Category: Christian Spirituality
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The God Who Cares: Appealing to the Rule and the Mercy of God
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, shouting, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” (Matthew 9:27) For several weeks we’ve been looking at Jesus’ encounters with different individuals and groups after launching his ministry. He has taught, healed, delivered, and challenged. Now, he is simply “going on”—traveling, literally walking the…
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Living in the Public Eye: How Jesus Related to the Masses and Why We Can’t Remain in the Crowd
When Jesus came to the leader’s house, He saw the flute players and a crowd lamenting loudly. “Leave,” He said, “because the girl isn’t dead, but sleeping.” And they started laughing at Him. But when the crowd had been put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up.…
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Contents, Containers, and Covenants: How the Coming of Jesus Changed Everything and Why We Should Care
Note: Did you know that you can become a supporter of this blog for any amount per month, in Canadian or US dollars? If you do, you will make it possible for me to keep writing month after month (and you’ll get access to some exclusive content as well). You’ll also win my undying thanks.…
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The Groom Will Be Taken Away from Them: The Gospel Twist Nobody Saw Coming
Then John’s disciples came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?” Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests be sad while the groom is with them? The time will come when the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”…
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The Bridegroom Is with Them: The Dynamism of Walking with God
Then John’s disciples came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?” Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests be sad while the groom is with them? The time will come when the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”…
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What God Desires: Understanding the Heart of God in the Life of Jesus
But when He heard this, He said, “Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:12-13) It’s curious that when we speak of the “will of God,” we…
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“Go and Learn What This Means,” Part 2: Mercy, Devotion, and the Great Romance
While He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when He heard this, He said, “Those who are well don’t need a…
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“Go and Learn What This Means,” Part 1: Roots, Pharisees, and Why the Old Testament Matters
While He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when He heard this, He said, “Those who are well don’t need a…
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Jesus at the Table: Why Jesus Ate with Sinners and What It Means for Us
While He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:10-11) For the last several weeks we’ve looked at the…
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Trembling on Holy Ground: Jesus, Forgiveness, and the Fear of the Lord
But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts? For which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But so you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then He told the paralytic, “Get up,…
