Author | Vagabond Preacher | Lover of the Poor | Grandpa
In Part 1 we began talking about the account of the centurion in Luke 7 who possessed both clout and compassion. He had great social and political power as well as “great faith.” He cared deeply about the dying servant in his house and the Jewish people under his authority, and treated them all with …
Continue reading "An Uncommon Combination of Clout and Compassion (Part 2 of 2)"
Roman centurions had clout––and plenty! But not many were accused of an overabundance of compassion. Sanctioned by the most powerful empire on earth, wherever they roamed, they wielded the limitless authority of Rome. The Jews and all other occupied lands lived under the thumb of the state and in fear of the army’s oft-capricious tactics. …
Continue reading "An Uncommon Combination of Clout and Compassion (Part 1 of 2)"
The privileged inherit most of the power and the powerful end up with most of the privileges. They say power corrupts and privilege is blind. I can’t say that I disagree. But is there another way? The New Testament gives brief accounts of two famous men of power and privilege––centurions both. For my money, these …
[I recommend that you read Parts 1 and 2 before proceeding...] “OK, well, this isn’t going like we’d hoped,” the envoys whispered among themselves. “This may not be our guy. His agenda is definitely not the same as ours and he doesn’t seem to care at all about our American Dream. He’s so concerned about …
Continue reading "Jesus – A Middle-Class Messiah? (He begins at the bottom) Part 3 of 3"
[I recommend that you read Part 1 first...] “That’s just fine with us, go ahead and keep helping poor people if it makes you happy,” they argued, “but don’t you think it’s a little short sighted? Couldn’t you flex a little of your muscle to lift us back up to the top of the global …
Continue reading "Jesus – A Middle-Class Messiah? (He begins at the bottom) Part 2 of 3"
barney wiget 