No Experts Allowed

Psalm 4

Psalm 4 reads like a litany, with various petitions strung together to form a loose poem. There appears to be little structure and, as is the case with all Hebrew poetry, no ending rhyme. Fortunately, Jonathan and Seth also welcome their friend and professor, Dr. Brian Smith, to help them make sense of this mess. In the process, they discuss the God who is always present in the midst of humanity's messes.

Acts 4:32-35

The early Jesus followers pooled their resources. Some have argued this is a model for the Church today too. The portrayal in Acts, however, is less than perfect; not everyone wants to take part. Jonathan and Seth talk about what possessions they hold dear - perhaps too dear - and how Jesus' resurrection challenges us to give away more than we're comfortable with.

Mark 16:1-8

The original ending of Mark is abrupt. Mary, Mary, and Salome arrive at an open tomb, a young man wearing white tells them of Jesus' resurrection, and they leave petrified. Jonathan and Seth discuss the hope and fear evidenced in the women's experience and how those feelings may have been present for Mark's audience. They also talk about how hope and fear feel appropriate for today's context.

Good Friday - John 18:1-19:42

In the spirit of a Tenebrae Service (Latin for "shadows"), Jonathan and Seth read through John's story of Jesus' trial. In this Holy Week episode, they pause only briefly to talk about what struck them and invite their listeners to do the same. Otherwise, they let the story of the convicted criminal Christ speak for itself.

Maundy Thursday - John 13:1-17, 31-34

Before his crucifixion, Jesus washes the disciples' feet and gives them a new commandment to "Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other." In this Holy Week episode, Jonathan and Seth talk briefly about their (in)experience with foot washing and the simplicity of Jesus' final command.

Mark 11:1-11

Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem is only "triumphal" compared to the usual poor Palestinian's arrival. It pales in comparison to Caesar's parades, pomp, and his accompanying posse. Jesus' disciples even have to borrow a colt for him to ride. Jonathan and Seth discuss this story as a critique of the Roman Empire and wonder how empires manifest today to control people's lives.

Jeremiah 31:31-34

In exile, Jeremiah declares that God will make a new covenant and will embed God's teachings inside God's people. The teachings are no longer written on stone tablets or papyri but move wherever people do. Jonathan and Seth discuss how this eliminates barriers between clergy and laity and also affirms human dignity.

Numbers 21:4-9

When the Israelites complain about their conditions wandering in the wilderness, God sends venous snakes among them. To combat these nuisances, Moses constructs a pole with a snake at the end that heals anyone who looks at it after they've been bitten. Later, in Kings, Hezekiah destroys this piece of artwork that people are making sacrifices to. Jonathan and Seth discuss how items may be helpful at one point and later becomes idols.

John 2:13-22

Jesus clears the temple court when he finds it looking more like a market than a sanctuary. This passage is infamous for the "whip of cords" Jesus fashions, which some Christians have cited to justify violence. Jonathan and Seth discuss Jesus' use of the whip and how the temple market exploited people living at the subsistence level. They also wonder how contemporary religious communities create socioeconomic restrictions on attendance.

Mark 8:31-38

When Jesus predicts his coming suffering and death, Peter rebukes him. In response, Jesus quips, "get behind me, Satan!" After this re-Mark-able interaction, Jesus talks about following him and the need to lose one's life to find it. Jonathan and Seth discuss what that might mean today and how this text can be misapplied to people already on the brink of losing their lives and livelihoods.