Growing Deeper Into the Soil of God's Word to Bear Fruit For His Kingdom
“For many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) This is an interesting end to the parable of the wedding banquet. The parable begins with a joyous invitation to the wedding banquet of the King. Then suddenly, shockingly, unbelievably, the guests decline the invitation. They have better things to do: more work to do,... Continue Reading →
Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.” “No, Father Abraham,” he said, “but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.” He said to him, “If they will not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone comes back from... Continue Reading →
“A farmer went out to sow his seed…” (Luke 8:5a) As a child raised in the city, I knew very little about farming. For a long time, I simply took for granted that this line was the beginning of Jesus’ parable. But the longer I live in Iowa, the more I see the work assumed... Continue Reading →
“…In anger his master handed him over to the jailors to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.’ ‘This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.’” (Matthew 18:34-35) If I’m honest, I find these verses a little... Continue Reading →
“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field…” (Luke 15:25a) The Parable of the Prodigal Son is probably misnamed. Don’t get me wrong, the younger son was certainly lost. Twice the father describes him as ‘dead, but alive again. He was lost and is found.’ The parable begins with the younger son wishing death upon... Continue Reading →
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away... Continue Reading →
But go tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you. (Mark 16:7) It wasn’t until last night, sitting around a table studying this passage with fellow disciples of Jesus, that I noticed the angel’s phrase in this verse. ‘Go tell... Continue Reading →
He [Peter] began to call down curses and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you are talking about.” Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.... Continue Reading →
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi,” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. (Mark 14:44-46) Sometimes I try to think back to what it felt like... Continue Reading →
While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. (Mark 14:3) When Jesus remarked on this woman’s action, he said, “she has... Continue Reading →
Etz Pri 