August 31, 2003
James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Mark is believed to be the earliest Gospel written of the four in the New Testament. It was written as much as fifty years before the Gospel of John. The impact of time and the difference in the audience to whom these Gospels were written impacts their contents. Mark, for example, shows little of the Greek influence that is evident in John.
The Epistle of James picks up on the theme of Jesus regarding what defiles a person in the same way that Paul picked up on the theme of Jesus regarding spirituality. Both Mark and James emphasize the religious experience as one which impacts the expression of life in a helpful and healthful way. Good religion, they both say, is more than formality and confession of faith. It is not acquired through osmosis by what one says or does. On the contrary it is what is on the inside and makes its way to the outside through an expression of life.
The Gospel story from Mark tells of the displeasure of certain Jews on noticing some of the disciples of Jesus eating without washing their hands. Although they did not fully understand the functional benefits of washing hands before eating, (they didn't know about germs) it was a matter of tradition and ceremony. They believed that God could not be pleased without rigorous attention to ceremony. Jesus emphasized the importance of the healthy spirit by telling his listeners that in comparison, nothing could go into a person and really defile them. Instead he said, what really defiles a person is what comes from their mind, heart, and mouth. Jesus quoted Isaiah saying, "This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men." Good religion, Jesus taught, impacts the way a person "wants", thinks, and expresses life. From within, he said, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. These are the things he said, which defile a person.
James addresses a similar theme when he reminds us of all the wonderful gifts given to us from our Creator. Our appreciation for these gifts should be shown by the way we respond, not just to them, but to life as a whole. Every man, says James, should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger and should put away all filthiness and wickedness. Healthy religion enables one to be a doer of the word and not just a hearer. Living life in a spirit of appreciation (as over against habitual complaining) is the best way to enjoy the gifts afforded us in the experience of life.