The glory of Jesus — part 3 40 blogs of Lent — day 30 For a change the scribes were right. The disciples Peter, James and John wanted to know why the scribes said that Elijah must come first. It is simple, it is because it was prophesied in their scriptures. Malachi 4:5 says, "Behold, I …
Tag: John the Baptist
Herod’s Birthday party — Matthew 14:6–12
The withdrawal of the King — part 3 40 blogs of Lent — day 4 At the end of this passage Jesus withdraws, devastated at the loss of a close relative and one of the few people who supported him. Killed on the whim of a corrupt political leader as a present for his step …
Herod and John — Matthew 14:1–5
The withdrawal of the King — part 2 40 blogs of Lent — day 3 In the previous passage in yesterday's blog post Jesus linked this narrative section on Jesus' Galilean ministry back to the previous Galilean section and also linked it forwards by introducing the question, "Who is Jesus?" to be answered at the …
Opposition through doubt part 2: When God fails to meet our expectations
Elijah and doubt: Why you will never get it right Matthew 11:13–18 The conflicts of Jesus 40 Blogs of Lent: Day 13 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to …
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Opposition through doubt part 1: An extraordinary man
John the Baptist and doubt Matthew 11:1–12 The conflicts of Jesus 40 Blogs of Lent: Day 12 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his …
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John the Baptist and the supernatural breaking into this world
Benedictus Holy Trinity Church, Huddersfield, Sunday 15th December 2019 It's Sunday morning again, the weather is cold but the sleet that was coming down at 5.30 is stopping, I was awake with heartburn, I am now on my way to church. I am making sure I am in the building before the end of the …
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Matthew’s Gospel: The baptism of Jesus
Matthew's Gospel: The baptism of Jesus 40 Blogs of Lent: 3 Yesterday's blog was about John the Baptist and his link between the Old Testament and Jesus. Now the narrative switches to Jesus. Jesus comes to John for baptism. John's baptism is all about repentance, and John recognises that Jesus does not need to repent. …
Matthew’s Gospel: John the Baptist
Matthew's Gospel: John the Baptist 40 Blogs of Lent: Day 2 Matthew 3:1-12 We know more about John the Baptist from Luke's Gospel, but also from the Jewish historian Josephus, who said: [John] who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards …
Preparation: The joy of John the Baptist
The third candle: Joy The third candle in Advent, is about joy. From Psalm 5:11, we hear these words, “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you.” I am going to state the …
I am … (not)
Is John Elijah? 40 blogs of Lent, day 27 As well as the times that Jesus said "I am" in John's Gospel there are a couple of instances here other people used the phrase negatively — "I am not." First up, today's blog, is John the Baptist: And this is the testimony of John, when …
Making an ass of myself 