12 Step Spirituality Worship Series
Texts: Steps 2 & 3; Mark 10:17-27
The man in our story for today has no name. His story shows up in three of the four gospels. Here in Mark’s gospel he is simply described as “a man.” In Matthew’s version, he is explicitly described as a young man. In Luke’s he is called “a certain ruler.” In all of them, it eventually becomes clear that he is rich.
In amalgamation, this has come to be known as the story of the Rich Young Ruler. But in none of the versions does this person have a name. Instead, he becomes known by how others perceive him, how others label him.
As we explore the spirituality of the 12 Steps, many of you may be like me and have only second-hand knowledge of the steps and stereotypical images of the kinds of groups that utilize them. One of the most prevalent images is of a person standing before a group, introducing themselves and declaring that they are an alcoholic,...