In today’s world, we often assume it is our job to defend Jesus. We feel compelled to protect His reputation, to win arguments, to overpower opponents. But Jesus tells Peter to stop. This is not how the kingdom advances. The kingdom does not grow through panic. It does not expand through violence. It does not depend on our ability to overpower critics. It moves forward through obedience. Through surrender. Through the quiet strength of a Savior who trusts the Father more than He fears suffering.  Read More

In the garden, Jesus speaks of a cup. Not the cup of the new covenant they had just shared at the table. This is the cup He once asked James and John about — “Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink?”  Read More

And in the middle of it all, Jesus calls Himself The Human One. Not detached. Not insulated. Not floating above the pain. Human. Fully stepping into betrayal. Fully stepping into suffering. Fully stepping into death.  Read More

When Jesus speaks of the Son of Man coming in glory and taking His seat on the throne, I can’t help but picture the throne room described in the early chapters of Book of Revelation. Not a cold seat of judgment, but a throne occupied by One who still bears the marks of sacrifice—appearing as a Lamb who was slain.  Read More

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.” Matthew 24:35 (CEB) We can talk about the “signs of the times” until we’re blue in the face. Matthew 24 is filled with vivid language, symbolism, and warnings that easily pull our attention toward speculation. But Jesus doesn’t give these words so we can become experts in interpretation. He gives them so we will be ready...  Read More

Fear always masquerades as wisdom when faith grows thin. But the kingdom of God does not advance through risk management. It advances through faithful obedience. The servants who were commended didn’t create something new. They simply used what they were given. That is sanctification in action—grace received, grace exercised, grace multiplied.  Read More