Creative Space for Wanderers
It’s interesting that John tells us about “some Greeks” who worshipped at the festival. These were not Jews, but (according to the NIV Study Bible notes) people who were “attracted to Judaism by its monotheism and morality, but repelled by its nationalism and requirements such as circumcision.” These seems to describe many who want the …
Palm Sunday marked the triumphal entry of Jesus in Jerusalem just days before his crucifixion. Just after his entry he clears the temple courts by overturning the tables of the money changes and chasing out those who were buying and selling. Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all …
The title of this post seems to indicate this is about a fig tree that Jesus cursed. I guess I’m a bit distracted today because that just seemed obvious and of little interest. Today, that didn’t speak to me. Tomorrow may be a completely different story. So, I have two observations to consider: 1) Jesus …
Continue reading “Cursing of the fig tree for having leaves but no figs”
Just a week before Passover, Jesus arrives at Bethany. The Pharisees and chief priests are on high alert, looking for Jesus, wanting to arrest him and complete their mission to kill him. Apparently they have Lazarus in their sights as well. Mary, the sister of Lazarus, pours expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus–crazy thing …
The Parable of the Talents (bags of gold in NIV 2011) and Ten Minas have many similarities that might be summarized by saying, doing nothing is unacceptable. Do something with what you’ve been given. Resources (talents) + Labor (work) + Time = Profit[1] From the reference in Bible.org we see a formula for the adage …
Continue reading “Until I Return — Parable of the Ten Minas”
One of the favorite stories for children’s pastors, the imagery of this story is fascinating. Zacchaeus is a short man physically and a wealthy man despised by many. As a chief tax collector, he was the tax collector’s tax collector! We’ve read many times that tax collectors were not well thought of, so here we have …
Though many rebuked the blind men for shouting out to Jesus, they continued and even got louder. Interesting. Bartimaeus and his companion heard the commotion, they knew something unusual was happening and so they asked for clarification and found out that “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” This might be the only opportunity they get …
Continue reading “Healing of blind Bartimaeus and his companion”
In this passage we find the Zebedee’s approaching Jesus to ask for a privilege: the brothers, James and John, want to be seated to the left and right of Jesus–at his side. Why would they ask such a thing? Most of the times I’ve read this, I just think they are being foolish, even self-serving, …
Continue reading “James and John and Mom — Request for Honored Positions”
At this point, Jesus is headed to Jerusalem with his disciples and others who are following. Once again, Jesus predicts his arrest, inquisition, death and resurrection. Once again, the disciples are left scratching their heads trying to understand this consistent message from Jesus. Two phrases caught my attention this morning: 1) Jesus took his disciples …