Author: Norm

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…

Reflecting on Matthew 27:27-31 “Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him.” (Matthew 27:29)As a Jesus follower, this is not something I want to follow.Yes to the way of love, but no to this way of suffering.Yet is it possible to genuinely love, and not suffer? What is it in these soldiers that makes them…

Reflecting on Matthew 27:11-26 “He knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.” (Matthew 27:18)As a Jesus follower, my life is on display before the world.People who experience me can sense how I am, and what motivates me.Jesus says that love is what people should notice in us (John 13:35). Here Pilate…

Reflecting on Matthew 27:1-10 “So Judas threw the money into the temple and left.” (Matthew 27:5)As a Jesus follower, I also face moments of failure and regret.In the moment you do what seems right or best.In hindsight you realize it was a mistake, or unwise.Depending on what it was, it may lead you to despair. Some people…