Creative Space for Wanderers
As Jesus teaches, word spreads and those in Jerusalem who were on the lookout for him are alerted. The mixed reaction by those attending might be here to give us comfort, some hear and get excited, others fear and anger, but the word lives on and will continue as God commands. Thoughts about serving othersThis …
Jesus’ brothers went on their way (after their advice was firmly rejected), now Jesus secretly makes his way to the Festival of Tabernacles. His teaching always amazed those who listened, even if it confused the “wise,” some listened and heard. Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the …
Continue reading “Jesus Teaches at the Festival, but not with his brothers”
The Samaritans were not altogether pleased about the Jewish pilgrimage through their territory, so it’s no surprise that the envoys ahead of Jesus were not met with great enthusiasm. Jesus isn’t surprised by the reception, but the “sons of thunder” suggested a lightning strike might teach them a lesson! Jesus rebukes this behavior and they …
After this, that is, after Jesus’ “hard teaching” in the synagogue in Capernaum (review the insight posted on John 6:60-71), those closest to Jesus in human terms, his brothers, give him some advice: leave. Jesus has a few words for them and ignores their advice. Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list of posts …
Making disciples is perhaps the most significant command required by Jesus–certainly the most important one to effectively spread the Gospel. We are commanded to go and make disciples of all nations, but Jesus’ response to these men does little to encourage them to become disciples–they failed the first test. Very interesting to unpack this short …
Continue reading “Complete commitment required of followers”
Peter thought he was being bold to consider forgiving a brother or sister in Christ up to seven times, but Jesus sets the bar much higher: seventy-seven times (infinitely)! To explain, Jesus gives us this parable that’s easy to understand until we insert our name in the place of the unmerciful servant. Thoughts about serving …
Matthew provides Jesus’ 3-step process for dealing with sin in the church, our brothers and sisters. He loves the church so much that he wants us to be responsible and self-correcting. Here are three simple steps that are often the most challenging things we will ever do. Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list …
Continue reading “Sin in the Church, Steps to Reconciliation”
Jesus welcomes those who are “for him” whether or not they are “with him.” There is some tension here between the reference in Matthew vs Mark and Luke, but they are two very different circumstances that emphasize our need to understand the context of scripture. Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list of posts …
Take drastic measures to ensure that sin doesn’t cause others to stumble. Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.My prayer is for you to join me on this journey. Subscribe to this blog below to get an email when a new post is …
Once again, Jesus provides an answer that completely conflicts with the traditional views, in this case, he seems to honor children above elders (well, everyone else for that matter)! Thoughts about serving othersThis link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.My prayer is for you to join me …