character – Page 18 – 300 words a day

especially not after them

Is it better to say “no” and then do what you are asked or is it better to say “yes” and then not get around to it? That’s the heart of a “two brothers” story that Jesus tells. Their dad asks them to work in the vineyard. One argues, one agrees. One goes, one doesn’t. […]

by Jon Swanson

sometimes there is more than we know.

Jesus and his followers are headed to Jerusalem. They stop, just outside of a nearby town. Jesus calls two of them over and gives them specific instructions to bring him two donkeys, telling them where to look and what to do if anyone asked questions. As the guys are leaving, Matthew tells us that this […]

by Jon Swanson

just when you think you figured it out

In verse 17, Peter gets praised. In verse 22, Peter gets scolded. In verse 17, Peter is on the mountaintop. Forget it. He IS the mountaintop. In verse 22, he’s in the depths. Forget it. He IS the depths. Matthew 16:13-23 should comfort and encourage you, dear completely human friend of mine. In verse 18, […]

by Jon Swanson

Four miles of water

It’s about six miles from Bethsaida to Gennesaret. Six miles isn’t much of a walk at all, not for people who walk all the time. And when you are meeting someone in between, four miles of walking is something even I could do. If it’s been raining, of course, it could be a little harder. […]

by Jon Swanson

living between the big three

The church calendar feels unbalanced somehow, at least about the big three holidays. The really big holiday, acknowledged inside and outside of the church, is Christmas. We are excited about Christmas. Everyone loves a baby. We are ready for angels and mangers and cuteness. And then, the holiday that we know is more important than […]