David Bahn - Reflections

Sometimes we may need a bump in the road to gain a new perspective. The pathway there is made possible by Jesus' resurrection. And we can gain that new understanding whenever we remember that the tomb is empty and Jesus is alive!

Next time you have difficulty remembering someone's name, rejoice that Jesus knows your name, he has your name written in the book of life. And keep your eyes open for his presence among his people as he has promised - and especially in the breaking of the bread of the Lord's Supper. He is our loving and living Lord and Savior.

On that Friday long ago... One man confessed: “Certainly this man was innocent!” Some beat their breasts in agonizing shame. A few watched, and waited, and then rested on the Sabbath. And Jesus' body rested in a borrowed tomb.

As we celebrate Holy Communion we're not just doing a thing that Jesus told us to do. We're participating in the celebration of all that God was and is doing through his Son, Jesus of Nazareth. We do well to believe Jesus' words. We do better by not trying to figure out how to explain his words, or worse, explain them away. We do best when we "do this in remembrance of" all t...

In whatever manner the events  of Holy Week unfolded, the fact remains that Jesus and his disciples were focusing on the deep spiritual meaning of the Passover while the Jewish leaders were counting votes. Jesus knew it was going to unfold toward his suffering and death. The Passover would soon be fulfilled for all time. That's not a fleeting political calculation. That's an eternal realit...

This week is a great week to focus on God. We best not worry about a "how to" series of sermons and studies - all these about being happier and more successful. Better we listen to the accounts of Jesus' last days on earth, and be reminded of God's unwavering faithfulness, grace, goodness, and love. Those are some of the most beautiful facets of God's faithfulness.

Jesus quotes from two Psalms in this chapter, Psalm 118 and 110. These two Psalm verses show that Jesus is God and man. Lord and Servant. But he will not be dismissed. He is the chief of the corner, and we who build our lives on him will not be put to shame.

God uses people to advance the cause of his reign and rule in the hearts of people, by grace, through faith. What a privilege it would be to provide even a manger for Jesus to be laid in. What a joy to know that you could give a drink of water to Jesus on a hot day at noon. How thankful you would be if Jesus used your gift of pure nard to tell of his coming death and said that your action would be...

I cannot fail to draw a conclusion about this parable that relates to the secondary motivation for obedience and faithfulness. That's fear. It's not the primary motivation, but sometimes we need to haul ourselves up short rather than give in to temptation out of fear of God. Sometimes we need to use our talents for fear of being reprimanded if we do not. Better always, we resist temptation...

Our story may not be as dramatic as Zacchaeus' story. But Jesus' grace is as far reaching, and our salvation is just as extraordinary. And his presence in our hearts and lives is just as gracious. 

Just as the people of Jesus' day didn't really know what to expect in the Messiah, we are very likely not fully to know what it will be like when Jesus returns and when we are with him face to face. In the meantime, we do well to cultivate a humble faith.

The tax collector in Jesus’ parable went home justified not because he was impressive, but because he knew he wasn’t. He threw himself on the mercy of God—and that’s exactly where grace meets us. Humility isn’t something we muster—it’s something that happens when we stand before the cross and realize what Jesus did to gain our salvation. There we find what we could never achieve on our own: the sm...

The fullness of joy is found in a life of faithful gratitude. I'm thankful to God for his faithfulness, and grateful to him even as I pray, "Lord, increase my faith." PS: Here's my diagram of the interplay between faith and gratitude. What do you think? Faith & Gratitude Diagram

We may always have the poor among us. But that should not erode our awareness of them or blind us to the opportunities we have to serve them. After all that is what Jesus did to serve poor miserable sinners such as us. He didn't overlook us. He served and saved us and calls us to do the same. Furthermore, Jesus has risen from the dead. Surely we will listen to him!

This parable is one of a trio in the Lost and Found chapter. The lost and found sheep, one of 100. The lost and found coin, one of 10. The lost and found son, one of two. But there is a refrain at the end of the first two parables. This third one describes this truth: “There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Will we join the celebration? Will we return to God if we are...

The feast of which Jesus speaks is for those who have been made new . They love God and their neighbor. They rejoice when the outcast is redeemed. They celebrate as all God's people gather around Jesus , giving him the honor and praise he deserves. We will certainly not want to miss this feast! This is the Feast Hymn on Youtube

Jesus was committed only to pleasing God and loving others.  So he healed the bent over woman. On the Sabbath. In front of the whole synagogue. And he took away her infirmity. And he took on their ire. He calls them to account in the process, saying, "And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” There are tw...

Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. He is aware that this is a critical time, and the danger of getting derailed is imminent. The pressure is building from the criticisms of the Jewish leaders and the impatient crowds and the confused disciples. These are not peaceful times in his ministry. Jesus must stay the course if he is to usher in the reign and rule of God.

Prayer is not about my eloquence or performance, but about God’s presence and embrace. He hears, even when my words feel weak, and He welcomes me, even when I struggle to find the right ones. It's not about my ability to pray well, but about his gracious invitation to be with him, and his promise to hear when I call.

Jesus asked who acted like a neighbor in order to get the lawyer out of the loophole looking paradigm and see how God's love is to be shared with all kinds and sorts of people. Even syncretistic foreigners.  Jesus, however, didn't ask questions about how we are to treat one another. He was clear, direct, and unwavering in His command to "love one another as I have loved you" (Joh...

Next time you feel discouraged about your faithfulness, effectiveness, character, or qualifications, consider this: If I'm reading this right the 12 are hung up on their own personal preferences and protections while the 72 are sent to do amazing things. Yet the 12 are still the 12, and the 72 are not to boast in their personal accomplishments. Real disciples follow Jesus - however well they a...

Do we recognize the majesty of God in this man, Jesus? Do we see it only in the dramatic healing of the man's son, or the majesty of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration? God's majesty is veiled in the person, life, ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But make no mistake: This Jesus is God's majestic Son, Savior, Redeemer, Lord, and Friend! Here's the Michael W....

Sometimes our faithful witness can make us seem fanatical. People might feel as though we're getting carried away with Jesus. Maybe so. But Jesus carried away our sins to the cross, and then he was carried away from his cross to a borrowed tomb. Now he reigns at the right hand of God. He did that to secure our eternal salvation and give us hope and a future.

If I am to go in peace I must ask myself a question or two. Is my life aligned with God’s will insofar as it is possible with me? Am I expecting God to align himself with my ideals rather than living in humble faith in his goodness? Do I realize how great a debt Jesus took on and paid for my sins? Do I believe Jesus who said, “In this world you will have troubles. But rejoice! I have overcome the...

I want to be under someone’s authority when I serve. Whether it is of the church’s voters, their board or in the case of when I was senior pastor at St. John, the Mission and Ministry Council. I didn’t have authority just because I was ordained. I was acting under their authority. And they, as duly elected servants, were acting under the authority of God. So when I pronounce absolution, I am ultim...