trying to find His way
Today I am reflecting on the ripple effect of experiencing Jesus.Jesus in Mary, through Mary’s greeting, affects Elizabeth.Not only Elizabeth, but the unborn baby in her womb.It seems that Jesus in the womb was already Spirit-powered. “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The…
Mary is told in advance what is going to happen.Imagine this young girl (12,13?) finding out she will be pregnant.And not in the usual way, with the participation of a husband.And not a usual child, but the promised Messiah, son of God.Does she think through the implications of this?Does she think it will be advantageous…
Many people see the phrase ‘son of God’ as meaning that Jesus is divine.As they see it, just as a ‘son of man’ is human, ‘a son of God’ is divine.And since Jesus used both titles, He was claiming to be both God and human.Trinitarian theology puts it this way: Jesus is fully God and…
Elijah is traditionally considered one of the greatest Old Testament prophets.He was known for championing monotheism and confronting kings.He was known for powerful miracles and a dramatic ascent to heaven.Malachi, later prophet, predicted the return of one like Elijah. “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of…
A big question for many people is about the reliability of the Jesus stories.There are some fantastic and hard to believe stories recorded in them.Luke himself was not an eyewitness, yet he believes them with certainty.In these opening words he explains that he did his homework.He received the stories from those who were eyewitnesses.He carefully…
This added line confirms what is said elsewhere. The disciples task was to go and to preach (show and share) the good news. It was not their job to perform signs; this was the Lord’s part. It was Jesus, not the disciples, who performed the miracles. “So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking…
These words added to Mark stand out as odd, and dangerous.Nowhere else in the Jesus stories is this mentioned.There are some possible connections to other parts of the BibleThere is the prophecy of Isaiah 11 about the coming of the Messiah.The Branch of Jesse will be Spirit-powered and make things right (Isaiah 11:1-5). “The wolf will live…
These words lay it out very plainly.If you accept Jesus (believe and be baptized) you will be saved.If you do not accept Jesus (do not believe), you will be condemned.Marks’s editor seems to be echoing what John wrote, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they…
Mark’s editor (whoever added these words) summarizes Matthew and Luke. “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:18-19) “And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)…
The women were afraid, stunned speechless, but they did believe.Two times the disciples hear the news, but they do not believe it.They didn’t believe it when Mary Magdalene told them.And they didn’t believe it when two others told them (see Luke 24). Those who add this longer ending borrow from Matthew, Luke and John.It is not…