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
Tag: loved by God
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
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
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 (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
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
Thomas (2) – Believing
After the resurrection, Thomas wanted to be sure. He wanted to see the evidence. Please read John 20:26-29 Poor Thomas. It must have been a difficult week. The other ten disciples and followers, including the Marys, would have been full of the fact that Jesus, their beloved Lord was not dead but was alive (and… Continue reading Thomas (2) – Believing
Woman from Samaria (2) – Pride
They stand at the well. And they talk. Please read John 4:7b-15 Continuing as it does to verse 28, this is the longest recorded conversation between a woman and Jesus in the whole of the Gospels. Initially, it has a feel of jolly repartee to it as if the woman is jesting, flirting even. After… Continue reading Woman from Samaria (2) – Pride