The disciples thought that they were going on a hike with Jesus to find a place to pray. But then Jesus’ appearance changed and they were joined by Moses and Elijah appearing in glory. What is glory? Can we see it? A simple hike with Jesus turned into a life changing experience for the disciples, Peter, James and John. They couldn’t tell people what happened on that hike once they reached the mountaintop, but they did gain a better understanding of Jesus and what “glory” looks like. So, what does “glory” look like?
2/20/2022: Who Would Think That Water Could Be So Controversial?
As believers, we want to receive the metaphor of the living water that Jesus offers and the spiritual strength it gives us. But could the living water that Jesus offers us in our faith ever bring about controversy?
Jesus was controversial on many occasions, and the time he said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me,” caused an uproar and divided the people. The Pharisees were done with Jesus’ words and images and wanted him arrested. How could a simple metaphor of living water cause such an upheaval?
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2/13/2022: Spiritual Hunger
How do we bring the spirituality of the “bread of heaven” imagery Into meaning for day to day living in this time and place?
Hunger is something to be taken very seriously as we know the reality of hungry children and adults in a world where there is truly enough, and no one should be hungry. So, to even take the time to think about spiritual hunger seems like a task for first world, privileged persons alone. Is spiritual hunger just a private, personal journey? Did Jesus understand the reality of physical hunger when he said, “I am the bread of life”?
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2/6/2022: Take Up Your Mat and Walk
Jesus heals, but what else happens when one is healed?
The people often flocked to wherever Jesus was because he was able to heal them. But rather than grand overtures of displaying this power, Jesus engaged the people in a task, often giving a command, something they needed to do, asking a question, giving them a direction. What is this healing power of Jesus?
1/30/2022: “An Unexpected Encounter”
Why did Jesus reveal himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman? What did he know she would do? How do we share our belief in Jesus as Messiah with others? Or do we?
So, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman by the well at high noon. He knows a lot about her life. Jesus knows a lot about our lives whether we like to admit that or not. But Jesus has a task for this Samaritan woman. No one else would have chosen her for this task. But often Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves and sees deeply and authentically into what we are capable of doing.
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