Backgrounder: All-in for Jesus
Letting go of all that holds us back; going all in for Jesus. Why does it “take courage” for Bartimaeus to go to Jesus? He has to leave behind everything on which he depends, his only survival mechanism. The cloak would be his home, his protection from the weather, his security. Think about it: when […]
Bulletin for October 17, 2021
For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Backgrounder: October 12, 2021
The Way of Humility What’s missing in James and John’s outlook? Why do they want Jesus to give them the two best seats in the Kingdom? They would not need to ask if they knew how much Jesus loved and valued them. Jesus uses this moment to teach them about his Kingdom. He uses an […]
Backgrounder: All things are possible
We’re not that different from the people of Jesus’s time. Whatever we may say or admit, we too seem to believe that money is a sign of blessing. You may, for example, feel that money gives you security or opportunity that you wouldn’t otherwise have. Money is closely linked to other “bonuses” like popularity, influence, […]
Bulletin for October 3, 2021
Let the children come to me: for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these
Backgrounder: To whom does the kingdom of God belong?
To whom does the Kingdom of God belong? This week we are focusing on the second part of the Gospel, about children coming to Jesus. Some people believe that the Kingdom of God belongs to people who go to church. Others believe that it belongs to people who always do the right thing. Maybe it […]
Bulletin for September 26, 2021
Anyone who gives you a cup of water… I say to you will surely not lose his reward.
Backgrounder: The name of Jesus
John complains to Jesus about someone casting out demons in His name. The complaint is based on a reality which the disciples have witnessed, the power of Jesus. They have seen him heal, and cast out evil spirits with a word or a simple gesture. They are struggling to understand that in Him they see […]
Bulletin for September 19, 2021
If anyone wishes to be first he shall be the last of all and the servant of all
Backgrounder: September 14, 2021
Servant of All Did the disciples of Jesus just not hear, or want to hear, what he was saying? He told them that he was going to be killed. But they didn’t understand him, and were afraid to ask what he meant. In fact, as they walk along they have a strange conversation, asking each […]