Thoughts on the Parable of the Pounds – Please read Luke 19: 11-27. THE CONTEXT. Jesus taught this parable because the disciples assumed the New Kingdom was to appear very soon. They are just coming from Jericho, where Jesus announced to Zaccheus that salvation had come to his house. Surely, the disciples thought on the …
Thoughts on the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids – Please read Matthew 25:1-13. THE CONTEXT. a. Just prior to this parable, in Matthew 24, Jesus is seated at the Mount of Olives, teaching his disciples. They asked him about the consummation of the Age, when will the End come, when will they see Jesus usher …
Thoughts on the Parable of the Camel and the Needle – Please read Luke 18:18-30. THE CONTEXT. A rich man, probably the up and coming young rich ruler in the synagogue, approaches Jesus and asks the same thing the uppity lawyer asked Jesus in the prelude to the Good Samaritan story. “What must I do …
Thoughts on the Parable of the Good Samaritan – Please read Luke 10:25-37. THE CONTEXT. A lawyer comes to Jesus to put him to the test. A lawyer at that time was an expert on Jewish law, a scholar of the Jewish religion. The lawyer asks a theological question, to spur debate, a religious conversation. …
Thoughts on the Parable of the Friend at Midnight – Please read Luke 11:5-8. THE CONTEXT. The disciples have just finished asking Jesus about prayer, so that is the hot topic during this conversation. The Lord responded with a version of the Lord’s Prayer, and then He told this parable. After offering this homespun story, …
Thoughts on the Parable of the Two Debtors – Please read Luke 7:36-50 THE CONTEXT. a. After preaching and teaching in a city, Jesus was invited to a banquet hosted by Simon the Pharisee. The meal was in Simon’s home. As with most dinners at this time, the doors to the home were open, and …
Stations of the Resurrection – Conclusion The Tomb is the Womb Jesus, the first born from the dead. Fresh sprung. New born. The tomb is the womb. The grave has brought forth Resurrection. The Sanctuary is swept clean and unveiled and open. The stone slab of the tomb is guarded, mercy-seat style by two angels. …
Thoughts on the Ascension After his suffering, Jesus showed himself to his apostles and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to more than 500 believers over a period of 40 days… (Acts 1:3, and 1 Corinthians 15:6) “You’ve heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away, and I’m coming back.’ If you …
Station #14 ….. Jesus with Disciples on a Mountain in Galilee Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. Jesus, undeterred, went right …
Station #13 ….. Jesus Cooks and Serves Breakfast After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea, the Sea of Galilee. This is how he did it: Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter announced, “I’m …
Station #12 ….. Jesus Convinces Cautious Thomas But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.” But he said, ‘Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my …
Station #11 ….. Jesus Appears to Disciples in a Locked Room Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side. The disciples, seeing the …