John 5:19-29 / Q&A 42 A conflict with the Jewish leaders over Sabbath observance (see v. 1-18) quickly turns into one of the most glorious series of claims Jesus makes about himself in all the New Testament.  Jesus affirms in audacious ways the Jews’ suspicion that he is claiming to be equal to the Father.  […]

Hebrews 12:1-3 Part of what makes running such a fitting metaphor for the Christian life is that runners are willing to endure a tremendous amount of pain in order to pursue a joy that makes the suffering worth it to them.  In much the same way, Hebrews says this is how Jesus endured the sufferings […]

Job 19:1-29 Job’s greatest struggle was not how to go on without his flocks, his servants, or even his children. His greatest struggle was how to go on without God–at least without God as he once knew him: loving, kind, generous, and just.  Sometimes the hardest part of suffering is the way in which it […]

1 Kings 19:1-18 Elijah’s deep sense of despair might seem puzzling after such a dramatic victory over Baal and his prophets in the previous chapter, but it’s precisely because this victory did not accomplish what Elijah expected (the revival of Israel) that he despairs and concludes that his entire ministry had been in vain.  In response, […]

Genesis 45:1-11 & 50:15-21 Since many of us have known the Joseph story from childhood, it can be hard for us to read it again the way it was intended; namely, without the end in mind.  It’s a story of tremendous drama and intrigue that at its very lowest point (i.e. 40:23) leaves both Joseph and […]

Genesis 18:1-15 & 21:1-7 Nearly twenty-five years of waiting since God first promised Abraham and Sarah a son–aging and likely aching bodies–it’s no wonder Sarah had given up on the promise.  When these heavenly visitors reaffirm the promise, Sarah expresses her unbelief with a quiet yet cynical laugh.  And it’s a cynicism we understand; it […]