The image shown is entitled, The Penitent Thief. The lower hand is that of the penitent criminal in Luke 23. This criminal, crucified next to Jesus, is sometimes referred to as Dismas. The middle hand is that of the second thief crucified next to Jesus. Finally, the topmost hand is […]
The first image shown is entitled The Prodigal Son in the Tavern, aka, The Prodigal Son in a Brothel. It is a depiction of the artist Rembrandt and his wife Saskia in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Yes, this is the same Rembrandt that painted The Return of the […]
In the surreal Prodigal Son image I have inserted numerous references to Christ. Last week, we discussed the reflection of Christ in the pool of water. Christ can also be found in the unusual rock that dominates the scene. (Please see the July 30th, 2017 blog for the full image.) […]
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” “So the last will be first, and the first last.” “Blessed are you who are poor…” “Love your enemies…” These sayings from Jesus run counter to our cultural values. Each statement causes one to pause and wonder. The statements are somewhat shocking, […]
The Prodigal Son’s behavior was bad. Seriously bad. The first century Palestinian audience, hearing the parable from Jesus’ lips, may have recalled Deuteronomy 21: 18 – 21. 18 “If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his […]
Its late. A layer of thick black paint covers the area around my eyes, including my eyelids. I add black streaks that run from my eyes down my cheeks. In 1976 there aren’t a lot of product options for hair. I borrow a can of cheap hairspray and go to […]
Access to God sounds strange, but the believer has been granted access to God through the blood of Christ. Through Christ, we have a very unique level of permissions. Put another way, Christians are a new Holy of Holies where God’s Spirit resides and provides us with continual access to […]
In part 3 we look deeper into Jesus’ claim, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Consider Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV) 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 […]
Again, Jesus’ radical claim to be the way, and the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through him means that you, as a believer in Christ, have access to the Father through Christ. Right now. In this section we will examine the Christian […]
Jesus said to him [Thomas, aka doubting Thomas], “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This is a shocking statement; a politically incorrect statement. A large percentage of folks today will find this claim offensive. However, like Thomas, […]
