Devotions in the Deep End

The final episode before the "Passion Week" narrative begins - an important parable that helps us understand the Kingdom of God a little more.

This is an exploration of the ministry of Jesus to Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus, and the common ground they both shared.

As the disciples start approaching Jerusalem, Jesus has both an ominous statement to make about his own cross, but also some strong words for his disciples as they respond to that news in a strange way!

This particular episode really should have come out a few week ago, as it is a natural conclusion following episodes 94 and 95. Truth is, I wanted to take a bit extra time to think this one through before I recorded it, as the role of the 'judge' in this parable was something I wanted to feel comfortable speaking into.

Welcome to our 100th episode! This is an exploration of the parable of the workers in the vineyard, with a specific focus on what us Aussies would call the "EBA" of a Christian life and its rewards to come.

This is the follow up section of bible that continues after the Rich Young Ruler leaves the discussion. There is of course more discussion about wealth and its hold on us, but also some deep insights about what Jesus is calling for when we follow him.

This is a journey of exploration around the identity of the Rich Young Ruler and a glimpse of his theology and where it lacked in the eyes of Jesus. It is also contrasted with a short piece immediately before it which speaks of being like a child. This is part 1 of 2 episodes around this particular passage.

This is the second of two episodes focusing on the Parable of the Pharisee & the Tax Collector. In this episode, we explore the prayers of these men and the "justification" that Jesus tells us each man experiences as a result

This is the first of two episodes focusing on the Parable of the Pharisee & the Tax Collector. In this shorter episode, we take some important time to set the scene. When we read that the Tax Collector "stands at a distance," it might be helpful to understand what that distance looked like!

A conversation that began with a Pharisee's question in the last episode comes to its conclusion with a key teaching for Jesus' disciples.

The passage Cam explores here contains two separate conversations, each around the same subject. The Pharisees ask it first, but Jesus offers answers to them first, followed by a deeper answer to the disciples. It would take a bit too long to cover both in one episode, so we've made this shorter one first to cover the beginning of the conversation.

In this (slightly longer) episode, we explore at a well-known passage about the healing of 10 lepers, and take a brief look at how leprosy in scripture speaks into something more than just skin lesions. At the end, since Jesus himself asks a question which isn't answered in this passage, we take a moment to surmise what some answers to that question may be. It's a bit of a different episode from m...

A challenging passage that explores finance at one level, but also the way we engage with people around us - we all likely have a "Lazarus" in our lives, so be sure to consider this passage in light of that!

This is another pointed interaction between Jesus, his disciples and a certain group of people reduced to 'sneering!' Ultimately, this parable will lead us to understand "future living" a little more, with a call for a more integrated faith expression.

This is the second time Jesus speaks about 'counting the cost,' this time using some strong images and challenging statements as he does so.  "Carrying a cross" in order to follow has a lot of significance given the time in which the narrative is set - just months from the one he himself would carry and be nailed to...  

A reflection on a strange comment at a meal table that leads to a pointed parable from Jesus!  This episode also serves as a completion of a series of teachings that occur in this one location.

A shorter episode that continues the teaching that is going on at a Sabbath meal table.  These few verses could have been tacked onto the previous episode or even the next one, but I really felt it was necessary to give them a little bit of special attention. In terms of the topic of rankism, here's a handy book to explore if you are interested:   Robert Fuller, All Rise: Somebodies, Nobodies and...

The theme of observations made on the Jewish Sabbath continues in this episode with Jesus addressing an event in a Pharisee's home, seemingly right after worship!  You'll notice that I'll offer three reflections on the parable that is shared in this setting, and one of those is based on my current reflective journey of thinking about church after the time we know as "Christendom."  I hop...

We have another instance of Jesus healing on the Sabbath Day which leads us to some interesting questions about our own modern times of gathered reflection and worship.  A lady who is described as a 'Daughter of Abraham' becomes a good case study for us to consider in our current context.

These are two very full-on metaphors for the immediate audience of Jesus - the fig tree and the vineyard have both been used to describe Israel as a people through the Old Testament prophets.  So for Jesus to address these metaphors in such a distinct way is worth exploring! Special show note: Some of what I've said may for some indicate hints of "replacement theology."  This is not deliberate and...

This episode makes way for a parable that will follow in the next episode, but addresses a mindset that appears to have formed among the people of ancient Israel in the days of Christ.  The events of the passage are still somewhat unknown to us today, but the theology behind them is worth exploring.  Here's my quick take on this interesting passage!

A short devotional piece that explores the teaching of Jesus around reading the times both physically AND spiritually.

Jesus brings out some very strong statements at this stage of the gospel accounts, and now's the time to engage with them!  In this episode we'll be looking at what Jesus means by "bringing fire" and "bringing division" to the earth.  These on the surface are not easy ideas to work with, but a deeper look will reveal some distinct calls for those who wish to follow him in this life.  By the end of...

For the first time in this series we begin to look at the return of Jesus in a time still yet to come.  Not in any huge way, just one passage as Jesus brings the subject up, and in particular the posture of watchfulness and diligence that he will be looking for.  As the gospels reveal more of this idea, I'll be sure to give each piece the attention I've given this one!

This is a short take on the Parable of the Rich Fool, as a follow up to the previous episode where Jesus is asked to intervene in a will.  In both lessons, we are warned about the sin of covetousness and the crazy way it comes to be in the first place - the short answer:  it comes in Christians when blessing is not used properly!