Dr. Aymer with “TG”

 I suppose that Kanye’ West’s, Stronger, should be playing in the background someplace right now. This experience has better equipped me to convey the events and happenings concerning the Passion of Jesus Christ. I thank God for the honor of preaching and the chance to enter seminary.  I am grateful for the privilege of studying under Dr. Margaret P. Aymer whom has challenged and inspired me.  I am thankful that you, the reader, took the time to peruse this blog.  You have Internet access, so you could have been anywhere in the world, but you took the time to share me and I am so happy to have your attention.

In true mixtape style, I have a list of shouts and photo credits that I did not give while posting the entries.  They are:

Blog pictures citations:

Sermon picture of jeezy and nas: 

http://knowhagwan.wordpress.com/2008/08/22/

Theology pic of da withchdoctor

http://deadly-grounds.blogspot.com/2009/03/witchdoctor-swat-healin-ritual.html

kardinal offishall ideology

http://www.nowpublic.com/culture/kardinal-offishall-quest-fire-firestarter-vol-1

easter bonus-e. dewey smith jr.

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=7135619BCF8E71D6&page=2

express yourself-nwa

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2008/08/25/nwas-straight-outta-compton-an-appreciation/

outkast- ideology

http://www.thefader.com/articles/2007/11/19/audio-outkast-f-marsha-ambrosius-da-art-of-storytellin-part-4

slum village-narrative/pericope

http://www.barakentertainment.com/store/index.php?cPath=41

ancient trials and crucifixion

http://www.morethings.com/god_and_country/jesus/crucifixion_photo_gallery14.htm

nas on the cross

http://www.singingfool.com/Title.aspx?publishedid=624885

why I chose this pericope and translation-epmd

http://hiphopisread.blogspot.com/2008/09/epmd-unfinished-business-samples.html

the context for which I interpret-young jeezy

http://www.prohiphop.com/2006/12/albums_young_je.html

HOWARD THURMAN

http://images.google.com/hosted/life/l?imgurl=6f2d005499e78b0c&q=howard%20thurman&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhoward%2Bthurman%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4TSHB_enUS311US312%26sa%3DN%26start%3D36%26um%3D1

 Last but not least, I wanted to shout Aneshya D. Cooper.  I love you. Peace

The sermon was partly inspired by Young Jeezy and Nas’ song entitled, My President is Black.  I understand their sense of pride now that America has a Black President.  However, Obama is not Jesus and I hope people do not get the President confused with the Messiah.  Anyway, here is the sermon:

 THE SPIRITUAL STIMULUS PLAN

LUKE 24:36-43

                THE ATLANTA JOURNAL AND CONSTITUTION HAS REPORTED THAT THE GOVERNORS OF GEORGIA, ALABAMA, AND SOUTH CAROLINA, ARE CONSIDERING REJECTING SOME THE BAIL OUT MONEY APPROPRIATED TO THEIR RESPECTIVE STATES BECAUSE THEY DO NOT WANT TO FULLY COMPLY WITH THE MANDATES REQUIRED TO RECEIVE ALL THE FUNDS.  JOHN BLAKE OF CNN.COM HAS REPORTED THAT HISTORIANS ARE DEBATING IF PRESIDENT OBAMA’S PLAN WILL BE A FAILURE LIKE LONDON JOHNSON’S “GREAT SOCIETY” PLAN OR A SUCCESS WITH LASTING INFLUENCE LIKE THE ONE RONALD REGAN HAD ON THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. 

                MEANWHILE, THE AVERAGE AMERICAN CITIZEN SIMPLY WANTS TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES.  THEY ARE NOT NESACARILY INTERESTED IN WHAT THE NEWS COMMENTATORS AND HISTORIANS HAVE TO SAY.  THEY MERELY WANT TO FIND A JOB THAT WILL PAY THEM A DECENT WAGE SO THAT THE MORTGAGE, CAR NOTE, AND TUITION CAN GET PAID ON TIME.  AMERICANS HAVE SEEN THEIR RESOURCES GO UP AND DOWN.  PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR SOME STABILITY IN ORDER TO GET THEIR BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN AND THEIR LIKELY HOOD OF COMMITTING A CRIME BACK IN LINE WITH WHAT THEY BELIEVE THEMSELVES TO BE , GOD FEARING  AND GOOD NATURED.

                AS WE BEGIN TO EXAMINE THE TEXT, WE FIND THAT THE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS MAY HAVE HAD THEIR BLOOD PRESSURE UP AND THEIR THUG LEVEL APPROACHING THAT OF TYLER PERRY’S FAMED CHARACTER, MADEA. IT HAD BEEN THREE DAYS SINCE THE DISCIPLES WATCHED THEIR RESOURCE, JESUS, DISSIPATE ON A HILL CALLED “SKULL.” HE HAD BEEN THEIR LIFE GIVER, THEIR LIVING WATER, AND GENERAL PROVIDER WHILE HE WAS WITH THEM, BUT NOW HE HAD BEEN LOST AND THERE WAS A SINCE OF PANIC IN THE AIR.

                THE DISCIPLES HAD BEGUN TO DISCUSS THE MATTER WITH THE HEAVINESS THAT PLAYS PRELUDE TO DEPRESSION, AMONGST THEM.  SECRETLY DWELLING IN THEIR MIDST IN VERSE 15, JESUS HIMSELF, BEGIN TO WALK AND TALK WITH THEM AS THEY WENT TO A VILLAGE CALLED EMMAUS.  HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM.  THEY SIMPLY THOUGHT HE WAS A STRANGER, SO ONE OF THEM, A SOUL BROTHER BY THE NAME OF CLEOPAS, STARTED TO FILL HIM IN ON THE HAPPENINGS AND TROUBLES OF THE DAY.

                JESUS ASKED THE DISCIPLES, “WHAT ARE YOU DISCUSSING WITH EACH OTHER WHILE YOU WALK ALONG?”  CLEOPAS REPLIED:  “HAVE YOU NOT HEARD, ARE YOU ONLY A STRANGER IN JERUSALEM?  JESUS OF NAZARETH, A MIGHTY PROPHET OF GOD IN DEED AND WORD, WAS HANDED OVER BY THE CHIEF PRIEST AND LEADERS TO BE CRUCIFIED. MOREOVER, IT HAS BEEN THREE DAYS AND SOME OF THE WOMEN IN OUR GROUP SAY THAT THEY WENT TO HIS TOMB AND HIS BODY WAS NOT THERE.”

                JESUS CONTINUED TO WALK WITH THE GROUP UNTIL THEY REACHED THEIR DESTINATION.  HE ATTEMPTED TO WALK AWAY, BUT THE DISCIPLES ASKED HIM TO SAY.  LATER ON, AROUND THE DINNER TABLE, JESUS BLESSED AND BROKE THE BREAD BEFORE THE DISCIPLES WERE ABLE TO RECOGNIZE HIM IN VERSE 31.  THIS BRINGS US TO OUR POINT OF DISCUSSION.

                FORE, LIKE THE DISCIPLES IN THE TEXT, SO MANY OF THE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS IN 2009 SEEM TO THINK THAT IT IS ALL OVER.  THEY THINK BECAUSE THEIR 401K HAS VANISHED AND THEIR HOUSE HAS BEEN FORECLOSED ON THAT LIFE CANNOT GO ON AS IT ONCE DID.  BUT, I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TODAY TO NOT GIVE UP.  DON’T THROW IN THE TOWEL; JESUS IS STILL ABLE TO MOVE IN OUR LIVES.  HE IS THE STIMULUS THAT WE HAVE BEEN WAITING ON AND HE WILL SHOW UP IN OUR LIVES TO RESOLVE THIS MESS THAT WE ARE GOING THROUGH.

                THE ECONOMIC PROBLEM OUR NATION IS EXPERIENCING IS NOT MERELY AN ISSUE OF DOLLARS AND CENTS; IT IS A SPIRITUAL PROBLEM.  GOD IS ONLY ALLOWING US TO FACE A DIFFICULT TASK SO THAT, WE THE PEOPLE CAUGHT UP IN THIS GLOBAL ECONOMY, CAN WITNESS THE WORK OF GOD ON A MAJOR SCALE.  IF WE SEEK GOD, THAT IS, AGREE TO ABIDE BY GOD’S TERMS THEN GOD WILL DELIVER US FROM THIS FINANCIAL WRECKAGE. BUT FIRST, (#1) WE HAVE TO REMAIN CALM. LOOK AS VERSES 36 AND 37.

                SIMILAR TO THE DISCIPLES IN THE TEXT, MANY OF US ARE SO CONSUMED WITH THE TROUBLES OF THE DAY THAT WE CANNOT HEAR JESUS SAY “PEACE BE WITH YOU.”  OUR COLLECTIVE GAZE IS FOCUSED ON WALL STREET AND ON ONE ANOTHER; THEREFORE WE ARE NERVOUS BECAUSE WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT.  WHILE I WAS WATCHING THE NEWS THE OTHER DAY, TWO COUPLES FLASHED ACROSS THE SCREEN CONVEYING HOW THEY HAD AN UN-EXPLAINED FOOD FIGHT.  THE WIFE SAID THAT SHE DID NOT KNOW WHAT HAD COME OVER HER.  SHE SIMPLY CAME HOME FRUSTRATED FROM ANOTHER DAY OF SEARCHING FOR WORK AND DECIDED TO SLAP HER HUSBAND WITH SOME FOOD.  HER NERVES HAD SIMPLY GOTTEN THE BEST OF HER.  SHE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN A FEW DEEP BREATHES AND TALKED WITH JESUS BEFORE SHE WENT INTO HER HOME.

                THEN, THERE ARE OTHERS OF US WHOM WANT TO HEAR JESUS SPEAK, BUT WE ARE AT THE TABLE WITH THE WRONG LOUD-MOUTH PERSON AND THEY KEEP STIRRING UP FOOLISHNESS THAT KEEPS US NERVOUS.  MAYBE, SOME OF US ARE SITTING TOO CLOSE TO PETER TO HEAR JESUS WALK IN THE ROOM AND START SPEAKING.  PERHAPS, PETER IS CARRYING ON ABOUT HOW HIS HEART WAS BURNING FROM THE PREVIOUS PASSAGES, SO THAT IMAGE THAT EVERYONE JUST SAW COULD NOT HAVE BEEN JESUS.  I CAN HEAR PETER’S LOUD SELF SAYING:  “THAT WAS NOT JESUS BACK THERE BECAUSE I HAVE FISHED WITH THE LORD AND EVERYTHING AND MY HEART HASN’T BEEN ON FIRE LIKE THAT BEFORE.  MAYBE THAT WAS AN ARCHANGEL OR SOMETHING…NOT JESUS, NAH, EM,EM.”  PERHAPS WE HAVE TO BE MORE COGNIZANCE OF WHOM WE SIT DOWN TO DINE WITH.  THEY MAY BE HINDERING US FROM HEARING WHAT SAYS THE LORD, JESUS!

                YET AND STILL, THERE ARE OTHERS OF US THAT CANNOT HEAR JESUS GREET US WITH “PEACE” BECAUSE WE CANNOT HEAR OVER THE NOISE OF OUR OWN MINDS.  SOME OF US ARE ALREADY STARTLED AND TERRIFIED BECAUSE OF SOMETHING THAT HAS HAPPENED DAYS, MONTHS, OR EVEN YEARS AGO.  SOME OF US WILL MISS HANDLE JESUS BECAUSE WE ARE STILL SEEING GHOSTS OF OUR PAST, SO WE HAVE CONDITIONED OUR MINDS TO NOT RECEIVE ANY GOOD THINGS IN OUR FUTURE.  BUT, FAMILY I HAVE NEWS FOR YOU, JESUS CAN COME IN ANY WAY THAT HE CHOOSES TO SHOW HIMSELF.  I WOULD PRESS DOWN THERE, BUT LET ME KEEP MOVING FOR TIME SAKE.  BROTHER AND SISTERS, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO GET REMAIN CALM SO WE CAN HEAR JESUS, THEN SECONDLY, WE MUST REMOVE THE DOUBTS FROM OUR HEARTS AND MINDS.  LOOK AT VERSES 38-40.

                SOME OF US ARE ABLE TO DISCERN THE MOVEMENT AND VOICE OF JESUS PROPERLY, BUT WE DO NOT ACCEPT HIM BECAUSE WE, SIMILAR TO THE CREW IN THE TEXT, HAVE DOUBTS RUNNING ALL UP AND THRU OUR HEARTS AND MINDS.  SOME OF US FELL IN LOVE WITH JESUS A LONG TIME AGO, BUT OVER TIME, WE HAVE HARDENED OUR HEARTS TOWARDS HIM.  IT MAY BE BECAUSE HE SENT US THROUGH A HARD SITUATION TO TEST THAT LOVE.  SO, NOW THAT WE SEE AND HEAR HIM AGAIN, WE ARE LIKE A JILTED LOVER THAT FEELS OUR INTEREST TUGGING AT OUR HEART STRINGS, BUT WE REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE.  THE VOICE, SCENT, AND SHADOW LOOK LIKE OUR LOVE ONE CHURCH, BUT WE DOUBT HIM BECAUSE WE HAVE SEEN THAT RELATIONSHIP PERISH.  BUT, IF YOU STOP YOUR DECONSTRUCTION FOR JUST A LITTLE WHILE, THEN YOU MIGHT NOTICE THAT JESUS IS STILL STIRRING IN OUR MIDST.

1. WHO ELSE HAS PROVIDED YOU WITH ROOM TO BE SO PETITE DURING THIS HARSH ECONOMIC SEASON, BUT JESUS?  HE IS STILL HERE; MOVING THROUGH OUR MIDST, SO PUT AWAY YOUR DOUBTS!

                PEOPLE, WE HAVE TO TAKE THE TIME TO EXAMINE THE EVIDENCE OF OUR SAVIOR MOVING THROUGH OUR MIDST.  PERHAPS YOU SHOULD TOUCH YOUR NEIGHBOR SO THAT YOU CAN FEEL THE EVIDENCE.  THEY ARE PROOF THAT JESUS IS STILL MOVING BECAUSE DESPITE THEIR WONDERFUL APPEARANCE, THEY HAVE GONE THROUGH SOME THINGS, YET JESUS HAS STILL KEPT THEM.  IF I WERE IN ANOTHER SETTING, I WOULD ASK YOUR NEIGHBOR TO TELL ONE THING, ONE WAY THAT THEY KNOW THAT JESUS HAS KEPT THEM AND IS STILL MOVING THROUGH OUR MIDST.  HE DIED, BUT UNLIKE THE ECONOMY, HE HAS ALREADY GOTTEN UP.  I WANT TO MOVE ON NOW, BUT LET ME ADMONISH YOU TO LOOK AROUND AT THE EVIDENCE.  JESUS IS STILL ALIVE AND MOVING.  PLEASE, DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK ON HIM NOW.  FORE, WE HAVE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH, SO DON’T ABANDON HIM NOW.

                AS I PREPARE TO SIT DOWN, I JUST WANT TO REMIND US REMAIN CALM, LET US REMOVE THE DOUBTS THAT SO EASILY HANDCUFF US, AND FINALLY, LET US RELISH THE MOMENT.  LOOK AT VERSES 41-43.

                ONCE YOU REALIZE THAT YOU ARE STILL HERE AND JESUS IS STILL WITH YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY, THEN GO AHEAD AND ENJOY YOUR MOMENT.  THE OLD PREACHER USED TO BE SO GRATEFUL THAT GOD, THRU JESUS, HAD ALLOWED HIS GOLDEN MOMENTS TO ROLL ON.  WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL THAT GOD HAS ALLOWED OUR TIME TO CONTINUE TO BE EXTENDED.  THIS ECONOMIC DEPRESSION HAS NOT KILLED US YET; IN FACT IT HAS SERVED TO BENEFIT SOME US.  IF YOU WERE ANYTHING LIKE A YOUNG, HARD HEADED MALE I KNEW, THEN YOU WOULD HAVE STILL BE TRYING TO GET MONEY ON SOMEONE’S JOB AT THIS VERY MOMENT IF THERE WERE NOT A RECESSION.  BUT, BECAUSE YOU WATCHED YOUR RESOURCE DIE, YOU DECIDED GO AHEAD AND ANSWER THE CALL TO COME TO SCHOOL. 

                SINCE YOU HAVE SEEN JESUS MAKE THE AFOREMENTIONED MOVE, OR SOMETHING SIMILAR TO IT, YOU SHOULD REALLY RELISH THIS MOMENT.  OFTEN TIMES, SO MANY OF US ARE TOO BUSY PLOTTING ON OUR NEXT MOVE THAT WE DO NOT ENJOY THE TIME HAVE NOW.  THE LYRICIST SAYS THAT THE PRESENT IS A GIFT AND I JUST WANT TO BE.  I LIKE THAT BECAUSE WE ALL SHOULD “BE” ENJOYING EACH AND EVERY DAY TO ITS FULLEST EXTENT. 

                PERHAPS WE SHOULD TAKE A NOTE FROM JESUS IN THE TEXT AND ASK THE GRADUATING SENIORS TO PASS US A PIECE OF FISH OFF OF THE GRILL TODAY.  THERE ARE FEW THINGS BETTER THAN A GROUP OF BLACK FOLKS HANGING OUT AT A FISH FRY IN CELEBRATION OF THE MOVES THAT JESUS HAS MADE IN THEIR LIVES.  THE LAUGHTER, THE CHATTER, AND THE FRANKIE BEVERLY MAZE ON THE RADIO MAKE FOR SUCH A PLEASANT TIME.  WE HAVE TO ENJOY OUR MOMENT’S PREACHERS.

                IT IS A CRY AND A SHAME THAT OUR PEOPLE HAVE THE HIGHEST BLOOD PRESSURE RATE OF ANY ETHIC GROUP SIMPLY BECAUSE WE DON’T KNOW HOW TO ENJOY OURSELVES.  I KNOW JOE FROM AROUND THE BLOCK HAS “BEEN HATING ON YOU.” AND YES, I KNOW THE OFFICIALS ARE TRYING TO KILL YOUR RESOURCES, BUT AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THEY DON’T MEAN A THING!  WE HAVE TO LEARN, STRUCTURE, AND PURPOSEFULLY SET ASIDE TIME FOR ENJOYMENT.  EAT SOMETHING.  FORE, THE DEAD DO NOT EAT.  GO TO MCCORMICK AND SCHMIDT’S, CAPTAIN D’S, OR “THIS IS IT BAR-B-CUE AND SEAFOOD” WITH YOUR “SHAWTY” AND ENJOY THIS TIME.

                IN CLOSING, I JUST WANT TO ADMIT TO YOU THAT I DO NOT KNOW IF THE DOW JONES IS GOING TO RETURN TO A HIGH LEVEL ON A CONSISTENT BASIS.  I DO NOT KNOW HOW “WELL OR BAD” THE S&P IS GOING TO DO THIS QUARTER.  I DO NOT KNOW HOW MANY MORE FOLKS WILL HAVE TO LOSE THEIR HOMES BEFORE WE SEE PROGRESS.  BUT, I DO KNOW THIS, THE ONLY WAY THAT ANYTHING AS DEAD AS OUR ECONOMY CAN EVER BE RESURRECTED, IS IF THE KING OF GETTING UP PLACES HIS HANDS ON IT.  IF WE DO NOT LOOK TO JESUS, THEN WE CAN GO AHEAD AND KISS THIS THING GOOD BYE.

                MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU AND MAY YOU KEEP LOOKING TOWARD JESUS BECAUSE HE IS THE REAL STIMULUS PACKAGE.

In the outlined pericope (text), Jesus proves that he came from the dead.  Similar to the people in 1998, the disciples in Luke 24:36-43 had difficulty dealing with his return from the grave.  Luke knew that his audience, Theophilus, would have trouble accepting a person returning from death.  Therefore, he offered the proof that Jesus gave his followers.  He is the One.  The following outline will demonstrate Luke’s attempt to convey this notion:

Text Theology of Luke 24:36-43  

The 11 had watch Jesus, their resource die, so to see him come back was a great surprise (vs. 37)[1]

The 11 believed that the resurrection of the dead was going to happen, but now this soon (vs. 37)[2]

Jesus Christ told his followers that he had the ability to know the thoughts of their hearts.  He proves his power by pointing out the emotions of his disciples.  Moreover, Jesus told them their feelings and showed them his marred body to prove that He was not a ghost or some allusion.  The person they were viewing was the Master, live and in living color. (Vs. 38-40)[3]

After Jesus offered proof of his existence in the land of the living, the 11 and their company were happy.  Yet, Jesus knew that some doubt still remained.  Therefore, he asked for food.  Jesus’ ability to eat was the ultimate proof of his resurrection.  Fore, a ghost does not eat. (Vs. 41-43)[4] The aim of the theology of this resurrection passage is show that Jesus was more than a peasant itinerate preacher. He was revolutionary that brought about social change on many levels.[5]

Luke’s theology is fashioned in a manner so that it could become scripture to Theophilus, the gospel’s intended audience. According to William Cantwell Smith, scripture is an interaction between an audience and a text.[6]  The resurrection of a dead God would have surely had the attention of person familiar with the myths of the Greco-Roman cosmogony. [7] Therefore, one may clearly note that the author of Luke “Put On” for the readers of Luke-Acts account. Problems were anticipated and solutions to various conflicts were presented in a rhetorical fashion that a Roman in the 1^st century world may have understood.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hengel, Martin. Crucifixion. Philadelphia:  Fortress Press, 1977.

Smith, Wilfred, Cantwell.  What is Scripture? A Comparative Approach.  Minneapolis: Fortress Press,

                2000.

Vanderbilt New Testament Divinity Library.  Ideological.

                http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/religious_studies/NTBib/ideology.html (accessed May 12,

                2009)

[2] Ibid

[3] Luke 24:38-40, NRSV

[4] Luke 24:41-43, NRSV

[5] Vanderbilt New Testament Divinity Library, Ideological, http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/religious_studies/NTBib/ideology.html (accessed May 12, 2009)

[6] Wilfred Cantwell Smith, What is Scripture? A Comparative Approach (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000)IX

[7] Martin Hengel, Crucifixion (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1977)

If everyone could see Jesus the way that Luke portrays him, then the world would not having debates about his life and deeds.  To paraphrase Kardinal Offishal, “we would all be g’ walkin!”

                Luke’s ideology is on display in Luke 24:36-43.[1]  The text shows positive social change when the disciples show Jesus at the table.[2]  Jesus disrupted what had been the status quo in order to clearly demonstrate that he is the “King of the Resurrection.”  Furthermore, he ushers in a new era of thinking.  Fore, His coming back from the grave was very different for the 1^st century people, whom thought “gods” should never be crucified or die.[3]  By dying, Jesus was able to show he had all power; that which comes from below, on earth, and in heaven.

                The author of Luke’s gospel shows positive social change by pointing out that Jesus showed up to His followers while they were eating.  Matthias Klinghart has pointed out that the community meal during the time of the text was a small slice of utopia.[4]  However, Jesus redefined what paradise will be like by showing up at a time when community, peace, and good order were supposedly being shown. [5] His appearance “startled and terrified” a group of people that may have thought that utopia may have only been found amongst themselves.[6]  Jesus’ placement during dinner seems to be a clear ploy to show that he must be factored into everyone’s notion of heaven.

                In addition to bringing about positive social change, Luke’s author places Jesus in the midst of a group of people.  This was done to prove that Jesus, God’s Son, did come back from the grave.  During the time of the text, it was widely accepted that gods did not die.  However, a group of people saw Jesus expire on the cross and groups of people saw Jesus after his resurrection.  Worshipping a “god” that died and came back to life was a new way of thinking during the 1 century world to say the least.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hengel, Martin. Crucifixion. Philadelphia:  Fortress Press, 1997

Klinghart, Matthias. “A Typology of the Community Meal.” Draft Version presented at

            Meals in the Greco-Roman World Consultation AAR/SBL Annual Meeting,

            Atlanta, GA, 2003. 

            http://www.philipharland.com/meals/GrecoRomanMealsSeminar.htm

            (accessed April 29, 2009)

Vanderbilt New Testament Divinity Library.” Ideological.”

            http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/religious_studies/NTBib/ideology.html

            (accessed April 29, 2009)

Here is what applied Bible might sound like over some Dirty South hip-hop tracks.  The above is from the compact disc entitled, Candy, produced by Cedkeyz International.  The project features parts of sermons from one of America’s finest, Rev. E. Dewey Smith. 

I think this mix-tape is incredible.  
Stripper Luv – Rev. E. Dewey Smith Jr.

nwa (video)

leave comments.  good or bad, i really don’t mind, but i need some feedback before i am done with this blog.

peace.

~Outkast-Rosa Parks (video)

Outkast was sued by Rosa Parks in 1999 simply because she and her estate did not understand their song bearing her name in its context.  The song was the duo’s way of paying homage to the Civil Rights legend.  Additionally, Outkast was able to get another generation excited about the accomplishments of the brave and legendary Rosa Parks.  Otherwise, she may have been forgotten.

People and pericopes have to always be understood in their context.

“While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.”(Luke 24:36-43 NRSV)[i]

Why were the disciples struggling to recognize Jesus after his resurrection?

            The placement of the outlined text, the social setting, and the Hellenistic influence that both Luke and his target audience, Theophilus, were likely under, stress the flabbergasted response of the disciples as a surprise and a problem.[ii] Luke’s literary style and approach further underscore the main problem I wish to work through it the pericope: why were the followers of Jesus Christ having difficulty recognizing Jesus after his resurrection?  The former reasons most certainly suggest that they should have.

            Luke places chapter 24:36-43, directly after two previous encounters by members of “The Way,” with their reappearing Lord.[iii]  The gospel writer hints that the disciples should have been prepared for yet another rendezvous with Jesus by this time.[iv]  Mark’s gospel (16:14, NIV)[v], a source for Luke, says that Jesus came by and rebuked them for not believing the stories about his resurrection, after they had been confirmed by several witnesses.[vi] Rather than take such a direct approach, the writer of Luke chose to offer circumstantial evidence to subtly suggest that everyone present should have been capable of recognizing Jesus.

            Moreover, the social setting that Luke places this pericope in suggests that the disciples were in a posture of worship; therefore they had created an atmosphere for Jesus to show up.[vii] Matthias Klinghart conveys that community meals of the Greco-Roman world were religious ceremonies.[viii]  He states that prayers were offered up during the course of meals and symposium.[ix]  Thus, the writer of Luke’s gospel placed the parishioners of Jesus “dead smack in a church service.”  If followers of Jesus could not discern his presence during worship of him, then when would have been a better time?

            Lastly, Luke’s author seemed to purposely place members of “The Way,” in social settings in three consecutive passages. Perhaps the Hellenistic literary notion of being a laborious historian played a tremendous role in the writer’s decision to do so.[x]  Luke’s author seems to identify specific days, places, and events to not only properly inform the intended audience, but to also suggest that Jesus should have been recognizable by his group.  The writer of Luke was likely influenced by Herodotus and Thucydides, historians from Greece’s classical age.[xi]  Based upon their tradition, the gospel writer meticulously provided detail after detail, which suggested that Jesus was indeed up from the grave and that members of his inner circle should have been able to accept that fact. 

            The placement of the text, the social setting, and the Greek influence on the writer of Luke suggests that the disciples should have been able to know Jesus when they saw him after his resurrection.[xii] This brief literary analysis further stresses that their inability to recognize their Lord was a problem.  Furthermore, this short look at the written form of the outlined pericope helps to highlight a modern issue as well.  So many Christians in 2009 are struggling to see the movement of Jesus in their lives.  After all the reports given by others, many followers of Jesus still do not believe that he is able to manifest himself in their lives.  What a pity!

~Slum Village-Climax (video)

During the year 2000, a hip-hop group called Slum Village, released a single called “Climax.” This song spoke about getting a person to the apex of a particular situation.  About 2000 years before this song was even conceived, the Gospel writers used varied methods to reach the climax of an argument.  In both situations, the goal is/was to get a person to very kernel of understanding of why certain words were written or said.

                A narrative is a section or pericope of scripture that is self contained.[1]  It has a beginning, middle, and an end.  After the introduction, a rise in action is shown.[2]  After the rise in action, the narrative reaches its climax or apex.[3]  Next, a fall in action is demonstrated before the resolution is rendered.[4]  Luke 24:36-43, my pericope of interest, follows this same pattern.[5]

                The setting is introduced in verse 36:  “while they were still talking…”[6] The disciples appear to be startled and straight scared in verse 37.[7]  This is the rise in action/ development of conflict.  The climax of the story appears to be when Jesus spoke to them.  The doubts can almost be seen running through the minds of those seated at the table in verse 38.[8]    By showing the disciples his hands and feet, Jesus begins to calm the situation down.  The established conflict is resolved in verses 41-43 when Jesus ate with his followers.[9]

                It is important to understand the structure of a narrative if one is to properly expose the truths found therein.  Needless misinterpretation can be easily avoided by simply understanding the design and goal of a narrative.  They always want to climax.[10]

Bibliography

Gorman, Michael, J.  Elements of Biblical Exegesis. Peabody Massachusetts:  Hendrickson Publishers,

                2001.

nas- you can hate me now (video)

                Trials in Roman provinces during the time of Jesus Christ were not fair.  Similar to the modern American system, if you did not have the right people speaking on your behalf, then one could expect to be punished.  The most notable difference between the two was the method and reason for punishment.  One could be crucified to get the truth in the ancient Roman world, even if one did not know it, while in the United States; interrogation by police through a variety of methods is implored.  At least in America, some police officers actually try to get a good understanding before they begin to inflict pain.  Officers in the Roman army would just hurt a person because they could.  This technique encouraged people to be as cooperative as possible with the Romans in any and every situation.

                Jews were a despised group of people in the early first century world.  Tiberius Caesar’s advisor, Sejanus, pursued a strong anti-Jewish policy. [1] Therefore, Pilate, governor of Judea, would have had the mind to keep the peace and bad news away from Caesar as much as possible because his trusted ally already had an unfavorable disposition. Thus, for a Roman peasant to make claims of being “King of the Jews,” during a season which Jews remembered being released from oppression, was a real problem. [2]

                According to the gospel writers, Pilate tried to keep the peace.[3]  He crucified far less people than his predecessors and he tried to provide alternative means of resolution in the case of Jesus.[4]  However, the trial preceding the crucifixion was not fair.  Jesus did not have a defense attorney, only prosecutors.  Members of the Jewish counsel accused him of things he did not do and Pilate, the procurator on behalf of Rome, was forced to bring swift and defiant resolution to the situation.[5] Crucifixion was the common choice of punishment was non-citizens of the republic.[6]

                Crucifixion was not an easy thing.  According to Dr. Margret Aymer, Jesus likely died by suffocation.[7]  The tremendous amount of pressure placed on his body likely caused him to strangle on himself.  The inscription placed above his head, “KING OF THE JEWS,” was a great deterrent for anyone else that may have wanted to come and attempt to try to liberate the Jewish people.[8]  All, so called kings and enemies of Caesar, would be defeated and murdered without any clothes on in a public fashion.

                Trials in the first century ancient world were not fair and the punishment was “unusual and cruel.”  Anyone accused of plotting against the power of the Caesar was crucified.[9]  Crucifixion was a long, cruel, and harsh way to die.  Jesus, who knew this would be the case, never spoke a word to defend himself.  He died for what he believed in.  Regardless if people think he is the son of God or not, they should admire and respect a person for dying for what they believed to be right.  After all, belief is all a person ever truly owns in this life.  Everything else may be lost or taken away, but a person’s ideology can never be taken from them.

Bibliography

Hengel, Martin. Crucifixion, Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1977

Sloyan, Gerard, S. Jesus on Trial:  A Study of the Gospels, Minneapolis:  Fortress Press, 2006

~The Metropolitan Bapitst Church, Washington, DC.  Rev. Richard Smallwood on piano. March 23, 2008

                                 While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

~Matthew 26:26-30 (NRSV)

                The Lord’s Supper or Communion is a very spiritual high time in the modern church.  It is how Christians remember the sacrifice their Savior, Jesus Christ, made for them on Calvary’s cross.  But, what might have the first “Lord’s Supper,” really have looked like?  What was its format and characteristics?  What actually went on during this meal that is remembered on regular basis by those that follow Jesus today?  This small review will attempt to shine some light this situation in order that one may have a deeper insight of this dinner that is now held as “sacred,” by millions of people around the world.

                Matthias Klinghart informs his readers that ancient Greco-Roman meals usually were two fold events:   the syssition, a common meal, followed by a symposion, or a drinking party. [1] The entire event may have been called a symposium. [2] Silverware was not present, so bread was used in its stead.  The Last Supper or the “Lord’s Supper,” may have included a prayer known as the berakhot, which would explain why Jesus gave thanks before the breaking of the bread in the manner that he did according to Matthew 26:26.[3]  These facts are inserting, however further examination of the drinking party may be especially helpful for those that read the Bible on a regular basis.

                The symposium may have included competitive drinking and singing as part of entertainment.[4]  The guest had to hold one another’s attention by some method, thus drinking, singing, joking, talking, and solving riddles were the ways that friends socialized.[5]  Christians and Jews may have adapted singing hymns to God from the Romans, who were known for participating in acts of worship to their pagan gods after community meals.[6]  One may be able to see this possible adaptation in Matthew 26:30, when Jesus and his disciples sung a hymn before going out to the Mount of Olives to pray.[7] The drinking becomes a factor because on the Mount of Olives, Jesus goes to pray that God will not send him to cross, while his disciples fall asleep, likely because they had too much to drink.[8]

                In closing, one must note how Jesus and the first Christians were able to use the cultural norms of their times to serve their purpose.  The contemporary church could learn a lot from studying ancient meals.  Perhaps it may understand that it has to adapt practices from the modern culture so that people may better grasp Christ as he is and not Christ as he is made out to be.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Klinghart, Matthias.  “A Typology of the Community Meal,” under Meals in the Greco-Roman World. Draft version, presented at the Meals in the

                Greco-Roman World Consultation AAR/SBL Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, November 2003.

http://www.philipharland.com/meals/GrecoRomanMealsSeminar.htm

                (accessed February 28, 2009)

Smith, Dennis. “Meals and Christian Origins,” under Meals in the Greco-Roman World. Presented at the Meals in the Greco-Roman World

                Consultation AAR/SBL Annual Meeting, Toronto, CN, November 2002.

http://www.philipharland.com/meals/GrecoRomanMealsSeminar.htm

                (accessed February 28, 2009)