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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Backgrounder: September 7, 2021

What’s the shape of your cross?  There’s no doubt that suffering comes to all of us sooner or later. Sometimes it’s just life: sickness, disaster, or death. Sometimes it’s our own choices that bring us suffering – we can call that sin. And it may be a bit of both: whose fault is the pain […]