On Sunday, the lectionary invited us to reflect on the gospel according to John chapter 3, verses 14-21. These verses are the back end of John’s report of a conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. John tells us that Nicodemus was a leader of the Jews. And that he came to Jesus “by night,” out of …
Then God said [to Abraham] “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about” Genesis 22: 2 This is one story that I have much trouble with. Why would God …
This Sunday, the lectionary invites us to ponder John’s account of Jesus’ wreaking havoc on the trading floor of the Temple in Jerusalem. The passage is in the Gospel according to John, chapter 2, verses 13-22. Most readers miss the shock in the first verse, verse 13. It reads: “The Passover of the Jews was …
This Sunday the lectionary invites us to ponder Mark 8:31-38. In these verses, we read that Jesus taught his disciples he would soon suffer, be rejected, and be killed; and be raised up from the dead. And that the same things would happen to them. Two thoughts which Christians have treasured over the centuries come …
Why did Jesus experience suffering, rejection and murder? Read More »
Today I preached on Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac. The text is in Genesis 22:1-18. I pointed out that the apostles Paul and James, and the writer to the Hebrews, speak of Abraham as a model of faith, because he believed the promises God made to him. Especially those recorded in Genesis 15. I also said …
This Sunday the lectionary invites us to consider two passages. They are verses 1-6 and 16-21 in chapter 6 of Matthew. The passages sandwich the prayer which we call “The Lord’s Prayer.” Matthew uses the sandwich technique to emphasize the reason Jesus taught the model prayer. He does this by using the word “hypocrite” in …
Beautiful on the outside, but rotting on the inside Read More »
Over the past week, the air waves have been filled with outrage over a decision of the Pardons Board. Many have asked me for my point of view. Here’s my attempt at an answer. The press statement On February 2, 2024, the Pardons Board put out a statement (attached). It was printed on the letterhead …
This Sunday, the lectionary invites us to ponder Mark’s account of the transfiguration of Jesus. The text is in chapter nine, verses 2-9. The word “transfiguration” describes what happened to Jesus when he took three of his disciples up a high mountain. Jesus son of Mary, Jesus of the line of King David, Jesus the …
I can summarize my response in three words. But before I get into that, I have to say I’d like to hear what law enforcement officers, whether police. Immigration, or local council – and lawmakers – think of the movie. Now for my three words of response. The words are: sad, angry, and pleased. First, …
My response to Abang Adik, the movie with rave reviews Read More »
This Sunday the lectionary invites us to reflect on Jesus’ healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, on his acts to liberate many people from diseases and demons, and on the first sign of disconnect between him and his hand-picked disciples. The text is in the gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses 29-39. As I pointed out …
Did demons ‘get’ Jesus better than his disciples? Read More »
