On this Palm-Passion Sunday, we follow Luke's account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, arrest and crucifixion. We end with Jesus dead on the cross and imagine how the world would have been different if the story had ended there.
On this Palm-Passion Sunday, we follow Luke's account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, arrest and crucifixion. We end with Jesus dead on the cross and imagine how the world would have been different if the story had ended there.
In Luke's account of the encounter of Jesus with a blind beggar, we see Jesus stop what he is doing and ask, "What do you want me to do for you?" Perhaps we are unwilling to stop what we are doing and actually listen to others or perhaps we assume that we already know what people want. The words and actions of Jesus serve to remind us of the importance of stopping and listening.
In Luke's account of the encounter of Jesus with a blind beggar, we see Jesus stop what he is doing and ask, "What do you want me to do for you?" Perhaps we are unwilling to stop what we are doing and actually listen to others or perhaps we assume that we already know what people want. The words and actions of Jesus serve to remind us of the importance of stopping and listening.
In a cluster of three parables, including the well-known Parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus describes what it means to be lost and then found again. His account of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, set against the back story of the Exile in Babylon, serves as a model for the church today being about the task of serving as the Body of Christ among God's people.
In a cluster of three parables, including the well-known Parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus describes what it means to be lost and then found again. His account of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, set against the back story of the Exile in Babylon, serves as a model for the church today being about the task of serving as the Body of Christ among God's people.
As we follow Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem this Lent, we see how he reminds his followers of the importance and true cost of discipleship. The stakes are very high and Jesus not only asks that we count the cost of following him but also that we count the cost of choosing otherwise.
As we follow Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem this Lent, we see how he reminds his followers of the importance and true cost of discipleship. The stakes are very high and Jesus not only asks that we count the cost of following him but also that we count the cost of choosing otherwise.
As Jesus travels up to Jerusalem, resistance begins to mount with conflicts between him and the Pharisees as well as suggestions that Herod may be seeking after him, as he had done with John the Baptist. Jesus continues on his way, confident that he comes in the name of the Lord and that the mission for the Kingdom cannot be defeated. Once we have discovered what we are willing to die for then learning what we are willing to live for comes naturally.
As Jesus sets his face towards Jerusalem, we learn what is expected of those who choose to follow him. They must break loose from false security, from the expectations of others and even from the demands of their religious tradition. How many agree to follow Jesus? In this passage we never get to learn that. Perhaps the invitation is really directed at us.
As Jesus sets his face towards Jerusalem, we learn what is expected of those who choose to follow him. They must break loose from false security, from the expectations of others and even from the demands of their religious tradition. How many agree to follow Jesus? In this passage we never get to learn that. Perhaps the invitation is really directed at us.
On this Transfiguration Sunday we examine the account by Luke of Jesus on the mountain and understand how Jesus is preparing to turn his face to Jerusalem through our examination of the narrative through the lens of the Exodus. As we prepare for Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, Jesus illustrates for us how transfiguration (or transformation) can come about.
On this Transfiguration Sunday we examine the account by Luke of Jesus on the mountain and understand how Jesus is preparing to turn his face to Jerusalem through our examination of the narrative through the lens of the Exodus. As we prepare for Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, Jesus illustrates for us how transfiguration (or transformation) can come about.
Luke describes how Jesus uses the stories of the widow of Zarephath and Naaman the leper to teach the people of his home town how God acts among those outside the covenant. Maybe there is a lesson there for us!
Luke describes how Jesus uses the stories of the widow of Zarephath and Naaman the leper to teach the people of his home town how God acts among those outside the covenant. Maybe there is a lesson there for us!
In the narrative flow of Luke's Gospel, suddenly we encounter Jesus claiming the role of Messiah, prophet and Son of God, and starting to define his own vision for what this will look like. The key to his vision is freedom and he claims the words of the Book of Isaiah for himself. Luke's narrative takes an exciting new turn as Jesus sets about living into his vision.
In the narrative flow of Luke's Gospel, suddenly we encounter Jesus claiming the role of Messiah, prophet and Son of God, and starting to define his own vision for what this will look like. The key to his vision is freedom and he claims the words of the Book of Isaiah for himself. Luke's narrative takes an exciting new turn as Jesus sets about living into his vision.
Luke's account continues with the description of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. The real issue being tested is this: Is Jesus really the Son of God?
Luke's account continues with the description of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. The real issue being tested is this: Is Jesus really the Son of God?
In Luke's account, we read of the baptism of Jesus by John. What was John doing and why was Jesus participating? Did Jesus need to undergo a baptism of "repentance for the forgiveness of sins?" How do these acts by John and Jesus work into our understanding of baptism today and what does baptism call us to be and do?
In Luke's Gospel the account of Simeon and Anna in the Temple illustrates for us the concept of "epiphany." Epiphanies happen today but perhaps we are too busy or too distracted to notice them.
In Luke's Gospel the account of Simeon and Anna in the Temple illustrates for us the concept of "epiphany." Epiphanies happen today but perhaps we are too busy or too distracted to notice them.
As the New Year approaches we remind ourselves of the nature of the Biblical covenants and, especially, the centrality of the New Covenant to Christian life.
As the New Year approaches we remind ourselves of the nature of the Biblical covenants and, especially, the centrality of the New Covenant to Christian life.
On this eve of Christmas we look at Luke's narrative and see the fragile nature of the story of Jesus. This fragile, delicate story now rests in our hands as we seek to be the Body of Christ in the world today.
As Advent draws to a close, Luke's narrative returns to an account of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and the birth of John. In Zechariah's Benedictus, we see how Zechariah understands what is happening. He speaks of redemption and salvation in terms of freedom. The freedom to love and serve God is being made real in the world in a whole new way!
As Advent draws to a close, Luke's narrative returns to an account of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and the birth of John. In Zechariah's Benedictus, we see how Zechariah understands what is happening. He speaks of redemption and salvation in terms of freedom. The freedom to love and serve God is being made real in the world in a whole new way!
Today we think about the coming of Christ as a child (and born to one barely more than a child herself) into a world where even little children are not safe from brutal violence. We examine Mary's prayer and see how this can guide us to look with hope and trust to a future in which it is truly "on earth as it is in heaven."
Today we think about the coming of Christ as a child (and born to one barely more than a child herself) into a world where even little children are not safe from brutal violence. We examine Mary's prayer and see how this can guide us to look with hope and trust to a future in which it is truly "on earth as it is in heaven."
We take a look at the story of Mary and her visit from Angel Gabriel.
