God’s Word preached in the reformed tradition, to bring good news, challenge, and grace.
The Pharisees and scribes are a bit put off by the personal hygiene of Jesus' disciples. (Mark 7:1-23) We might be, too. Why is Jesus not so fussy about handwashing? He wants us to know our whole lives are holy.
Mark tells us about the banquet of King Herod, which ends with the head of John the Baptist served up on a platter. Then he tells us about another banquet. This one serves up life. But you don't get to choose your companions.
We have taken pictures of worshippers with an item that tells a story of their faith. Now we hear a first-person narrative from a woman who stopped Jesus from getting to a little girl before she died. She tells us about being ill and unclean and whole and restored. (Mark 5:21-43).
Community is messy. And transformative. So Jesus’ final words tell us to stay together. Sticking together can change us.
As a rooster crows, Pilate is in a predicament like ours. (John 18:28-38) Truth and facts hardly seem to matter any more. How do Christians handle facts and biases, opinions and truth, for the good of our communities?