After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), "I am thirsty". A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:28-30) Have…
"But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!" Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this. (Luke 22:21-23) What do you think about when you think of Jesus? Is he a chummy kind of guy, someone that you would invite to a…
But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. (Matthew 25:18) I am constantly amazed at talented people, particularly the folks around our congregation that are extremely talented. Some of us are talented with art. Others with finance and business decisions. Some of us are really great cooks. Still others are wonderful hosts to…
Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?" But knowing…
On one of the days when Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests, legal experts, and elders approached him. They said, “Tell us: What kind of authority do you have for doing these things? Who gave you this authority?”He replied, “I have a question for you. Tell me: Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin?” They discussed among themselve…
