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. Join in common unity; “be reconciled with your brother.” Rulers are more agitated Jesus … 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 slaves, born in his house, and went in pursuit.” Upon Abram’s victory, Melchizedek, allied with Abram, “brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram.” “Then Abram gave him a … 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. 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 is as mighty, … 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”