Visitation of the Virgin to Elizabeth
In terms of Luke’s plot, this meeting expands Luke’s characterization and serves as a crucial pivot in the infancy narrative. Though the mothers…
Announcing the Forerunner, John the Baptist
The announcement of John the Baptist’s birth signals God’s renewed activity on behalf of his people in light of promises made long ago….
God’s Church Established on Christ
The religious elite repudiated Jesus (vv. 1-4); the disciples lacked sufficient faith in him to understand his most basic warnings (vv. 5-12). But…
The Feast of All Saints
The Feast of All Saints is one of the greatest of all the feasts because it celebrates what could have been impossible. The…
The Industrious and the Lazy Managers
As in 24:45-51, readiness for Jesus’ return here demands faithfulness in doing the work he has called us to do. This warning applies…
Awaiting the Bridegroom
Since the time of Jesus’ coming is unknown, we must watch and be ready. Although some rabbinic par- ables also address the theme…
The Temple’s Destruction And The End Time
In much of Matthew 24, Jesus is warning followers who, like Peter, want an optimistic promise of the future that realism is more…
The feast of the Holy Cross – History and Theology
In the Christian liturgical calendar, there are several different feasts known as Feast of the Cross, all of which commemorate the cross used…
Come To Me All You Who Labor And I Will Give Rest
Tomorrow is Labor Day. For us it marks the wistful end of the summer, typically the last long-weekend before school starts and the…
A Canaanite Woman’s Faith
Placed immediately after a discussion of purity in both Matthew and Mark, Jesus’ encounter with this Gentile woman brings out the implications the…