Part 6 of the 12-part series “Lepers, Loons and Losers: The Outcasts of the Gospels.” Read the rest of the series here. A woman came to him whose little girl was possessed by an evil spirit. (Mark 7:25) I have a confession to make: I
Part 5 of the 12-part series “Lepers, Loons and Losers: The Outcasts of the Gospels.” Read the rest of the series here. “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such that the Kingdom of God belongs…” And
Part 4 of the 12-part series “Lepers, Loons and Losers: The Outcasts of the Gospels.” Read the rest of the series here. When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. (Luke 7:13 NLT) As Luke relates the story, a great crowd followed Jesus
Part 3 of the 12-part series “Lepers, Loons and Losers: The Outcasts of the Gospels.” Read the rest of the series here. Now there was a woman who had suffered from hemorrhages for years. (Luke 8:43 NRSV) In the Jewish culture at the time of
Part 2 of the 12-part series “Lepers, Loons and Losers: The Outcasts of the Gospels.” Read the rest of the series here. A leper came to Jesus begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Moved with
Part 1 of the 12-part series “Lepers, Loons and Losers: The Outcasts of the Gospels.” Read the rest of the series here. And Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water.
A number of years ago, at a parent’s night held at the school where I taught theology to junior high students, a parent asked a question no one had ever asked me before: “Who has been the greatest influence on your spiritual life?” I remember
If you were to go through all four gospels, there are two phrases that Jesus continually brings up, with some slight variations. The first is, “Do not be afraid.” The second dovetails the first, “Peace be with you.” These two are eternally linked in the
In the movie The Lion King, Simba, heir to the throne of his father, King Mufasa, flees from the Pridelands kingdom when his father is murdered by his uncle, Scar. Deep in the safety of the jungle, Simba joins up with two characters, Timon and
In the first chapter of Mark’s gospel, we find Jesus encountering demons seemingly on a regular basis. In the synagogue in Capernaum he silences and heals a demon possessed man. Later, after healing Simon Peter’s mother-in law, among those who come seeking his help are