#MarkTheEvangelist(GospelOfMark) No.32- A Gentile Picnic

Ever been in a situation where you felt completely out of place? Like you had nothing in common with anyone around you? I love a good picnic, especially when it’s with people I know and love. Family, friends, baptisms at Lido… and of course, potato salad (with BBQ sauce), coleslaw, grilled chicken, sausages, burgers, baked beans—the whole spread. But about ten years ago, I was invited to a huge picnic with around 40 people… and I only knew one person. I showed up, made polite small talk, and waited for my friend—until he texted me at the last minute to say he wasn’t coming. Suddenly, I was alone in a crowd of strangers. I was the only white person there. Everyone was kind and welcoming, but it was still awkward. So, naturally, I coped the only way a sane person would: I ate potato salad. A lot of potato salad. This week Jesus continues teaching His disciples about the beauty and importance of diversity in ministry—how the Kingdom of God brings together people who might not look alike, sound alike, or share the same background, yet still belong at the same table… or picnic blanket.