Re:Verse reading–Mark 9:14-29 (day three)
Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene.
From actual to virtual, from “Crucify him!” to lynch mobs to online bullying, people do not behave well in crowds. Before a crowd could have time to form, Jesus did his necessary work with a community of tender, troubled people. Crowds reinforce. Communities relate. Crowds criticize. Communities confess. Crowds excoriate. Communities edify. Perhaps smaller is better at first, so that community can take root and grow. It’s no wonder that Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered in my name…” From that small community, the church will grow into a beautiful, worldwide representation of the eternal community of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.