Tag Archives: power

Transfiguration of Jesus

Transfiguration of Jesus

In the Gospel of Luke 9:28-36, we read about the transfiguration of Jesus. This transfiguration experience describes the moment when Jesus reveals his divinity to his inner circle, Peter, John, and James. We find this encounter in three of the Gospels, and I’m looking at Luke’s account in this article.

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Jesus Elevates the Poor 

Luke records the sermon on the plain in Luke 6:17-26. This discourse parallels the sermon on the mount found in the Gospel of Matthew. The teaching is so similar and yet very different. Matthew’s “sermon on the mount” hits hard on morality, but Luke’s “sermon on the plain” hits hard on lived experience. Jesus elevates the poor and speaks against the rich and powerful. These beatitudes don’t allow us to spiritualize the message. Jesus plainly tells them that the outcast, the poor, the rejected, and the grieving will be blessed. God sees and rewards the excluded and abused. Luke then lists woes for those who are rich, powerful, and influential in this life. He tells them with a tone of judgment that their riches will cause them turmoil and distress.

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Jesus Gets Canceled

Jesus Gets Canceled

When the ministry of Jesus started to grow he went back to his hometown and visited the synagogue. Returning back home carries with it a lot of expectations. In Luke 4:14-30, we see that it’s no different for Jesus. They’ve known him his whole life, and they’ve heard the stories about his work in Capernaum. The talk about him has started to spread. I imagine that on this day, the attendees expected to hear something to make it all make sense. Jesus did just that, but it wasn’t what they were expecting. It wasn’t what they wanted to hear.

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The Need to Subvert Power

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Epiphany of the Lord: Matthew 2:1-12

The account of the Magi has morphed over the years in its place within our Christmas celebration. Nativity scenes often include three kingly characters even though none of this is found in the story. This simple account has taken on so much extra that it’s easy to skip over the significant character of Herod. He deceitfully pretends to want to join them in worship as he demands this group of magicians to, “tell me when you have found him”. They ultimately use their power to subvert Herod’s.

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Jesus and Mandatory Minimum Sentencing

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26th Sunday after Pentecost: John 18:33-37

John 18 describes the arrest of Jesus and the beginning of his trial. This text focuses on the conversation between Pilate and Jesus. Before this Pilate is trying to get off the hook because it’s obvious the charges against Jesus are exaggerated. When he agrees to proceed, it’s clear that this trial will result in an ancient version of mandatory minimum sentencing.

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Encourage Each Other Toward Love

encourage each other

25th Sunday after Pentecost: Hebrews 10:11-14, 15-18, 19-25

Chapter 10 of the book of Hebrews has a lot packed into it. This text explains the significance of the crucifixion of Christ and how that event brings about the forgiveness of sins. It’s also a call for love and encouragement. Rather than being used to encourage others, it has been used by church leaders to hold people “accountable” for their perceived sins.

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