Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem when Jesus was just 40 days old. It was the custom under Old Testament laws that parents would take their first-born son to the Temple to dedicate him to God: to ‘Present’ him. Hence why that event is sometimes called the ‘Presentation of Christ’. There, they meet, first, Simeon… Continue reading Mary & Joseph (1) – Presenting
Category: A Story to Tell
Mary & Joseph (2) – Finding
When my son was about four years old, he was playing in the street with his friends. At one point I couldn’t see him so assumed he’d gone to one of the other children’s homes – it was that type of street. It was safe. A bit later on, I looked out again – no,… Continue reading Mary & Joseph (2) – Finding
Mary Magdalene (1) – Fiction
After considering Judas’ lasting reputation, we now turn to another of Jesus’ followers whose story has been embellished and fabricated long after they lived: Mary Magdalene. Please read Luke 8:1-3 Coming from the fishing village of Magdala Tarichaea on the western shore of Lake Galilee, for centuries after her death she has been called a… Continue reading Mary Magdalene (1) – Fiction
Mary Magdalene (2) – Fact
While not named, Mary was probably among other women who gathered for the Last Supper and then moved on to the Garden at Gethsemane – and she was certainly involved in what followed. Please read Matt 27:55-57,61 and John 20:1, 11-18 Like many of us after a death, Mary Magdalene visited the place where her… Continue reading Mary Magdalene (2) – Fact
Nicodemus (1) – Darkness
The words of John 3:16 are one of the most well known verses and most quoted of Jesus’ sayings – and behind them lies another story. Please read John 3:1-21 Nicodemus was a leader of the Jews. It’s possible that throughout his life, Nicodemus may have simply accepted all that was taught to him by… Continue reading Nicodemus (1) – Darkness
Nicodemus (2) – Light
From going to Jesus for spiritual direction to defending him in front of his fellow Pharisees (see John 7:43-52), Nicodemus had discerned that this man, this Jesus, is the Messiah the Jews have been expecting. Now, in part 2 of his story, we find him in another garden: Please read John 19: 38-42 This is… Continue reading Nicodemus (2) – Light
Pontius Pilate (1) – Dilemmas
Second only to Julius Caesar, Pontius Pilate the governor of Judea who sent Jesus to the cross is one of the best-known Roman citizens who ever lived. His name is etched into the Christian creeds and is a vivid secondary figure in the Gospel passion stories. Please read Matthew 27:1-2,11-23 Pilate dithers over what to… Continue reading Pontius Pilate (1) – Dilemmas
Pontius Pilate (2) – Discernment
Pontius Pilate had a problem. Please read Matthew 27:24-26 & John 19:16-22 For all his gesture and protestation, Pilate was still obliged to have the final word, and he did so in a probably characteristically sadistic way: he had this innocent man flogged and crucified. Often used as a preliminary to crucifixion, flogging or scourging… Continue reading Pontius Pilate (2) – Discernment
The Uncondemned Woman (1) – Accused
As with the woman from Samaria, here we have another unnamed woman. Another woman facing the judgement and prejudices of others. A woman forever remembered by something she was caught doing. Please read John 7:53-8:11 This encounter is one that has puzzled many over the years. Indeed, its very place in the Gospels has been… Continue reading The Uncondemned Woman (1) – Accused
The Uncondemned Woman (2) – Absolved
After things had gone wrong, the words I wrote had meant well. It was written from the heart. I asked for forgiveness and it offered forgiveness. It was responded to with condemnation. It was not the response I had expected. ‘Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said… Continue reading The Uncondemned Woman (2) – Absolved