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 […]

Backgrounder: September 1, 2021

BE OPENED! What does God promise His people? Think about who his people are, and how they are doing. God choses people, “whose hearts are frightened.” God has a special love for you if you are in a state of fear. He promises great things for you through His prophet Isaiah. I believe that God […]