Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #25 Mark Chapter 14 Verse 12 - 16 Artwork

Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast

This is a podcast of Ohio Yearly Meeting. We are a collection of Conservative Quaker Meetings based primarily in Ohio. By conservative, we do not mean politically conservative. Conservative Friends are known for their commitment to conserve the Original message of the first generation of Quakers. These Quakers, in turn, saw their movement as a revival of primitive Christianity. We hope the installments of our podcasts will present the understandings of Conservative Quakerism.

So, if thee is interested in learning the differences between Conservative Quakers and other Quakers, or would like to understand differences between Quakers and other Christians, thee may well be at the right place. On the other hand, the Conservative Quaker perspective is so strikingly unique in contemporary society, that it will be a balm to many seeking spiritual fulfillment. To assist these seekers is the true intent of publishing our podcast.

A good many of the podcast installments will be presented by Henry Jason. Henry is knowledgeable in the Greek of the New Testament and has a fascinating way of tying the meaning of the original words with the writings of early Friends. Listening to him provides a refreshing view of scripture and is an excellent way to learn about original Quaker theology. Henry's podcasts are usually bible classes and so they are often interspersed with discussions, questions and insightful comments by his students.

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Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #25 Mark Chapter 14 Verse 12 - 16

November 03, 2022 • Henry Jason

In the beginning of Mark, Jesus chooses His disciples. This was unusual. Usually in ancient Israel a student would choose one’s teacher. Jesus underscores this variance in John 16:15, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.”

An extended discussion ensues over Jesus’ disciples calling Him “master” or “lord” (Greek: kyrios), The far deeper Greek meaning of “kyrios” is of one who is an absolute owner/master of someone or something. (“Kyrios” can also have a much simpler polite meaning as simply “mister”, or “sir”.)

In today’s American society, there are a growing number of people who reject any use of the word “master” because of its close tie to American slavery. However, in the New Testament, calling Jesus one’s “Master/Lord” (and being a “slave” to Him) mean something very different. The popular objection to these words is given in ignorance of New Testament concepts. In no way is the biblical idea of Jesus being our Master (and we His slaves) forced servitude. We are voluntary slaves to Love . . . He is the God of Love. When we make ourselves slaves of Jesus, it is based on love for Him, and is completely voluntary on our part. We have freewill to leave the Master/slave relationship with Jesus at any time.

Part of the problem grows out of our tendency to apply contemporary understandings of English to the King James Version (KJV) English of 400 years ago. In the KJV, the Greek word “servos” was translated correctly as “servant,” and had the very clear meaning of “slave” (and is closely related to “serf”, “servile”, “servitude” and (forced) military service.) However today, the word “servant” has a clearly voluntary understanding.

Another extended discussion occurs on the true meaning of a word: Such meaning can be found not in the word itself, but only in the meaning behind the word. Thus, one must read the Holy Scriptures in the Spirit in which they were written. An excerpt from Isaac Pennington’s “Letter XVI is read in this context.

Resources

Didaskalos (Greek): teacher
Rabbi (Aramaic): teacher
Matheton (Greek): student or pupil
Discipulus (Latin) student
Kyrios: Master/owner/lord
Servant: (1600s English): slave, servant
Master (1600s English): teacher
Servos (Greek): slave
Metanoia (Greek): complete, utter change of heart, mind, soul and spirit
Deny (1600s English): reject or renounce; Contemporary English: refuse to admit

References:

Isaac Pennington. “Letter XVI”
The quote in our introduction was from George Fox’s journal. It can be found on

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Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

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