trying to find His way
For many years I have lived in relative peace and stability.Big crises were happening around the world, but not where I lived.Some people experience dramatic upheaval and terrible circumstances.Jesus here warns that this is what will happen.“Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (Mark 13:2)He describes buildings being…
I used to think this story was about faithful giving.This poor widow was an example of full devotion to God.This summer I heard a message that suggested a different angle.It is always important to pay attention to the context of a story.Just prior to this story, Jesus also speaks about widows.“The teachers of the Law……
The teachers of the Law in Jesus day were what we would call pastors today.Those who step out in front to explain what the bible means.Those who have special titles of respect, or need to dress a certain way.Those who get the better seats, or prime parking spots.Those whose voice speaks louder and longer in…
For the Jews, there was no greater king than David.To call the coming messiah ‘the son of David’ meant he would be like David.Another king like David, who established and expanded the kingdom of Israel. Jesus does not come like David, with armies to establish Israel for God.Jesus seems to do the opposite: He challenges…
The kingdom of God is this world as it was meant and made to be.We first see the kingdom of God in Genesis 1-2. It is an idealistic picture, but it makes one point clear. God’s kingdom is designed to be ruled by God-like human beings. Which is why Jesus restores the kingdom of God; He…
Right now, there are roughly 320,000 churches in the United States. If each one hosts just a single sermon every week, that means that there are around 16.6 million sermons every year in that context. Multiply that over the last 50 years, and you’re looking at more than 832 million sermons—nearly a billion sermons preached in…
The Sadducees were the social (religious, political) elites in Jerusalem.They controlled the temple, and the Sanhedrin (the Jewish high court).They were strict literalists, only following the Books of Moses (Torah).The Pharisees also followed the oral Torah (their ‘creeds and confessions’).Each claimed to know the Scriptures and the power of God.They were religious opponents, though they…
For the Jews, the Roman taxes were a burdensome and detestable offense.Not only was it crushing them in poverty, it was a religious abomination.On the coin was a ‘graven image’ of Caesar.And on it was inscribed two unacceptable phrases:— Pontifex Maximus, meaning high priest.— Tiberius Caesar, Son of the Divine Augustus.The religious leaders refused to…
This parable is a simple and clear picture of what is happening.The religious leaders know exactly what Jesus is saying.Israel is God’s vineyard, and they are the leaders of the tenants.Jesus is the son, but who are these other servants? The usual answer is that they are other prophets.Jesus himself talks about this to the…
Yesterday we saw how Jesus answered their question with a question.Now Jesus refuses to answer their question at all.Does Jesus still do this, not answer our questions?Yesterday we also saw why Jesus first answered with a question.It was because of their selfish motives; they would not believe His answer.Is this also a reason why Jesus…