Lessons from the Capernaum Crisis
After skirmishes with some religious leaders, Jesus pre-empted an attack that was brewing in Capernaum. From the crisis that broke open there come lessons for leaders and team-members today.
Character
Jesus led by making the crisis explicit
John 6 reveals the pivotal story of how the skirmishes between Jesus and his enemies became a full-blown crisis. Jesus launched a new phase of his career with an advanced addition to his saving gospel message.
Jesus’ leadership in skirmishes
Characteristics of Jesus’ leadership show up in three early skirmishes as opposition to his movement heats up.
Jesus, well-balanced leader
Jesus’ character was strong, well-balanced, and centered in God. How did being centered in God shape the kind of balance he developed?
Want the core of strong character as a gift?
To receive the gift of the core of strong character, we must hunger and thirst for it.
What happens after you die?
Sophia the philosopher and Evan the evangelist discuss the possibility of growth after death. Why is heaven not just one place? The Hebrew Bible speaks of “the heaven of heavens.” Jesus says, “In my Father’s house are many mansions. In Second Corinthians, Paul refers to a man (most probably himself) being caught up in the third heaven. Hmmm. What’s going on?
Persecution righteousness happiness
Ali from Iran and Miguel from Colombia meet in a world religions class and have an extended conversation about a sentence in their assigned reading: Happy are they who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
How will the meek inherit the earth?
This is a story of an antagonistic boy and a meek boy who grow up to cooperate. It symbolizes hope for our world and satisfaction for those who take to heart the promise: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Forgiveness and consequences
In order to have the fullest, most satisfying experience of forgiveness, consider that forgiveness is an expression of the divine attitude of mercy. That attitude motivates whatever process may be involved in making forgiveness real.