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Two Parades

It’s that time of year again in Jerusalem – the Passover – that celebration of God freeing the Jewish people generations ago from an Egyptian empire that was enslaving them. It happens every year, and for Roman politicians and police in particular – the current occupiers of the Jewish people during Jesus’ ministry – it’sContinue reading “Two Parades”

Can These Bones Live?

I want to give a little recap of what has happened in the first 32 verses of this chapter. Jesus was summoned by Martha and Mary because Lazarus, their brother and Jesus’ friend, was dying. However Jesus does not go right away and Lazarus dies in the waiting. Then Jesus finally leaves the safety heContinue reading “Can These Bones Live?”

Seeking Belonging

Liz: Today’s Scripture reading comes from the Gospel of John, chapter 9, verses 1-41. I’ve got some help from Ron, Robert, Kay, and Pastor Dexter today to help this long reading come to life! Let us open to all the Spirit has to say to us today. As he [Jesus] walked along, he saw aContinue reading “Seeking Belonging”

Asking for a Drink of Water

So [Jesus] came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “GiveContinue reading “Asking for a Drink of Water”

Born From Above

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ 3Jesus answered him, ‘VeryContinue reading “Born From Above”

Poison or Medicine

Then [after Jesus was baptized] Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”Continue reading “Poison or Medicine”

The Fast I Choose

Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet!Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins.Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways,as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God;they ask of me righteous judgements, theyContinue reading “The Fast I Choose”

Re-Grounded for the Resistance

17Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then PeterContinue reading “Re-Grounded for the Resistance”

Ethic of Neighborly Love

“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a sibling, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a sibling, you will be liable to theContinue reading “Ethic of Neighborly Love”

Being Who You Are

‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lightingContinue reading “Being Who You Are”