I have read that Jesus' appearance first to the women was the full circle correction of the first sin in Genesis 3. In fact, St. Thomas Aquinas was one who thought and taught this. But Christ appeared to the woman first, for this reason, that as a woman was the first to bring the source … Continue reading Matthew 28. →

If one is going to read all of the New Testament, there is no way around reading about Jesus' crucifixion. It's a hard read. We know it was Jesus' purpose to die like this. We know it was to repair our relationship with the Father, broken by sin. We know he will be raised in … Continue reading Matthew 27. →

There is just too much to choose from in this chapter, and it's all so emotionally challenging. But I will say just this. In verses 21-23 ... 21 And while they were eating he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”22 They became greatly distressed and each one began to say to him, “Surely not … Continue reading Matthew 26. →

Isn't it interesting that both the righteous and the accursed ask the same question of the king? 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or naked and clothe you? 39 When did we … Continue reading Matthew 25. →

45 “Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that slave whom the master finds at work when he comes. 47 I tell you the truth the master will put him in charge of all his possessions. Matthew 24:45-47 Do we … Continue reading Matthew 24. →

Woe means whoa! "Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem ..."

34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. 35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” 37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your … Continue reading Matthew 22. →

For many years, many years ago, Beaverton Christian regularly performed a "passion play". It was pretty extensive, usually included music, and naturally a lot of members played the various parts in the play. I remember one particular year, when Harold Smith was playing Caiaphas, who showed up in several scenes. One was the moment when … Continue reading Matthew 21. →

Let's be servants of one another!

23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven! 24 Again I say, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God.” 25 The disciples were greatly astonished when they heard … Continue reading Matthew 19. →