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The question that springs to mind immediately upon reading this text is, “Why is this here?” Many of us are familiar with the story of Jesus “cleansing the temple,” but in the synoptic tradition (Matthew, (...)

We begin “the next day” in this passage, because one day has already transpired in verses 19–28, in which John gives testimony about who he is: not the Messiah, nor Elijah, but “the voice of (...)

In the context of God’s long-standing presence with Israel (Matthew 1:1–17), God has initiated the conception and commissioning of Jesus (1:18–25). Jesus is commissioned to manifest God’s saving presence (1:21–23). Here in chapter 2, he (...)

Christian prayer is the spiritual and mystical act of being incorporated into the life of the Son by the Spirit and coming before God the Father, being received as the Son, and speaking to the (...)

The majestically celebratory opening of Hebrews merits a cautious approach at Christmas.1 The author’s portrayal of Jesus as unique and superior comes at the expense of Jewish traditions and practices. Understanding this portrayal can help (...)

John 1:1–18 is the gospel reading for  the Sunday before Christmas in 2025, where it is both elaboration and “teaser.” For the coming festival of Christmas, these verses offer a creation-size origin narrative that turns (...)

The book of Lamentations emerges from the disorienting aftermath of a pivotal moment in ancient Israelite history: namely, the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 587 BCE. Over a decade, the Judahites’ entire world fell apart. (...)

No prophet incorporates the genre of lament into their message to a greater extent than Jeremiah. Among the most recognized writings of the prophet fitting this characterization are those scattered about the book and known (...)

The people of God are called to experience and embody the heart of God. In this week’s lectionary reading, we learn that the heart of God involves, in the words of the late Bishop Barbara (...)

Isaiah’s song of the vineyard in 5:1–7 may be the most click-bait biblical text ever. But in reality, it’s a radical click-bait-and-switch: Isaiah rivets his listeners and then pulls the rug out from under them (...)