Please read Mark 5:22-24a, 35-43 It’s one of the most difficult experiences in life. Whatever age. Young or older. Those times when one’s child is struggling or unwell – and being unable to do anything to comfort them, let alone fix it. Thankfully, for this particular daughter, Jairus and his wife knew what could be… Continue reading Daughter of Jairus (1) – Waiting
Category: A Story to Tell
Daughter of Jairus (2) – Welcoming Children
The church was full (for once). The visiting preacher had drawn a big congregation. Children played in the far corner. We sat, ready to hear the preacher’s message about the importance of inclusivity. “Children shouldn’t be allowed in church” said the voice of someone behind me. “What are those parents thinking. They should be keeping… Continue reading Daughter of Jairus (2) – Welcoming Children
John (1) – Loved
With all the story tellers in this book, we can only wonder about what else they could tell us and John is no different. Please read John 20:30-31 & John 21:25 The disciple John and his brother, James were the sons of a well-to-do fisherman, Zebedee and his wife, Salome, thought by many to be… Continue reading John (1) – Loved
John (2) – Beloved
John knew he was loved by other people. John knew he was loved by God. Please read 1 John 4:7-12, 16 This is the God who loved Mary and Joseph. This is the God who loved the daughter of Jairus, the woman from Samaria and the man from the Gerasenes. The God who loved Judas,… Continue reading John (2) – Beloved
Judas Iscariot (1) – Betrayal
“You’ve given me the confidence to feel I can go out with someone else,” she told me on Valentine’s Day. Nearly 40 years on (and after over 30 with my wife) I can laugh at the back-handed compliment from a former girlfriend as she left me for another man. But at the time it felt… Continue reading Judas Iscariot (1) – Betrayal
Judas Iscariot (2) – Loss
So what else can we learn from the life of Judas? More specifically, what can we learn from the death of Judas? (Please be aware this entry deals with the sensitive topic of suicide.) Please read Matthew 27:3-5 When someone takes their own life, the impact on those left behind is devastating. When it’s a… Continue reading Judas Iscariot (2) – Loss
Man from the Gerasenes (1) – Healing
Having arrived in the country of the Gerasenes after a stormy trip across Lake Galilee, Jesus is faced with a challenging situation. There’s a man who’s ‘Mad, bad and dangerous to know’… and there’s no time for a risk assessment. (Please be aware this entry considers the sensitive topic of deliverance ministry.) Please read Mark… Continue reading Man from the Gerasenes (1) – Healing
Man from the Gerasenes (2) – Wholeness
Please read Mark 5:14b-20 After Jesus’ intervention, the man from the Gerasenes is described as being ‘in his right mind’. (Please be aware this entry considers the sensitive topic of mental ill health.) Many have described the man from the Gerasenes as being mentally ill. He may well have been: Mark’s account does include a… Continue reading Man from the Gerasenes (2) – Wholeness
Martha & Mary (1) – Distraction
While some of the stories in A Story to Tell are more difficult to fully relate to, although we do have a choice whether or not to learn from all of them, the story of Martha and Mary at home is probably the most ordinary, domestic incident to be found in the Gospels. We’ve all… Continue reading Martha & Mary (1) – Distraction
Martha & Mary (2) – Devotion
Jesus, Mary and Martha are together once again in Bethany. And this time there’s an altogether different atmosphere: Please read John 12:1-7 Jesus may well have found stability and security in the friendship and hospitality of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. These were people he was able to be himself with. Amidst all the crowds, the demands… Continue reading Martha & Mary (2) – Devotion