The publican and the Pharisee had this in common: They were both looking for justification. The difference between the two was that one sought his justification by reflecting on his own goodness, the other sought his justification by reflecting on the goodness of God. In Luke … [Read more...] about Jesus, Justice
Worship is Warfare
Whenever we pray, “Thy Kingdom Come”, a host of important questions arise. What do we mean by "Kingdom come" and, how is this Kingdom brought about? Some talk about the kingdom in ways that frighten their Christian brothers with visions of clergy looking for a witch to burn. … [Read more...] about Worship is Warfare
Jesus, Desolation and Deliverance
The basic assumption of first century Israel was that when the Son of Man came He would destroy His enemies and that this would be great cause for celebration. The problem was, Israel had become that enemy. For Israel, the first century was filled with expectation and longing … [Read more...] about Jesus, Desolation and Deliverance
Poster Girl
If you’re trying to kick off a new religion in a place that doesn't acknowledge the voice of a woman, especially a Samaritan woman, especially an adulterous Samaritan woman; then your not likely to choose that kind of woman as your poster girl, right? Bringing the Good News to … [Read more...] about Poster Girl
Jesus, The Priesthood
After the resurrection of Lazarus Jesus moves to a place called Ephraim near Galilee. That takes us to Luke 17 where we find 10 lepers who were healed by Jesus. Now, what usually happens with a miracle like this is that it gets reduced to a moral lesson on gratitude. Ten are … [Read more...] about Jesus, The Priesthood