Tag: gospel
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Jesus and the Last Supper: more than just a meal
As part of Holy Week, Maundy Thursday is recognized this evening. It was the night in which Jesus ate the Last Supper with his disciples. The time in which Jesus died corresponded with the Jewish holiday of Passover. And the Last Supper was the first night of Passover. An annual dinner for Passover is held,…
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Murders, mobs, dictators and the gospel
(originally posted March 7, 2016) In the gospel of Matthew, when Jesus was before the ruling Jewish council, he made a reference to his divine status. To the ruling council, this was taken as blasphemy. Within Rome, they didn’t have the authority to execute Jesus for his action, so they took him to Pontius Pilate, who…
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A Sinner’s Guide to Repentance
Repentance is sincere remorse or regret for an action. Theologically, repentance is associated with the idea of turning away from sin and turning to God. James 4:7-10 gives what’s almost like a “how to” guide for repentance. It’s not exhaustive, but he says five things that are important to repentance. 1. Repentance involve submission to God Repentance isn’t…
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Wisdom is as wisdom does
There are two ways to go. The way of the wise and the way of the fool. This is based off of the wisdom tradition of the Old Testament. Which often talks about these two roads. In James 3:13, he asks a rhetorical question, “Who is wise in understanding among you?” Who’s wise? James…
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Blessed are the persecuted?
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. -Matthew 5:10 In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins the sermon with a section called The Beatitudes, 8 statements, most of which seem counterintuitive at first glance. But these are much deeper than pithy statements. They point us…
Josh Benner 