Jesus’ positively pure-hearted way of relating to women was outright scandalous by comparison to their men-first-and-foremost culture. In his interaction with the woman at the well he broke all the rules regarding religious, ethnic, and worst of all, gender biases. An argument could be made that it was to her that he first clearly disclosed …
How to Fight Like Jesus
“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered. “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” (Matthew 27:21-22) Barabbas was in prison for murder and insurrection. His name means “Son of the Father.” Sound …
A Lamb or a Hammer?
Using Christianity to justify violence is diametrically opposite of the message of his prophetic “street theater” on Palm Sunday, not to mention Zechariah’s prophecy. Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 …
Your Eye for Mine
People treat their enemies in one of three ways: demonically, legalistically, or christianly. Returning evil for good is demonic. Giving back good for good and evil for evil (eye for an eye) is legalistic. Many Christians practice this second way without giving it a second thought. Someone puts out your eye and you put out …
A Little Humility Goes a Long Way
Most of our friends and acquaintances in Golden Gate Park have street names – Monkey, Four-Twenty, Felony, Chaos, Animal, and the like. One day I was talking to “Sheriff,” a twenty-something park dweller with a bright red Mohawk – it looked to me like he’d cut it himself, with neither mirror nor particularly sharp scissors. …
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