Author: Norm

“Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19)As a Jesus follower I have been baptized many times.I was baptized as a baby, but also as a teenager, also as an adult.Sometimes water was used, but always God’s triune love was involved.In fact, I am still…

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)As a Jesus follower, I believe that Jesus is Ruler of all creation.If Jesus were a Ruler like humans are, He would want to make subjects.He would focus on – and enforce – submission, obedience and loyalty.But Jesus wants more than subjects, He wants students. A disciple…

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18)As a Jesus follower, I am drawn to His message about the kingdom of God.Jesus declared that God’s kingdom had come near (Matthew 4:17).This was the gospel, the good news of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23).He trained His disciples to pray for the kingdom on earth…

Reflecting on Matthew 28:11-15 “When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan…” (Matthew 28:12)As a Jesus follower, planning is a part of how we fulfill our mission.A plan is a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.That ‘something’ is our mission or purpose.Jesus came to fulfill God’s plan to rescue humanity and…

Reflecting on Matthew 28:1-10 “They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.” (Matthew 28:9)“When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:17)As a Jesus follower, I sometimes shift between confidence and doubt.I probably relate more to the male disciples than the female ones.Remember, the male disciples fled, but these women stayed close.The Marys’…

Reflecting on Matthew 28:1-10 “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus.” (Matthew 28:5)As a Jesus follower, fear for God is not a big part of my faith.I don’t mean fear as a sense of awe or respect, that is part of my faith.But I do not shake or cower with terror…

Reflecting on Matthew 27:62-66 “His disciples may steal the body and say he has been raised from the dead.” (Matthew 27:64)As a Jesus follower, I do not want to fake my faith in Jesus.I want to be honest, about what I believe, and also when I doubt. Can you imagine the first disciples faking Jesus’s resurrection?If they…

Reflecting on Matthew 27:57-61 “Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus.” (Matthew 27:57) As a Jesus follower, I want to be open about my faith in Jesus. Not arrogant or pushy, but open and honest. Willing to let my reputation be undermined, for Jesus’s sake. Joseph had a lot to lose, if he was rich….

Reflecting on Matthew 27:45-56 “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” (Matthew 27:51)As a Jesus follower, I see Jesus as the turning point of history.I still think in terms of BC (Before Christ) and AD (After Death).Actually, the AD stands for anno Domini, the year of our Lord.This…

Reflecting on Matthew 27:32-44 “In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him.” (Matthew 27:41)As a Jesus follower, I learn from Him how to treat others.Not only those I love, or who love me, but even strangers and enemies.Jesus teaches and models the way of humility and grace.These traits…