Summary: In this biblical passage, Jesus promises that “the truth” will set people free. People know the truth (which, in John’s Gospel, refers to the knowledge of God that Jesus reveals) when they dwell in his word—in him and his message. The lectionary assigns this text for Reformation Day (October 31).
I wrote this biblical commentary for those preparing to preach or teach on the passage. Read the commentary at Working Preacher.
Summary: In this biblical passage, two of Jesus’ followers, James and John, ask to be seated at Jesus’ right and left in his glory. Jesus responds by teaching about living as a servant, in contrast to the domination and tyranny perpetuated by those who seek power.
I wrote this biblical commentary for those preparing to preach or teach on the passage. Read the commentary at Working Preacher.
Summary: In this biblical passage, a rich man comes to Jesus with a question about eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell what he owns and distribute the money to the poor.
I wrote this biblical commentary for those preparing to preach or teach on the passage. Read the commentary at Working Preacher.
Summary: In this biblical passage, Jesus in response to a question put to him by a group of Pharisees teaches about divorce and remarriage.
I wrote this biblical commentary for those preparing to preach or teach on the passage. Read the commentary at Working Preacher.
Summary: In this biblical passage, the Apostle Paul concludes a letter to the church in Corinth with a benediction that—among other things—names Jesus Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit. Paul speaks about God as deeply involved in the lives of the people of God. The lectionary assigns this passage for Trinity Sunday.
I wrote this biblical commentary for those preparing to preach or teach on the passage. Read the commentary at Working Preacher.
Summary: The Christian faith has a lot to say about bodies. It’s an embodied faith. Our bodies matter for how we encounter God, love our neighbors, and respect the image of God that we bare. I can’t stand theology that denies or deemphasizes the importance of embodiment and the lives we live. I can’t understand how Christians who believe that God cares about human flesh (and whose Savior died as a torture victim) would stand around idly when their government tortures people.
Read the full article on Working Preacher.
Summary: This biblical passage continues the Pentecost story in the book of Acts. Peter’s sermon tells about Jesus, tying together his death, resurrection, ascension, and gift of the Holy Spirit.
I wrote this biblical commentary for those preparing to preach or teach on the passage. Read the commentary at Working Preacher.
Summary: This article is more academic than most of the other things I’ve written that are accessible on the Web. In it, I explore the story of a woman who asks Jesus to drive a demon from her daughter, but Jesus initially refuses. It’s a fascinating, troubling story. My article explores the deep, persistent, and even argumentative faith of this admirable woman who ultimately persuades Jesus to grant her request.
Read the full article from the journal Word & World. It was originally published in the Winter 2006 issue.
Summary: This article is more academic than most of the other things I’ve written that are accessible on the Web. It explores Jesus’ words in Mark 8:34: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” The self-denial Jesus calls for isn’t about self-improvement. It’s to embrace a new identity that makes a public declaration of our commitment to the enactment of God’s reign.
Read the full article from the journal Word & World. It was originally published in the Summer 2003 issue.
Commentary on Mark 10:46-52
Summary: In this biblical passage, Jesus heals Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who encounters him along the road not far from Jerusalem. Bartimaeus responds by becoming one of Jesus’ followers.
I wrote this biblical commentary for those preparing to preach or teach on the passage. Read the commentary at Working Preacher.
Bible commentary: preachers & teachers workingpreacher.org commentary
bartimaeus blind man gospel of mark jericho jesus mark 10:46-52 son of david