Trivial

It seems like Jesus’s disciples were focused much of the time on trivialities, things that were very short term or weren’t really important.

Possibly the most glaring example was when Jesus warned them to watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, and they immediately thought he was criticizing them for not bringing along some bread. Jesus was justifiably frustrated with them: “How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread?” (Matthew 16:5-12) A bit short on food for a day? A trivial problem. Getting caught up in the mindset of twisting the Law to serve your own ends? Now that’s a serious problem.

Martha was anxious about preparing a meal. Jesus put things in perspective: “You are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42) Getting one meal ready on time? A trivial problem. Listening to and absorbing the Lord’s teaching? That’s important.

Judas may have had an ulterior motive, but all the rest joined in criticizing Mary for “wasting” the ointment that could have been sold and the proceeds donated. Jesus made it clear that the donation option was, if not trivial, definitely not top of the list: “You always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me.” (Mark 14:3-9, John 12:3-8) Donations are good, but missing out on one? Not important compared to honoring and serving the Lord.

And here’s one they finally got. Jesus taught his followers, ““Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Mattew 5:11-12) The disciples were adamant that they would never abandon Jesus, even if they had to die. (Matthew 26:31-35) What actually happened? They all ran away. (verse 56)

But after Jesus was raised, they got it. When the very first persecution came down on them, we read, “When they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” (Acts 5:40-42) Beaten (probably the 39 lashes) for your faith? Trivial. Continuing to preach and teach about Jesus Christ, rejoicing even in suffering for it? Now that’s important.

Love, Paul