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In the Gospel for the previous Sunday (Matthew 3:1-12), we heard the stirring words of John the Baptist at the Jordan River concerning the one who is to come. The Messiah, he said, will baptize (...)

As I write, fall is already upon me, summer is long past, and winter is rapidly approaching. With the exception of Alaska, I live in one of the furthest northern states in the US, which (...)

Ephesians carries a message of “identity formation,” reminding Gentiles that they are “no longer aliens and strangers” (2:1–22), guiding them in understanding their new identity and socialization (4:17–6:9)… …and persuading them that in light of God’s (...)

In this scene, Jesus is somehow transformed. Moses and Elijah appear and then strangely disappear. Peter is perplexed. James and John are anonymous. God quotes Godself. Disciples are overcome with awe. Jesus tells them to (...)

Mystery marks this transfiguration scene. Jesus is transfigured. Jesus is transfigured. Moses and Elijah appear and then strangely disappear. Peter is perplexed. James and John are anonymous. God quotes Godself. The disciples are overcome with (...)

The temptation of Jesus has seemed to spark the human imagination for millennia. Paintings and stained-glass windows that show Jesus confronted by the devil abound. Take for example Botticelli’s “Three Temptations of Christ” painted on (...)

At Jesus’ baptism, the heavenly voice announces, “This is my Son, the Beloved.” Immediately afterwards, Jesus is tempted by the devil, who treats Jesus as if the reality of his identity is the question: “If (...)

Today’s passage is part of Peter’s sermon following the original, powerful experience of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The experience of the Spirit began with a sound like a strong wind and tongues of fire (...)

In this Easter season, the letter of 1 Peter supplies useful metaphors for pondering the theological significance of Christ’s resurrection for faith-filled living. The first verse in its opening thanksgiving prayer (1 Peter 1:3) sets (...)

Our reading from 1 Peter for this week is organized around a pastiche of Old Testament texts.  Through allusion and quotation a structure, a means for understanding who Christ Jesus is, and who we are (...)