Mark 8:31-38

“Conundrums”

Back in my youth ministry leadership days at Maplewood Reformed Church, there was one particular high school student who loved to play a game called “Conundrums.” It was sort of a verbal CSI (crime scene investigation) attempt at figuring out how an individual had died. Questions were asked until the crime was solved. Only questions that could be answered with a “yes” or a “no” response were allowed. Our youth group played this game for hours on every Cran-Hill Ranch retreat for four years! “Conundrums” provided us with intellectual mystery and wonder.

This passage reminded me of my “Conundrum retreat days” as a youth leader. Jesus provided some very puzzling clues as to how he would die in the near future, and yet his disciples were confused, perplexed, and outright chastised (namely Peter). They could not figure Jesus out.

If we also read the entire chapter 8, in which our verses are found, we see many conundrums:

• the desire of the crowd for miracles or signs and Jesus’ refusal to perform any
• the frustration (and deep sigh!) of Jesus over the disciples’ lack of understanding
• Jesus’ words “don’t tell anyone about me” (that’s my favorite!)
• and finally, the paradoxical conundrum of saying “if you want to save your life, lose it by following me.”

Opposites are a conundrum to me. Our Lenten season (and life’s journey too) sometimes raises more questions for me than answers: Why is following Jesus so unclear at times? Why am I so unwilling to make changes in my life? Why don’t the changes last longer? Sometimes my life seems like one unending youth group game of “Conundrums.” Life goes on and on with constant questions. Sometimes there is a “yes” (Good, we are making progress here!). Other times there is a “no” (Great, another conundrum. Keep asking!).

Prayer: Jesus, as I follow you, be patient with my questions and my lack of understanding the conundrums of life.

—Keith A. Derrick