THE STORY OF JESUS: John 18:28-40 “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37) Pilate is trying to figure out the truth about Jesus. But when Jesus speaks truthfully, he does not like what he hears. He may ask “what is truth?” but what he really wants is “what is convenient!” I know someone…
Hope despite harm?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 121 “The Lord will keep you from all harm.” (Psalm 121:7) But as I read the psalm, I always feel a hesitation as I read some words. He will keep us from all harm, He will not let our foot slip? What happens when we do slip, what happens when we do…
Who moved?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Malachi 1-4 “Return to me, and I will return to you.” (Malachi 3:6) Many people are disappointed in their relationship with God. God seems distant, unresponsive, uninvolved in the struggles of their lives. Sometimes – not always – it can be because we are holding back from God. This is what Malachi is…
Focusing on God’s power and purpose!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Haggai 1-2 “And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.” (Haggai 2:5) Haggai describes a revival among God’s people. God has challenged their focus on their own homes and dreams. Their spirits have been stirred for God’s kingdom agenda. But the results are disappointing: this temple is nothing like the first one….
The sound of mercy!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 18:25-27 “Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.” (John 18:27) Included in this story about Jesus is this moment of Peter’s failure. If one so close to Jesus can buckle under pressure, I am encouraged. Though I’ve never denied Jesus like this, I’ve never been threatened…
My life an echo of Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 18:19-24 “I have spoken openly to the world.” (John 18:20) People can’t ask Jesus today anymore, since He is not physically with us. But anyone can read the gospels today to learn the message of Jesus. Anyone can also ask a Jesus follower too, for they know what He said. “Ask those…
Yes, I am a follower of Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 18:15-18 “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” (John 18:17) There have been times when I was uncomfortable to say I was a christian. My struggle is not with being connected with Jesus… but with the ‘church’. The institutional church has too often misrepresented Jesus to the world. I…
More than an ‘atonement theory’
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 18:12-14 “Then the detachment of soldiers… arrested Jesus (and) bound Him.” (John 18:12) Use your imagination to picture this scene, Jesus being arrested and bound. I love how C.S.Lewis pictures this in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” “Four Hags, grinning and leering, approached him. They shrieked with triumph when they…
Looking up, wherever we are!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 120 “Woe to me that I live among the tents of Kedar!” (Psalm 120:5) A ‘song of ascents’ was sung by pilgrims on the upward roads to Jerusalem. As they ascended, they lifted their hearts and voices to the Lord. In this song they lament that where they live people do not…
Joy of every longing heart!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Zechariah 11-14 “They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn.” (Zechariah 12:10) There are many allusions to the coming messiah in this reading. Thirty pieces of silver paid for the shepherd’s life (11:12-13, Matthew 27:3-10). Outpouring of the Spirit of Jesus in Jerusalem (12:10, Acts 2) Grieving for the…