Sunday’s Coming
Are people good? (Mark 10:17-31)
We are worthy, loved, and enough. But so is everyone else.
Jesus’ siblings (Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12; Genesis 2:18-24; Psalm 8; Mark 10:2-16)
Our behavior doesn’t change the claim Jesus makes on us.
So many kinds of salt (Mark 9:38-50)
Last year I was told I needed to be on a high-sodium diet for medical reasons.
The mysticism of greatness (Mark 9:30-37)
Mystics experience the holy—an experience that enlarges their interest in their fellow humans.
Enlarged hearts (Mark 8:27-38)
What does it mean to have a Savior?
Speaking the language of the heart (Mark 7:24-37)
Ephphatha is Jesus’ own original language. Be opened!
What is true religion? (Psalm 15; James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23)
And are we practicing it?
No better place to be (John 6:56-69; Ephesians 6:10-20)
The disciples remember every miracle that Jesus did, every truth that he proclaimed.
Nurturing the bread of life (John 6:51-58)
The church doesn’t always value people as God does. Not even Mary.
How Elijah copes (I Kings 19:4-8)
It’s been quite a week for the prophet of God.
God comes through (Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15)
The One who promised Moses perpetual presence is apparently someone to be trusted.
New Testament wisdom literature (Ephesians 3:14–21)
Ephesians makes a case for theological reflection on the mysteries of life.
Who is my shepherd? (Psalm 23)
It took me decades to realize Psalm 23 isn’t exactly about Jesus.
Herod’s pursuit of power (Mark 6:14-29)
According to Josephus, Herod Antipas desperately wanted to be called “king.”
Over-packing for the journey (Mark 6:1-13)
Is this passage more than a cautionary tale about the tendency to stuff a suitcase to the gills?
Justice for our children is next (Mark 5:21-43)
Jairus knows the weight of justice delayed as justice denied. But he keeps moving.
Conversations with chaos (Mark 4:35-41)
The wind and water operate at a guttural level within these fishermen disciples.
Mustard you can’t control (Mark 4:26-34)
It’s a beautiful plant. It’s also an invasive weed.
A new family (Mark 3:20-35)
Yes, Jesus is possessed—by a new vision of what it means to live in community and in relationship with God.
A sabbath way of life (Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Mark 2:23-3:6)
My forebears were a little shortsighted with their strict sabbath codes, but they weren’t entirely wrong.