“It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” (Acts 3:16)
Peter is speaking after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, yet he speaks as if Jesus is still active in the world. He can only do that because he is! It is not that Jesus rule and actions have ceased, rather, he is still active in the world. That hasn’t ended, and continues today. Through Jesus we can have, and know, forgiveness and refreshment from God.
[Thomas] said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.’ (John 20:25)
Less than a week had passed since Jesus rose from the dead, and one of his disciples is already unsure that it actually happened. No matter how many people told him other wise, Thomas didn’t believe it. What would it take for him to believe? What does it take for us to believe?
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her. (John 20:18)
This Sunday is Easter Day, and we celebrate that Jesus is risen from the dead. Mary Magdalene is the first to see Jesus, and she runs with joy to tell the others that he is alive. Why is this so amazing? Can we have the same joy from the same news?
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Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ (Mark 11:8-10)
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, where we particularly remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The people welcome Jesus as a king, but what kind of king is he? Is he a conquering king, a loving king? How will he use his power?
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Now there were some Greeks … They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we would like to see Jesus.’ (John 12:20-21)
In John’s gospel, this meeting marks the start of Jesus heading to Jerusalem and his death. Why does Jesus need to do this? What will he achieve? What does it change for us?