Today's lectionary wrapped up a story that got started over the weekend, one that I'm sure we're all reasonably familiar with. Jesus has continued his journey through the country of Samaria, which was typically frowned upon by the Jewish people. To say that the Samaritans and the Jews didn't get along would be understating it. They had some real personal issues. So typically Jews would travel…
*Hello friends! I'm really excited to introduce you to Catie Tomb! Catie is in the confirmation class this term, and is reading the same daily lectionary that our blog staff has been working through, so we asked her to share her thoughts on the verse that stuck out most to her! If you are like me, and think that what follows is reason for hope in the present and future of the church, join us on…
Has anyone else noticed our tendency to look at God almost as if he’s two people, or suffers from multiple personality disorder? The “Old Testament God” is angry, judging, passing out laws and punishing those who don’t follow them. But the “New Testament God” is different God, all full of love and care and forgiveness. What’s up with this Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde view of God? Is it possible that the “New Testamen…
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…
