This is beautiful to me because it highlights how Christ’s miracles were not only physically observable, but also worked at a molecular level.
I appreciated that you highlighted Christ’s deep sigh in Mark 8:12. I thought about our relationship with emotions. Jesus’ deep sigh displays a visceral emotional reaction. That response was not only human, but validates our human reactions to the failings of those in our community. We are often taught to shun our emotions, but understanding them from a biological viewpoint makes them more approachable. The research article “Understanding Emotions: Origins and Roles of the Amygdala” explores the biological origins of emotions, stating, “Most contemporary theories of emotion are based on the assumption that emotions are biologically determined. Consistent with this biological approach is the finding that some basic, primary emotions, such as anger, fear, joy, sadness, disgust, and surprise, are innate, expressed in the first six months of life.”
The act of sighing is a complex, biological, and emotional reaction. The article “The Integrative Role of the Sigh in Psychology, Physiology, Pathology, and Neurobiology” explores the nuances of the human sigh. “Breathing behavior is, for example, highly influenced by emotional states. This behavior is greatly affected by negative (panic, anxiety, and pain) and positive emotions (pleasure, love, and relief).” In this moment, we get a beautiful glimpse of Jesus’ humanity. His consternation was justifiable and righteous as He longed for the people around Him to believe.
Any inclination I have to ask why the Pharisees and disciples didn’t understand immediately is humbled when I consider that maybe I’ve also caused Jesus to “deep sigh.” I’ve asked for signs and hoped that God would answer them the way I wanted. Despite being a believer my whole life, there are still aspects of Christ that I don’t understand. Belief in God is a tremendous counterbalance to the pain of sin. Though it doesn’t change the nature of sin, my belief changes my perception of what happens. God, in His wisdom, wants only abundance and health for us; He desires for us to experience the freedom that comes with true belief.
About the authors
Ezrica Bennett
