Jesus is disobedient to the rulers of his time; the “scribes and Pharisees,” so too “the Sanhedrin.” He will not be chained by them, made subservient to their divisive rules or system. He is free and encourages others to be free. He encourages people’s common unity; “be reconciled with your brother.” As agitating as the … Continue reading “The Inchained”
Tag: Nazi
Stop Supporting the Troops
Abram in the Old Testament is set to wage war. He “mustered three hundred and eighteen of his retainers, born in his house, and went in pursuit.” Retainers are armed soldiers, men born into debt/slavery to a tribal warlord, and used as troops. Upon Abram’s victory, Melchizedek, allied with Abram, “brought out bread and wine, … Continue reading “Stop Supporting the Troops”
Might
What is the mightiness John the Baptist proclaims in this Sunday’s Gospel when he says: “One mightier than I is coming after me.” John himself is mighty; spiritually and morally. He’s able to withstand imprisonment and torture by the ruling class. They inflict these because of his criticism of them. What makes Jesus mightier? Jesus … Continue reading “Might”
Conscientious Authority
This Sunday’s Gospel shows Jesus’ local opponents colluding with Roman sympathizers. The Pharisees and the Herodians are colluding in a plan to trap Jesus. They use a tax question to set the trap. “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar?” Jesus’ response is commonly misinterpreted by self-titled Christians. Martin Luther famously misinterpreted … Continue reading “Conscientious Authority”