Aug 3, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Stewardship Thought There is a sense in which the human Jesus longs for the crowds to go away – to take their needs, their expectations and leave him in peace. He even retires to a deserted place to be by himself and recover from all the pressures. However, when they...
Jul 26, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
The kingdom of heaven is like… Mustard seed: “from little things big things grow”. Yeast: unseen as it spreads its effect far and wide. Hidden treasure: bringing great joy and worth giving up a lot to obtain. A fine pearl: worth all that we have. A fishing net:...
Jul 20, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
This reading begins with another parable plus explanation. Matthew inserts two short word pictures between the parable and the explanation (we’ll read them next week). The interpretation is a bit uncomfortable. The seed represents people, not the word as in last...
Jul 12, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Looking at what the lectionary leaves in, we find the rare parable that includes the backstage discussion from after the show. I think it is only this parable of the sower and the somewhat less famous parable of the wheat and the weeds where Jesus actually explains to...
Jul 6, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Jesus challenges our view of what it means to follow. John’s “wowser” approach wasn’t to everyone’s liking, and the way Jesus joined in meals and celebrations with “undesirables” left people “tut-tutting”. But for those open to seeing it, something new was happening....
Jun 28, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
What is this passage about? Is it about the disciples, the twelve? Yes, of course it is. These are the final words of instruction to them. Whoever welcomes you guys welcomes me says Jesus and whoever welcomes me welcomes the Father who sent me [10:40]. Their...
