This post is number 1 in a series of short pieces about the Psalms. Photo by Alabaster Co on Unsplash Long, long ago God decided to have a kingdom, which he would rule as a wise and good king. His
You aren’t what you eat
Jesus’ kingdom is formed from the rebirth of Israel. But some cling to the wreckage of broken, ancient Israel and so rage against him. But these men are seriously misled by their own minds. They consider themselves careful law-keepers but
Rules for life
The appearance of Jesus like the Old Testament Lord walking upon the sea was an important new stage in his work. But as the kingdom goes forward, its opponents rise up to resist it. Ancient Israel should be the seed
Striding on the sea
Jesus has dismissed any thought of an army of men, sending his twelve disciples away in their boat whilst he goes alone to pray privately. In doing so he decides it is time to make known, to his team, more
No picnic
Jesus’ work and the first apostolic mission have made a big impact. If he wants, Jesus could now form an army in the wilderness. But an army “marches on its stomach”, so the disciples tell him to send them off
Run, run, as fast as you can
The apostles bring back a report to Jesus on the state of Israel. Now they need some quiet to rest and talk. But when Jesus takes them away from the populated centres, a huge crowds runs to join them. In
Puny king
With the first mission of the 12, Jesus’ kingdom has become much more visible. Indeed, it draws the attention of a godless local ruler: ‘King’ Herod Antipas. Already, this immoral and weak man has tangled with God’s kingdom when he
Empty pockets, dusty feet
Now homeless, Jesus sees that it’s time to increase the reach of his mission. He sends out his 12 disciples two-by-two to battle with unclean spirits. It’s a sign that as king he will win the greatest victory of all:
Homeward bound
Going home is not always easy. Jesus certainly finds this to be true, though he’s still willing to make the trip. His previous reaction to his family in chapter 3 appears to have a set a stage in which the
Time to get up
Two stories twist into each other here. One is of the terminally ill young daughter of an important local official. The other of a woman in great need, hidden within the crowd. Jesus pauses from the former to heal the