In the opening verses of chapter 13, the disciples question Jesus’ use of parables in preaching, to which he answers that they are stories in code. He does not preach to...

Chapter 13 begins a sequence of three sets of parables. Eugene Boring says that “in the preaching of Jesus, parables were not vivid decorations of a moralistic point but were disturbing...

This week we have been blessed by the depth of ancient Hebrew poetry in Psalm 139, and today we stand amazed at the apostle Paul ́s declaration that we become adopted...

Eighty-six years ago today my parents married in the city of Havana. Every time I look at their wedding picture, I think of the psalmist’s words in verse 16: “Your eyes...

This meditation fits Jacob ́s experience surprisingly well. He could have written and sung this poem as he poured oil over the improvised altar at Bethel. And yet it belongs to...

This division of the Genesis text allows us to distinguish two moments of the event—one where God takes the initiative and a second one where Jacob is the protagonist. It seems...

According to modern-day atlas measurements, Jacob has traveled fifty miles from Beersheba to Bethel the first day. His fear of his brother ́s revenge probably spurs him on as he makes...

Over the past week, we have talked about how God calls us to obey, to trust, to pray . . . and yes, even to struggle to understand, even in times...

Jesus explains the parable’s meaning. Notice that in these verses Jesus talks to the disciples privately. Jesus is God incarnate, omnipotent, and eternal. It must surely have occurred to him that...

The author Rob Bell reminds us that Bible stories aren’t just about characters from history. Bible stories are our stories. In some way, God is talking to you, to me, to...