Building on the Word

The Emptiness of Easter

Easter is a joyful feast. But the beginning of Easter is emptiness. Every gospel writer begins the story of Easter with the empty tomb.

Doing the Work of Christ

If our faith does not make some impact on the ordinary things we do day in and day out it is doubtful whether that faith is real.

Blood, Money, the Paranormal

Blood, money, and the paranormal spur instant curiosity. They are the bread and butter of any story teller or promoter. Matthew’s passion narrative is characterized by these three elements.

Re-Imaginig Sheep

Sheep are dumb animals. Yet if Jesus is the shepherd, we are the sheep. Are they really the best image to describe our role as followers of Jesus?

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.