Those Who Mourn Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 The second of the Beatitudes seems almost too obvious to warrant serious consideration, that those who mourn will be comforted. If it were so obvious, why would Jesus bother to say it? Perhaps the answer, as is so often the … Continue reading Those Who Mourn
Category: devotion
The Poor in Spirit
The Poor in Spirit Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 The first Beatitude of Jesus tells us the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit. As he so often does, Jesus mixes metaphors in a way that many will reject as nonsense. For others, … Continue reading The Poor in Spirit
Rejoice and Be Glad
Rejoice and Be Glad Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. Matthew 5:12a As this series on What Did Jesus Say continues, I will begin reflecting on the Sermon on the Mount, as found in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. This is one of the longer of Jesus’ discourses recorded in … Continue reading Rejoice and Be Glad
By Bread Alone
By Bread Alone Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you … Continue reading By Bread Alone
Deny Yourself
Deny Yourself Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.” Luke 9:23-24 If there … Continue reading Deny Yourself
Come and See
Come and See When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” John 1:38-39 In John 1:35-42, Jesus walks by John the Baptist and a couple of his disciples and John says, … Continue reading Come and See
Humble Yourself
Humble Yourself Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4 In general, I try to build people up and make them feel good about themselves and their lives. Never mind that some of my friends are gagging now because I also enjoy humbling others on occasion (for … Continue reading Humble Yourself
Do Not Be Afraid
Do Not Be Afraid He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” Mark 4:40 When we are afraid it is often because we have lost a sense of control, we are in an unfamiliar situation, or darkness has made our surroundings strange and threatening. We can be frightened because we … Continue reading Do Not Be Afraid
The Kingdom of Heaven is Like…
The Kingdom of Heaven is Like… He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the … Continue reading The Kingdom of Heaven is Like…
The Kingdom is Near
The Kingdom is Near From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17 According to the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, Jesus’ first instruction to his followers was to “Repent.” He follows this directive with a brief justification. In my paraphrase, Jesus says: “You need to … Continue reading The Kingdom is Near
Contemplating Grace 