A Body to Touch
What is the meaning of the curious invitation by Jesus to Thomas to take his finger and place it into the gash on Jesus’ side? Why would Thomas want to do this?
Life in the Presence of Death
The life that Jesus offers us today is not life instead of evil, but life in the midst of evil. He promises us that we can have life, even in the presence of death.
The Hungry Heart
As we reach out for the things that we want, we are not being selfish. We are following a way to God. Nothing will ultimately satisfy us other than God alone.
Jesus Meets His Wife (John 4)
The patriarchs of the Hebrews Scriptures would regularly meet their future spouses at a well. So when Jesus meets a woman at a well in Samaria, the implication is that he is about to be married.
Are You a Pharisee?
It is unfortunate that Christians often carry a negative understanding of the Pharisees. Historical research has indicated that Jesus was closer to the Pharisees than to any other religious group.
Waiting for the Angels to Come
The devil comes three times to tempt Jesus. If it takes Jesus three times to send the devil packing, how much more difficult will it be for us? That is why it is essential for us to stand our ground.
A Loophole in the Kingdom
The Beatitudes contain a loophole, an escape clause, by which number of us might gain access to the Kingdom of God.
Salt and Light
Salt has a distinctive flavor. When Jesus tells us that we are to be salt for the earth, he calls us to stand apart.
The 100th Monkey
Both the early Rabbis and Japanese monkeys tell us that even the smallest action of loving-kindness is valuable and important.
Not Slapping Back
Jesus tells us that we are to respond to violence with non-violence. It would be difficult to find a more challenging teaching in the entire Bible.
The Truth of Blinking
The transfiguration of Jesus calls us to wisdom and humility, claiming the truth that we can see and remembering that there is truth to which we are blind.
Jesus Is Not Against the Law
The “antitheses” from the Sermon on the Mount are misunderstood when they are read as Jesus replacing the Jewish Law with a New Law.