Jesus asks Peter who he believes Jesus to be. Peter gets the answer correct, but he has no idea what it means and so Jesus tells the disciples not to share with anyone that he is the Messiah. The good news of the gospel is not knowing the answer to a question, it is hearing Christ say who YOU are. It is being forgiven and given the gift of walking in Christ's footsteps.
A Brave and Prophetic Woman
A gentile woman approaches Jesus, but Jesus doesn't immediately grant her request. It is an unusual encounter, but through it Jesus creates a platform for a woman to teach his disciples.
This Teaching Is Difficult, Who Can Accept It? Bob Reid
In this week's homily, Bob reflects upon a passage in John where Jesus instructs his followers to eat his flesh and drink his blood. What an odd thing?
The Good News about Election | Caleb Schut
Jesus is non-anxious. He is not concerned by the fact that the crowds are leaving him. He trusts the Father. In this homily, Pastor Caleb reflects on Jesus' trust and thinks about the idea of God's election or choosing of human beings. Why is it good news that God elects us? He closes the homily with a personal reflection about Heaven.
When Hunger Is Satisfied | Bob Reid
We continue in John chapter 6 with a passage that explores the claim that Jesus is the bread of life. Bob explores whether Jesus' claim has any concrete practical implications.
Feeding the 5,000 | Caleb Schut
This is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels. In John's gospel, however, it is simply the opening vignette in a chapter that will be all about bread. The crowd is hungry, and while the miracle feeds their stomachs, they will be back the next day hungry again. What does it look like to truly feast on the bread of life? Is it possible to never feel hungry again?
Where God Lives | Bob Reid
In this week's passage from Samuel, David wants to build a temple for God. The prophet Nathan says "Go for it!" but God says "nope." In Ephesians, Paul writes about the community of faith being the house of God.
Power Without Self-Giving Love | Bob Reid
The beheading of John is a tragic event that is not untypical of what happens when power is used derisively. It challenges us to consider the brokenness of our world. Mark's readers, however, read this story in light of the resurrection. We too, read the suffering and pain of the world through the lens of the cross and resurrection.
Returning Home | Caleb Schut
Jesus allows himself to be impacted by his hometown's lack of belief. God chooses to be vulnerable, to the point that what we do matters. In turn, God asks his followers to be vulnerable as they bring the good news to the world.
The Face of Compassion | Bob Reid
In today's passage from the Gospel, a father has lost his daughter. Jesus enters the home and tenderly takes the girl's hand. In this beautiful portrait, we see God's loving heart. To be in the presence of Jesus is to be touched by God. This brief homily by Pastor Bob focuses on God's heart for the least among us is evident in Mark's gospel.