Send us a text

In today’s podcast we are introduced to John also known as John the Baptist not to be confused with the apostle John, the beloved disciple. John the Baptist was related to Jesus, his mother Elizabeth and Mary, the mother of Jesus were first cousins. Likely John and Jesus knew each other growing up. John is seen as the one prophesized by the great prophet Isaiah to prepare the people to receive the Messiah. Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:2-3 and Luke 3:4-6. The original prophecy is in Isaiah 40:3.
I wonder if Jesus would have been successful without John’s involvement. Is there is a lesson for us? We, like Jesus, have had people in our life that have helped us on our way. In a sense, our successes are not totally our own. Others have helped us along the way and by recognizing their role in our spiritual development we in turn are called to support other individuals on their journey.

Send us a text

We are encouraged to stand firm Lk 21:19 and be careful (Lk 21:34). These are valuable lessons for life, not just for coping with the end times but also applicable in the present moment. I wonder if Jesus was talking about the end of the world or teaching us something about our spiritual lives.

I wonder if Jesus is telling us to be resilient and be determined. We are called to be intentional in our actions. To be intentional requires us to chose to be so. Much of our lives are on automatic pilot. We have our routines and habits. Much of our behavior is a response to and/or a result of other’s behavior. Many worry that if they do not respond in kind they will be seen as weak.

Our faith is lived out in how we relate to people and to God. Last week we read that the Greatest Commandment was to love God and the second to love our neighbor, both laws are relational.

Send us a text

Jesus is asked by Pontius Pilate if he is the king of the Jews. Pilate is not talking about a heavenly kingdom but an earthly kingdom. Pilate was not making an act of faith. He wanted to know if Jesus was a political threat or not. Jesus responds knowing that Pilate would not likely understand but encourages Pilate and the listeners to learn about God’s kingdom. Pilate’s perspective is very simple and does not see the point Jesus is trying to make. Its worth noting that Jesus is not intimidated by Pilate. Likely he knows how this will unfold. He is confident and remains focused.

The term kingdom in a modern context might not have the same meaning that it did 2,000 years ago. We are less likely to see kings as leaders or holding a position of significant power.

I invite listeners to pause and reflect on who is God to you. Another way is to reflect on what role does God have in your life?