pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!


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The Pain of Death

Reading: Matthew 27:57-66

Matthew 27:61 – “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting in front of the tomb.”

In the story of Jesus, late Friday afternoon ends with Joseph of Arimathea requesting and receiving Jesus’ body. Moving quickly to finish the task before sunset and the start of the Sabbath, he wraps the body in a linen cloth, lays it in his own new tomb, and rolls the stone in place, sealing the tomb. Joseph was not alone: “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting in front of the tomb.”

It is a small crowd for Jesus’ burial. The disciples are nowhere to be found. They were hiding, fearing for their own lives. Only Joseph was willing to risk asking for the body. Only the two Mary’s refuse to leave Jesus. Their love kept all three there. Perhaps these three did not fear the religious authorities. Maybe they were unaware. But the religious leaders still fear Jesus – so much so that a guard is posted at the tomb.

Joseph and the two Mary’s are like many of us in our moments of deep grief. There are things that must be done and we go through the motions. Often people are unaware of the planning steps or even of the funeral as they look back a week later. When the body or ashes are laid in the ground, though, it feels so final. Some linger, though, unable to leave right away. Such is the case with the two Mary’s.

On this Holy Saturday we too are invited to linger, to remain present to the grief, to feel the sting of loss and the hurt of death. We mourn with the disciples, the two Mary’s, and with all others who deeply loved Jesus. We, however, also mourn with hope, because on this side of the resurrection, we know that death does not have the final word. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, death is hard, whether expected or unexpected. On this day, help us to feel the pain, the disorientation, the tears of those closest to Jesus. As we’ve been there ourselves, guide us to join them in spirit, present even through the ages. As we feel the loss, O God, remind us too of the joy that comes with the morning. Amen.


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Love/Betrayal

Reading: John 18:1-18

John 18:17 – “The servant woman stationed at the gate asked Peter, ‘Aren’t you one of this man’s disciples?’ ‘I’m not,’ Peter replied.”

Photo credit: Matt Botsford

Just before heading to the garden in John’s gospel, Jesus offers a long prayer. Chapter 17 is a prayer for Jesus’ followers and their faith. Some of the prayer is for his current disciples and some is for all who will hear the disciples’ words and come to faith in Jesus. These parts of the prayer are for you and me. Parts are also for the disciples in today’s passage. Jesus knew that the days and weeks ahead would be really hard for his followers.

At the start of our passage for today, Jesus and the eleven go to the garden. Judas leads a group there to arrest Jesus. Ever the protector, Jesus meets them. His divine declaration causes the group to fall to the ground in fear. As the arrest proceeds, Peter defends Jesus with a sword. Jesus swiftly halts the violence, reminding Peter of his mission to “drink the cup the Father has given me.” Jesus is arrested and taken to the homes of Annas and then Caiaphas, the high priest. It is in the courtyard of Caiaphas that Peter fails Jesus again.

“The servant woman stationed at the gate asked Peter, ‘Aren’t you one of this man’s disciples?’ ‘I’m not,’ Peter replied.” Later, still in John 18, Peter will deny Jesus two more times. Jesus knew this was coming. He predicted it in all of the gospels. The betrayal was a very necessary part of the transformation of Peter. But at least a part of Jesus had to wonder if there was another way. Betrayal is hard. It cuts deep in the relationship. Betrayal often ends relationships. Peter is not left forever in this place of brokenness. We’re never left there either. When we are ready, the love of Christ overcomes our faults and failures – again and again and again. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, oh how we see ourselves in Peter. Sometimes we think we’re doing good something for you, only to fail in the end. We use your word like a sword, harming others and their faith. And in other moments when we could do great good, we shrink back, denying our faith because of fear. Oh how we can be like Peter. Thank you for your love that is always greater than our betrayal and sin. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Amen.


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The Great Commandment

Reading: John 13:1-17 and 31b-35

John 13:34 – “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you must also love one another.”

Photo credit: Falaq Lazuardi

In John 13 we enter the story of Jesus at the time of the Passover. Jesus and his disciples are in Jerusalem. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, this is where Jesus shares the bread and wine, instituting communion. Not so in John’s gospel. John focuses on Jesus’ great commandment instead.

To provide a powerful and tangible example of how Jesus expects the disciples and us to live out this command, Jesus takes off his outer clothing and wraps a towel around his waist. He takes water and begins to wash the disciples’ dirty, dusty feet. Jesus dries off their feet with the towel around his waist, bringing them close. Peter initially objects, but does finally allow Jesus to wash his feet. Jesus teaches, “If I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you too must wash each other’s feet.” Speaking of all that he has taught, he later adds, “You will be happy if you do them.”

Moving to verse 31, Jesus again tells the disciples that he will be leaving them, being glorified by God. Their understanding of this will begin on Easter Sunday. Then, in verse 34, Jesus gives the disciples the great commandment: “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you must also love one another.” Washing feet was about the lowest job there was at that time. The disciples couldn’t have missed the point in Jesus’ object lesson. Love is shown close up, personally, in humble service. May we not miss the point.

Prayer: Lord God, to what might we equate foot washing today? Visiting that person that everyone else avoids? Bringing food to “that” family when the budget at home is already stretched thin? Having lunch with that unhoused person? What else might we honestly name in our hearts, O God? Lord, it’s an uncomfortable list. Loving isn’t always easy. It can be really hard to get up close, to get personal, to give of oneself – at times. It’s easy to love those who love us. Yes, you call us to this. But you also call us to much more. Empower us to truly love all people as you first loved us. Amen.


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Pioneer and Perfecter

Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3

Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter.”

Photo credit: Milo Weiler

Our reading begins with Paul’s encouragement to “also run the race.” He calls us to do so with “endurance,” evoking thoughts of great effort, steady determination, and long perseverance. Jesus called the road that leads to life “narrow,” implying a challenging journey. Paul’s word “also” testifies to this reality. Paul is connecting back to the great list he gives in what we call chapter 11, where he lists those who are sometimes referred to as the “heroes of faith.” He names Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and Rahab among many others. These people (and many more) make up the “great cloud of witness” that surround us and walk with us as we strive to run the race of faith laid out before us.

Paul offers us some advice for running this race: “Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up.” It is not easy to run with the weight of pride, anxiety, ego, stress, prejudice, grief… upon our shoulders. It is not easy to run still carrying the sins that trip us and derail our faith – lust, envy, jealousy, greed, apathy… All of these worldly struggles make it difficult to live faithfully in this life. Paul next encourages us, inviting us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter.” If we keep our eyes and our hearts and minds focused on Jesus and his example, then we have a fighting chance to live faithfully in this life. Paul then reminds us to recall Jesus’ sacrifice and gift on and through the cross, where he demonstrated perfect love. In our hard moments, may we remember how Christ endured, being strengthened by his example, experiencing the joy of living in and for Jesus. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, our race can have many hurdles. So we thank you for the examples of others who overcame and endured: Jacob, Isaac, Gideon, Stephen… In them we see how faith will see us through. And we thank you for Jesus, the one who opened the way for us to be rid of our sins and to enter into the life that you have in store for those who love you and strive to walk in faith. Lead us on, day by day, so that we too may one day become part of the great cloud of witness. Amen.


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Faithful, Loyal Love

Reading: Psalm 36:5-11

Psalm 36:6 – “Your righteousness is like the strongest mountains; your justice is like the deepest sea.”

Photo credit: Freestocks

As I read the first few verses of today’s passage, I could hear the words of Third Day’s “Your Love Oh Lord” in my mind. Hearing these words reminds me that the Psalms are really songs. They are expressions of an array of emotions: joy and defeat, praise and lament. Expressing one’s emotions opens the doors of communication with God. Today’s reading is an expression of praise for God’s faithful and loyal love.

The psalmist rejoices that God’s faithful love is everywhere. David then celebrates the character of God’s righteousness and justice. They are “like the strongest mountain… like the deepest sea.” There is an unshakable and unending quality to God’s love, justice, and righteousness. This is why they flow like a river into our lives and world. David then proclaims that God’s love is “priceless.” Humankind finds “refuge” in God, and in God we find “the spring of life.” Walking in God’s light and love, we know the way to abundant life here and now. Oh how great is the Father’s love for you and for me!

In verse 11 David asks God to “extend your righteousness” to those whose heart is right with God. When we know God’s faithful love in our hearts, we experience it in our lives. This love dwells in us and flows out of us, into the world. In this way, we are living extensions of God’s loyal love. As we live each day, may we bear God’s faithful and loyal love into the world around us, bringing light and joy, justice and refuge, life and hope. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, may our love be like your love, reaching to the furthest corners of our lives, working down into the deepest darkness of this world. May your justice break forth, being poured out for all people everywhere. In and through your love, may all come to experience the joy of your salvation. Amen.


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Called and Sent

Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9

Isaiah 42:6b – “I, the Lord, have called you… I will grasp your hand and guard you, and give you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations.”

Isaiah 42 is about “God’s servant.” These words come from what is known as “Second Isaiah,” written during Israel’s time in Babylonian exile. It is likely that the original “suffering servant” was Isaiah. Later, in another Servant Song, it is the nation of Israel who are the servants. The earliest church and the New Testament writers identified Jesus as the servant. Read today, you and I, we are the servants of God.

Let’s look at the qualities and behaviors of the servant described in Isaiah 42. As we do, think about how each applies to Isaiah, to Israel, to Jesus, and to you. The servant is chosen by God and has the Spirit of God upon them. The servant is called to bring justice and light to the world. The servant is not forceful or violent. He is she won’t even “break a bruised reed.” In verse 6 we read, “I, the Lord, have called you… I will grasp your hand and guard you, and give you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations.” Given as the covenant of love, the servant partners with God to bring healing and wholeness to the world, opening blind eyes, setting people free from sin and brokenness.

Just as Jesus was and is our light, calling and leading us out of our own sin and darkness, we are called to do this for others. Bringing the light of Christ into the darkness of this world, we seek to bring healing and wholeness, justice and peace to our world. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, just as you called Isaiah and Israel, you call us and the community of faith. And just as you sent Jesus, so too do you send us into the world to be light and love. Empower us with the presence of the Holy Spirit, leading us to bring healing and wholeness to the darkness and brokenness of our world. Amen.


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Not of This World

Reading: Matthew 21:1-11

Matthew 21:9 – “The crowds in front of him and behind him shouted… ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!'”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As Jesus nears Jerusalem, he gives two disciples “a task.” They do as he says – as hard as it might have been to believe – and return to Jesus with the donkey and colt. Perhaps these two disciples knew the words of Isaiah and Zechariah and understood that they were about to be fulfilled. The crowd certainly knew these prophesies and longed for their fulfillment. This is why they lined the road and placed clothes and palm branches on the road into the city, creating a makeshift “royal carpet.” This is why they shouted, “Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!'” They believed that the Messiah would come to save them and to re-establish the kingdom of God. This stirred up the city as Jesus entered in.

As the week unfolds, though, it becomes clear that the kingdom of Jesus was not a kingdom of this world. The clearing of the temple was a vivid declaration of this fact. This work and all of Jesus’ work was about opening people’s lives to his kingdom of love. The teachings, the healings – all about bringing people into his kingdom. Even the cross was about opening the way for all people to enter into his kingdom of love. Through the transformation of lives – dying to the things of this world and living for the things of God – love begins to rule first in our hearts and then in our world. Through the power of love, peace and mercy and grace and forgiveness and justice and hope triumph over hate and violence and oppression and other injustices. Come, Lord Jesus, come into our hearts and into our world.

Prayer: Lord God, your radical way of love has begun to transform our hearts and lives. We are becoming who you created us to be. Please continue to work in and through us, transforming this world into your kingdom of love. Amen.


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You Are My God!

Reading: Psalm 118:1-2 and 19-29

Psalm 118:28 – “You are my God – I will give thanks to you! You are my God – I will lift you up high!”

We turn to Psalm 118 today. It is a psalm about a person who comes to the temple to gives thanks to God for deliverance – even in the face of current distress and trouble. At times we pray this way, thanking God for past deliverance, hoping it comes again during our current trial. The psalm begins and ends with a declaration of praise for God’s goodness and faithful love. Like the psalmist, we too give thanks for these blessings from God.

Turning to verses 19 and 20, we hear a request to enter the temple, to come into God’s presence. For the psalmist, the presence deepens in verse 27, where he or she is invited to come to the altar. Thanks is given in verse 21 for the author’s presence in the temple. Verses 22-27 are thought to be the choir’s response to the psalmist. These verses celebrate God’s rescue and salvation. Verses 22-29 are often connected to Jesus in the New Testament: the cornerstone rejected, the blessedness of the one who comes in the name of God, the one who is present to us.

The gift of being in God’s presence is a gift that we enjoy and celebrate too. This presence is strongest and most assured when we open our hearts and lives to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit guides us to walk in God’s will and way. It brings us to the altar of forgiveness when we fail. It keeps us on the narrow way when the world calls us to the wide way that leads to death. Following the path of God, with this presence within, we find life abundant now and are assured of it in the life to come. Because of these blessings, we can join the psalmist as we too declare, “You are my God – I will give thanks to you! You are my God – I will lift you up high!”

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the open door into your presence. In our times of distress, you are there with us, bringing peace, assurance, guidance. In the times of worship and praise, you are there within us, drawing us closer, refining and teaching us, filling us with joy and love, lifting us high. Thank you for being our God. Amen.


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Even Then

Reading: Matthew 26:30-35 and 69-75

Matthew 26:33 – “Peter replied, ‘If everyone else stumbles because of you, I’ll never stumble.'”

Photo credit: Ricardo Gomez Angel

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the day we remember Jesus’ grand entry into Jerusalem. Crowds cheered and declared, “Hosanna!” – the one who saves. Many get caught up in the excitement of the parade. Most forget what they were saying by the time the “prophet” enters the city. Today, in Matthew’s gospel, we dive into a microcosm of this human tendency. According to the timeline in Matthew, the palm parade was four days ago. Since then Jesus has cleared the temple and clashed frequently with the religious leaders – sometimes through hard teachings, sometimes through direct conflict. These tensions lead to a plot to kill Jesus.

Following the Last Supper, in the first part of today’s reading, Jesus says to the disciples, “Tonight you will all fall away because of me.” If heard with ears of humility, one would search one’s heart to see if this could possibly be true. Instead Peter boldly declares, “If everyone else stumbles because of you, I’ll never stumble.” Yes, Jesus, maybe the other eleven, but never me. I’ll never deny you. This last bit of bravado comes right after Jesus says to Peter, “Before the rooster crows…”

Turning to the second part of today’s reading, Jesus’ words come true. He has been arrested and the trial has shifted to Caiaphas’ house. Peter is outside in the courtyard. Once, twice, and three times he denies even knowing Jesus. The simple crow of the rooster breaks Peter’s pride and overconfidence. Crying uncontrollably, the Spirit begins to work in Peter’s heart. God doesn’t leave him broken. The failure? Just a building block or stepping stone. In this passage, we’re reminded that our failures are never final. God works even then, maybe especially then, bringing glory from ashes. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, it can be so easy to slip into prideful thinking, into self-elevating judgment. In our moments of pride and ego, stop us in our tracks. Send the Holy Spirit’s conviction quickly and powerfully. And when we ignore even this, too consumed with self to notice or pay attention, break us down and then pour out your mercy, grace, and forgiveness, restoring and redeeming us to you. Thank you, O Lord. Amen.


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Unleashed

Reading: Matthew 26:6-13

Matthew 26:7 – “A woman came to him… very expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’ head.”

At the start of chapter 26 we see that the plotting to arrest and kill Jesus has begun. Our passage flows out of this context. While at Simon’s house for dinner, “A woman came to him… very expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’ head.” The disciples are upset. They think the worth of the perfume could be put to better use. How often have you or others thought a similar thing? One possible example in my life and ministry might be the time I spend with youth and children. Some in the church might think this 8-10 hours a week could be better spent.

Jesus defends and elevates this woman’s act of love. In a slightly different version of this event, John’s gospel names Mary as the woman present at Lazarus’ house. Jesus declares that her act of love will be remembered “wherever in the whole world this good news is announced.” In our world, where diamonds and new phones and cars and bonuses at work capture our attention, it is significant that Jesus elevates this simple act of love.

Mary’s act of love itself is worth far more that the cash value of this precious perfume. The act also transcends the moment. Jesus feels loved, attended to, cared for. Love has the power to do that when we too choose to live God’s love out loud. The smile of a third grader when you wave to them from the bleachers, the way they lean in when you hug a struggling teenager – the love transcends the simple showing up and being present. The same is true, by the way, when one shows up at a shut-in’s residence. We all need love. Who will experience the love of Christ in you today as you unleash it in the world?

Prayer: Lord God, help us to see today the small opportunities that you provide for us to love well on others. Seeing, move us to doing and being love lived out loud. Guide us to be love in this broken and hard world. Use us to make others feel loved and cared for today. Amen.