~ Matthew 15:21-28 ~ The events of last weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia and subsequent verbiage by our president and others has, needless to say, caused considerable consternation and angst. Indeed, it is downright scary. This morning I want to address these events in light of our two scripture readings this … Read More
~ Matthew 14:13-21 ~ Jesus was not having a good day. In the days prior, according to Matthew, Jesus had gone to his hometown of Nazareth and had been rejected badly. As Matthew puts it, “he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” Now, today, … Read More
~ Matthew 13:31-33 ~ Today, two short and pithy parables. They are two in a string of parables Jesus has been telling the people to try to help them understand the nature of the kingdom of God. Jesus’ proclamation is that the kingdom of God has broken into human history … Read More
~ Matthew 10:40-42 ~ When you are bone-dry thirsty there is nothing like a cup of cold water. And so, it is not surprising that Scripture is replete with images of a drink of water satisfying spiritual longing. As the Psalmist says, “I thirst for you, O God, in a … Read More
~ Matthew 28:16-20 ~ This is Trinity Sunday. This is the Sunday that if I had an associate pastor or youth minister or seminary intern I’d assign them to preach and watch them squirm as they try to explain the Trinity. But we don’t have any of those so it’s … Read More
Luke 24:44-53/Acts 1:1-11 Today is Ascension Sunday. Our texts for today set that up for us. Jesus ascends into heaven while his disciples look up in astonishment. However, this isn’t really the day. That was this past Thursday. Ascension Day is always on a Thursday. That’s because, as our reading … Read More