The disciples are “overwhelmed.” “Life,” has just been throwing a lot at them. I mean a lot! Most of us have been there! They went from the “dire diagnosis” that Jesus — their buddy, their guy — was dead…crucified at the hands of the Roman authorities-egged-on by the crowds. Mary showed up early on the […]
It is hard to imagine…that there is “a believer” anywhere…who wouldn’t have traded places with “old Thomas…” I mean, what a “golden opportunity…” it was. What a “priceless chance…” …“imagine the growing anticipation…” It was a “once in a lifetime thing…” If, given the chance, to see for yourself… “that face”…to look into “those eyes”…to […]
Honesty is an attractive “thing.” I think it has always been attractive… Especially today, when honesty “seems like it is more fleeting than ever…” Why is it that most of those incarcerated say, “They are “not guilty?” Individuals whom are caught red-handed, claim to be not guilty. DNA evidence clearly convicts and yet, people say […]
Tonight, we are headed to a home somewhere in the Jerusalem suburb of Bethany, where Jesus stopped in to see his “old friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus” before he enters the city for the last time. “He loved them,” John tells us… although he does not tell us why. It doesn’t really matter either. Sometimes […]
It is not often talked about…but the gospel of John is also known as being the book of contrasts… For example: If I say, “Good,” you say, “Bad.” If I say, “Hot” you say, “____.”) If I say, “In” you say, “_____.”) If I say, “Dark” you say, “___.”) If I say, “Rich” you say, […]
I really want you to know that our Gospel text for today was extremely famous in the life of the early church. As a matter of fact, the same story is recorded in “some fashion” in each of the four gospel accounts. “Basically” it would seem that there are “two versions” of the same occurrence; […]
You probably do not know this…but what we do here, this morning, mirrors what was actually done in the Synagogue of Jesus’ day. In the first century, the synagogue service began with prayer. The law would be read, that meant a reading from the Torah or the Pentateuch. It was to be a reading coming […]
This a wedding story… An ancient wedding story… It is a Jewish wedding story of epic proportion. Jewish weddings in the first century of the Common Era were gala occasions, festive events and grand parties. Jewish wedding celebrations typically lasted for many days, sometimes lasting as many as seven days in duration. Jewish weddings would […]
It is always my desire to be “pro-marriage” and “pro-family…” But at the same time, a little humor and a little smile can go a long way…and is good for the soul…or so, “they say!” So first, a Biblical truism: “Adam and Eve had an “ideal marriage.” Adam didn’t have to hear about all the […]
When it comes to Jesus – there is no fence sitting. During the 10 years (26-36 CE) that Pontius Pilate served as “Royal Governor” – there were 32 riots. Three of them were “major riots” and major “sizeable events…” The Jews hated the Romans. The Jews hated Pontius Pilate. They hated the insensitivity to their […]