Devotions in the Deep End

This episode is the first of a trilogy which explores the big question presented by Jesus to Peter and the other disciples at Caesarea Philippi:  "Who do you say I am?"  This short devotion explores the actual question and answer, while future episodes will go deeper into what the answer will mean going forward.

In this episode, we are going to interact with a significant conversation that occurs between the Pharisees and Jesus.  They are looking for further signs, but Jesus is looking to show something far grander than what they could even begin to ask for!  In episodes to come, we will be looking at a number of calls to further our growth as disciples, but this conversation gives us a chance t...

Yes, you read that right!  It's a unique word that Jesus uses in a special time of ministry to a deaf and mute man.  It may well be a word that YOU need to hear from Jesus too as we enter a new year that is still feeling a little uncertain! 

This is a passage that really captures the imagination!  A woman comes to Jesus, and is apparently referred to as a 'dog' for her trouble.  It's not a preacher's favourite passage to cover, but it has been a fascinating journey for me as I've sought to speak into this controversial passage.  I really hope this helps shed light on a Bible passage that is difficult to read without going below the su...

I've reached a milestone!!  Getting 50 episodes out has been a real adventure of learning and I'm grateful to all who have been listening in. In this episode, we are looking at some interesting critique of Jesus' observation of certain religious practises, and why he wasn't so obsessed with them like the other religious folk were.  It turns out, you could wash your hands all you liked, but remain...

This is an exploration of a famous and sometimes cliched miracle of Jesus.  I'm hoping that what we look at in this episode gets a little bit away from the cliches and picks up some cool lessons for us - in particular the difference between faith and risk in a situation where the miraculous is what you're depending on for something to work!

This is a little longer than I usually publish, but the link between the two stories of Jesus feeding the 4000 and the 5000 was so profound that bringing them together felt like a good way to go.  I hope this is as challenging to you as I found it to be!

The third and final installment of a trilogy of teaching around the Sending of the Twelve.  This episode explores some of the more difficult parts of Jesus' instructions to them before they depart. 

This is the second in a short trilogy of teaching around the sending and commissioning of the twelve disciples.  It explores some of the easier parts of Jesus' instructions to them before they depart.

At this point of the story of Jesus, it is estimated that we're likely crossing into the third and final year of his public ministry.  And this transfer comes at the same time Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for some new missional endeavours.  This episode will introduce us to this process with a look at three key traits that Jesus deems important for those engaged in this activity...

This is the part I left out of last episode - the story known as the "Woman with the Issue of Blood."  I titled it a little differently to perhaps reflect part of the idea that I wanted to bring out of the passage in this episode.  It also completes the idea of "2 case studies in humility" that i began to unpack last time as well.

In this episode we get to explore the first of two case studies which look at humility, as well as a significant miracle. We'll get to explore Jesus' authority over death, and walk away with various forms of hope for both now and the future.

This is a quite well-known passage, but it speaks into so many things when we look at this closely.  There's some significant theological insight in these verses as well as some key things that challenge is about faith and fear.  Hope it helps somebody today!

This is a passage that has captured imaginations and even instilled a bit of fear in some who have encountered it.  Sometimes it gets misunderstood, and there is also a broader message that is being told by Jesus even as he makes these strong statements.  In this episode, I've attempted to both engage with the big picture of the passage, but also tap into this very unique idea of blasphemy that Je...

These are well-known parables and I've offered a short reflection on each of them in this episode.  Hope this helps!

A short episode taking a look at two really short ideas from Jesus about the Kingdom he is inaugurating.

In this episode, we are looking at a pretty loaded parable.  In a small way, it begins to address some of the questions that many in the world have as we consider the goodness of God and the issue of judgement and eternity.  It also shows us God's perfect timing in some ways, and in others, his amazing mercy towards us!

This is the first of many parables that Jesus uses to speak of the ways of his Kingdom.  And unlike most of them, this one comes with an explanation from Jesus himself!  We pray this episode presents something fresh on a commonly taught passage, and that the reflections at the end lead you to look deeply at what the Lord is doing within.

This is a really short episode designed to provide a few thoughts about how we engage with a special ancient teaching method known as parables.  I hope it is a helpful tool for you as you engage with the episodes that are coming up next.   

This is a pretty powerful story in Luke's gospel about a young boy being risen from the dead.  In this passage we see Jesus demonstrating compassion for a widow, but we're also able to see some deeper truths about the overall ministry of Jesus as we consider this event too.

In this episode, we explore an interesting contrast.  Jesus is back in the ancient village of Capernaum, and finds two forms of religious expression in play - both somewhat surprising.  The Jewish elders have one form of faith that appears to be lacking as far as Jesus is concerned; but the hero of this passage turns out to be a complete outsider, with faith that grabs the attention of Jesus in a...

With the Sermon on the Mount complete, now is a good time to take a special look at the Twelve men that Jesus rose up to continue leading the church after his departure.  It is believed by many scholars that the disciples are specifically assembled and set apart from about this time onward, and it is a fun exercise to look at the team that Jesus put together and the challenges they might have...

This is the final episode that explores the Sermon on the Mount, and in particular one last area in which we are called to respond.  Thanks for tuning in so far!

This is the second-last episode that explores the Sermon on the Mount, and perhaps Jesus' first call to response at the end of this famous sermon.  In this teaching, Cam looks at Jesus' teaching about looking for the 'Narrow Path,' and listening to 'True Prophets.'   

This is a shorter episode that looks at a special invitation from Jesus to engage with God and be open to His gift of the Holy Spirit.  This is the first of a series of shorter episodes as we come to the end of the Sermon on the Mount.