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
Tag: ordinary life
Mary & Joseph (1) – Presenting
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
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
Thomas (1) – Doubting
But what if Jesus hadn’t come back to life after all? Please read John 20: 24-25 What do you have doubts about? The Virgin Birth? The Resurrection? The turning of water in to wine? Prayer being answered? The very existence of God in a world of war, hatred, corruption, injustice, accidents, illness, terrorism, abuse…? Or… Continue reading Thomas (1) – Doubting
Woman from Samaria (1) – Prejudice
While the story of Nicodemus tells us that his initial encounter was deliberate, planned and at night, the woman from Samaria meets Jesus by chance (or so she thinks) in the heat of the day. Two encounters with the Lord. One a well-schooled and respected pillar of the community. The other, possibly, poorly educated and,… Continue reading Woman from Samaria (1) – Prejudice
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