According to the ESV, the words “from that time on” signify the end of Jesus’ Galilean ministry and the beginning of his journey to Jerusalem. In the first of four references to his upcoming suffering and death, Jesus aims to prepare his disciples and ready...
When a gospel passage begins with the phrase, “Now when,” it’s meant to draw our attention to what’s about to happen next. Now when Jesus arrived at a place called Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples a very pointed question. “Who do people say the...
When Jesus “left that place and went away” he crossed the border and left what was traditionally known as Jewish territory in the country of Israel. He “left that place and went away” with intention, just like always, heading toward the districts of Tyre and...
Hearing the sound of sheer silence. It’s one of my favorite things to briefly hear in the midst of confusion, chaos, or trouble. Here’s an example from our own lives that might enable us to relate to Elijah as a persecuted prophet. Did you ever drive...
Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, gave them to his disciples and they in turn gave them to the crowds. The first thing I want to say is, “Thanks be to God that the...
Even though God answers prayer according to his holy will and bestows gifts and talents meant to deliver good outcomes, it doesn’t mean people will ultimately act in ways that deliver good outcomes. If God did in fact give Solomon a wise discerning mind, how...
I don’t like today’s parable. It uses labels like good and evil. It seeks to blame evil on one source, an enemy. And it suggests that people fall into categories of the same: good, evil, or the enemy. It also suggests the ultimate solution of...
Jesus went out of the house by himself and sat beside the sea. Was he looking for a few moments of solitude or did he know in advance that by making himself visible, he would draw a crowd? When the crowds did in fact gather...
Let’s back up a bit. Chapter 11 began by saying, “When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.” Then when John was in prison, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he...
"Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me.” If a person does right by you, Jesus will consider they’ve done right by him and who sent him. Although it sounds like the same code sanctioned by prisoners, gangs and crime syndicates, the idea of caring for your own,...