Creative Space for Wanderers
The ambassadors return and are excited that they were able to do amazing things, even the demons were frightened of them. Jesus uses this as a teachable moment and explains this is what God was pleased to do and Jesus rejoiced, full of joy. Jesus tells them: However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit …
Jesus sends out ambassadors, sheep among wolves, whether 70 or 72, it appears he has enough followers to pick a sizable group to begin expanding the ministry. This commissioning is only recorded in Luke, perhaps this is just Luke’s bias (as the author of Acts). The warnings are just as relevant today! Thoughts about serving othersThis …
Jesus is the gate, the good shepherd. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;” Jesus came to provide life to the full. The good shepherd is willing to lay down his life for the sheep, not so with the hired hand. In this passage Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees; some hear …
Continue reading “The good shepherd and his sheep, Jews divided”
Jesus found the man who the Pharisees threw out of the synagogue and preaches on spiritual blindness. Some of the Pharisees heard this lesson and begin to wonder if they are blind too for they cannot seem to understand that Jesus is the Son of Man. Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list of …
The Pharisees inquisition and excommunication of the man. Perhaps that’s a better title! The Pharisees decide to check into this matter by talking to the man who was healed, then to his parents (though his parents are not exactly the model leaders in the community). The man is questioned a second time and provides a …
The healing by Jesus and his neighbors astonished reaction. Who sinned? The disciples are trying to piece this together. John devotes the entire chapter to this story, so we’ll take three days to look at it. This is part 1 of 3. Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list of posts about Serving the …
As Jesus spoke many believed him, but they still had questions. In this section a group of Jews who “had believed him” wrestle with his answers to their questions, but they aren’t listening. Jesus explains that everyone who sins is a slave to sin, a point they must not have heard, then this great statement …
Continue reading “Jesus and Abraham, Jews who believed turn on him”
Jesus speaks to the people in the temple courts again, this time he says “I am the light of the world” and the Pharisees respond that Jesus is making an invalid claim because of a lack of witnesses. It’s like they’re speaking two different languages or having two completely separate conversations. The content of what …
Continue reading “Conflict over Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world”
Scholars don’t consider this passage as part of the canon since it is absent from almost all the early manuscripts. Those that include it sometimes place it elsewhere. However it is believed to be an authentic story and is consistent with others. Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list of posts about Serving the …
Continue reading “Jesus forgives a woman caught in adultery”