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.
Groups are prevalent in our social lives and provide a significant way to understand and define ourselves. Through groups we feel a connection to and those we do not. Groups also play an important role in community and society.
As social units, they help foster shared value and religious systems and are key to the structure of society. Without groups of common or shared values, organizations will not exist! Without groups of spiritual identities, churches or temples will be non-existent!