@ 3 mph"Come and see," was Jesus' simple invitation (John 1:39). None other than the wilderness prophet, the wild man, John the Baptizer, had pointed his followers to Jesus. They were curious. Most prophets made declarations, Jesus the Rabbi gave an invitation. He Who calls us to be disciplemakers started His earthly ministry (after His baptism and Holy Spirit preparation) by inviting people to be...  Read More

What a total contrast between the should-be leaders called the kings, and the would-be followers called the disciples. The kings knew better, yet they by choice fulfilled the prophecy that Samuel made that they would place heavy yokes on the people of Israel and lead them astray...far away from God. The scattering disciples had placed their hope in Jesus, were deeply disappointed when He did not m...  Read More

Every word, every deedBeing intentional disciples, so that every little word, every small deed, is done for Jesus and His glory, bears fruit in the long haul. Our reading from 1 Kings reminds us that Solomon became way too much like the world we live in. Any anomalous person can gain multiplied followers impressed by curiosity and become a 'social influencer.' Solomon's life-time accomplishments w...  Read More

"Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment." (Luke 23:56, CSB)Ever feel in limbo? If there ever was a group of people that were in limbo, it was Jesus' followers at the end of Good Friday. They all, being followers of God who embraced Torah, gave Jesus a quick and respectful burial, but could not complete the proper preparation...  Read More

Rocks have featured in all our readings (I just had to read to the end of Luke 23). The solid, hewn rock of Solomon's temple had to be magnificent, the whole completed building a wonder to behold. Remember the disciples marveling at the rebuilt structure's beauty and seeming invincibility (Mark 13:1-2). Jesus' prophecy came true...all that's left of the temple is 'the Wailing Wall.' Then, they bur...  Read More

"...and their voices won out." (Luke 23:23b, CSB)Luke uses a literary device to convey a truth emphatically. He gives a statement or records an action three times to show its profound significance. Three times Pilate says to the religious leaders, those who have falsely charged Jesus with crimes worthy of the death penalty, "You have no case! I find no fault in Him!" (Luke 23:4, 14, 22). In case y...  Read More