trying to find His way
Pilate asks the question WHY, looking for an explanation.What is the reason for this demand for crucifixion.Mark gives some reasons behind the crowds demand: “It was out of self-interest…” (Mark 15:10)“The chief priests stirred up the crowd…” (Mark 15:11)“Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas…” (Mark 15:15) It was not because of a crime that Jesus committed.It…
I reflected earlier on the wisdom remaining clam and quiet.This can be an effective way of handling a pointless argument.But it can also be an effective witness to others.Pilate has handled controversies like this before.He knows human nature (including his own) but in Jesus he encounters a mystery.Jesus does not fight, neither accusing nor defending.Jesus…
Peter should be the patron saint of those who reject Jesus. His denial of Jesus is very strong. He calls down curses: ‘may God curse me to Gehenna if I am lying’. He swears an oath: ‘I swear to God in heaven, I am not lying.’ His motivation is fear, but his disowning Jesus is…
Some people see winning a debate as a sign of strength.Sometimes wisdom does have a way of making its point hit home.But other times wisdom is seen more in its silence.One of the proverbs captures this tension well: “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.Answer…
There are times when I feel the need to pull out a sword.Not an actual sword, but the sword of my tongue.Though sometimes even a more physical weapon, to defend.I’ve never wanted to kill anyone myself with a weapon.But some people are so cruel and mean, someone needs to stop them.My usual go to, when…
It all happened in the garden.The serpent comes to the garden to tempt us (Genesis 3).The first Adam failed, and we’ve been falling into temptation ever since.Jesus alone endures through Satan’s worse, and stands firm.He is the Son of God (Adam) that fully refuses the serpent’s lies.He stays true to God’s purpose, remaining an obedient Adam.He…
Jesus knows that His followers are weak, and will fall away.He also knows what will happen to Him, that He will be struck down.This is a quote from Zechariah, which is a complicated book of prophecies.(Watch The Bible Project: Zechariah to get a sense of it).Zechariah offers both promises and warnings to the people of…
The phrase “blood of the covenant” is from Exodus 24.God brings the people to the base of Mount Sinai.He enters into a marriage-like relationship with the people. There were two kinds of sacrifices offered at that time.There was the burnt offering and the fellowship offering.The sacrificed animals represented God and the people.The burnt offering pointed to…
If the poor are always with us, should we be as concerned about them?Some people use this line to justify the existence of poor people.Jesus isn’t affirming the rightness of poverty, but our problem.The poor are always with us because collectively humans don’t care.Ever since we doubted God’s goodness in Eden, we’ve become self-serving.“You can…
This is really the point of this whole section of teaching.‘Tough times are coming, but don’t forget your job while I’m gone’.Jesus has left the house and put His servants in charge.Not to do whatever they want, not to laze around doing nothing. So what is our job as servants of Jesus? “Whatever happens, conduct…