Turning Walls into Tables

Have you ever stumbled across one of those channels on YouTube that are all about “fails”? If not, let me paint you a picture. It’s a treasure trove of 10-second clips showcasing people’s misadventures—think golf carts splashing into lakes, BMX riders wiping out, or the classic guy walking into an invisible sliding glass door. It's a collage of human error, often hilarious, yet oddly relatable. There’s something about other people’s missteps that strikes a chord, bringing out our inner junior high humor.

In many ways, my attempts at sharing my faith often resemble a reel fails. I imagine myself confidently sharing my beliefs, only to find the ramp collapsing beneath me, or running headlong into an invisible wall. Can anyone else relate?

The beauty of Jesus’ teachings, though, lies in his masterful guidance on navigating these very walls. He didn’t just acknowledge their existence—he taught his disciples how to overcome them. Today, let's explore four such walls: Tribalism, Distraction, Religion, and Conversational Avoidance. Through one powerful story, we’ll see how Jesus dismantled each one.

The Journey Begins: Mark 7:31

Our journey starts in Mark 7:31, where Jesus leaves Tyre and travels through Sidon down to the Sea of Galilee, finally entering the region of the Decapolis. To fully appreciate this, let’s bring up a map for a visual aid.

Imagine Jesus and his disciples at their ministry hub in Capernaum. Typically, their trips were within familiar Jewish territory. But this time, Jesus takes them on an unexpected detour. They head north to Tyre and Sidon, notorious for their Baal worship and as Jezebel’s hometown. They then turn southeast into the Decapolis, a predominantly Gentile area.

For the disciples, this journey must have been like venturing into unknown, even hostile, territory. It's akin to modern-day explorers stepping into regions where they might not be warmly received. Yet, Jesus has a purpose: to break down the walls dividing them from others.

Wall 1: Tribalism

Tribalism is a universal barrier. It’s present in language, culture, and history. Whether it’s lingering sports rivalries or deep political divides, tribalism thrives on creating “us vs. them” dynamics.

Even in Nebraska, sports loyalties run deep, like the grudge against Miami from that football game back in 1981. The most glaring example today, however, might be the political chasm between Democrats and Republicans, each side often reduced to stereotypes by media outlets.

Jesus addressed tribalism by physically leading his disciples into the heart of it—the Decapolis, a land teeming with non-Jews. His approach was radical: instead of avoiding the unfamiliar, he turned walls into tables. He invited his followers to sit with those different from them, to find common ground, and to see the shared humanity in everyone.

Application: Go where people are, especially where you’re the minority. Engage in neighborhoods, schools, and social settings where you can build bridges rather than walls.

Wall 2: Distraction

Mark 8:1-21 brings us to the miracle of feeding the 4,000. Despite having witnessed Jesus multiply bread before, the disciples are again unsure of how to feed the crowd. This time, though, the miracle isn’t just about providing a meal; it's about time together.

Jesus spent three days with these people, building trust and rapport. By the time the crowd sat down to eat, they were no longer strangers but a community. This prolonged engagement turned a barren plain into a shared table where everyone was nourished.

Application: Prioritize time with people, especially those outside your faith community. It's easy to get distracted by our own lives, but genuine connections require investment. Create opportunities for leisurely conversations, and share meals that foster deeper relationships.

Wall 3: Religion

After crossing back to the other side of the lake, the Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus, testing him. But Jesus refuses to perform on demand, instead warning his disciples to beware of the “yeast of the Pharisees” (Mark 8:11-15).

This yeast symbolizes the insidious nature of religion as performance—where faith becomes about checking boxes and following rules rather than a genuine relationship with God. True faith transcends the confines of religious ritual, inviting a dynamic and life-giving connection with the divine.

Application: Shift focus from religious rituals to a personal relationship with Jesus. People are not seeking a rulebook but a transcendent experience of God. Point others to the person of Jesus, not merely the principles of a system.

Wall 4: Conversational Avoidance

As Jesus continued teaching, he used the miracles to engage his disciples in deeper reflection. The symbolism of the numbers in the feeding miracles—12 baskets for the 5,000 in Jewish territory and 7 for the 4,000 in Gentile land—was a lesson in inclusivity and completeness (Mark 8:16-21).

Jesus constantly initiated conversations that provoked thought and insight, inviting people to see beyond the obvious. This kind of engagement is crucial in breaking through the wall of conversational avoidance.

Application: Be a guide in conversations. Share your insights and ask questions that encourage deeper thinking. Turn mundane moments into opportunities for meaningful dialogue.

Conclusion: From Walls to Tables

To truly share our faith, we must transform walls into tables:

• Tribalism into common ground.

• Distraction into quality time together.

• Religion into a hunger for the transcendent.

• Conversational Avoidance into engagement.

As we navigate these walls, let's follow Jesus’ example—embracing the journey, sitting down at tables with those different from us, and sharing our lives in a way that invites others into the richness of faith. By doing so, we can turn moments of potential failure into opportunities for deeper connection and understanding.

Reflect and Engage

• Identify a wall: What are the barriers in your own life that keep you from engaging with others meaningfully?

• Take a step: How can you transform a wall into a table this week? Whether it’s spending time with someone new, engaging in a deeper conversation, or simply being present, take that step.

• Share your story: How have you overcome walls in your journey of faith? Sharing your experiences can inspire others to do the same.

Let’s commit to turning our walls into tables, creating spaces where everyone is welcome and where the richness of faith can be shared freely.

Blog adapted from June 23, 2024, message by Minister Mark Ashton