One of the simplest and most profound gifts we have in the gospels is a record of this model prayer which Jesus gave in answer to the disciples question, “Lord, teach us to pray”. For many of us it is a very familiar prayer, on our lips since childhood, perhaps at school assemblies, uttered innumerable …
In contrast to Jesus’ ascension – witnessed by that small group of apostles – the return of Jesus, writes John in Revelation, will be seen by all: “every eye will see him”. For those of us who believe in Christ, this will be the most wonderful moment. But for those who opposed and denied Christ …
How wonderful that the last image the apostles have of Jesus as he ascended to heaven are of their Lord with his hands lifted up, speaking words of blessing over them! Is this a picture we have of Christ? That he sits in heaven, enthroned by the Father, with his hands raised and words of …
What must it have been like to be there, as the resurrected Jesus spoke those words and ascended into heaven? Having been called by Jesus to follow him, the apostles are now called to go and make disciples. The call is to go to all nations, the tools of discipleship are baptism and the teaching …
What wonderful words to greet us today, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you”. Through Jesus we are invited into the incredible, eternal love that exists between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. He calls us to remain there: why would we want to go anywhere else? The way …
This passage reminds us that as Christians we are never alone, because Jesus promised to send God the Holy Spirit to live within us. The disciples were confused and upset. Jesus was talking to them about leaving. They could not know he was talking to them about his death, resurrection and ascension. What Jesus promises …
In a world where everyone loves to have all the answers, Thomas’ honesty is refreshing. And his honest question of Jesus leads to a stunning revelation from Jesus: “I am the way and the truth and the life” (v6a). Jesus is the only way to God – a heresy to our wider society – but …
What leader could possible bear the weight of governing the world upon their shoulders? Yet that is what Isaiah says Jesus is able to do. His parting words to his disciples as he ascended to heaven to reign at the right hand of God were, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to …
Amidst the darkness of midwinter, the appearance of light is always good news. A final place on which to focus our Advent reflections: Galilee. The home of Jesus growing up, the locale of so much of his teaching and miracles. As Isaiah indicates, Galilee was not the most promising place. But it is here that …
How do you sum up the Christmas message? Paul is probably quoting an early Christian hymn and every line is full of truth! “He appeared in the flesh”: Again and again, the Bible insists that in Jesus, God became human. “Vindicated by the Spirit”: Condemned as a criminal to death on the cross, Jesus was …
