When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 22:15) The Passion of the Christ, the passion play—mostContinue reading “Reflecting on Jesus’ Passion”
Author Archives: A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green
High Touch or High Truth?
Unlike the synoptic writers who start with events surrounding Jesus’ birth (Matthew and Luke), or with the ministry of John the Baptizer (Mark), John’s gospel sets a cosmic tone as he goes all of the way back to the beginning. We hear echoes of Genesis 1 as he writes about the beginning, the word, and light. Some have suggestedContinue reading “High Touch or High Truth?”
The Pain of Failure and the Power of Love
All roads eventually end. For some, it’s a dead end (no fun for the driver), but most provide us with an option of some kind—we can go left or right. The best roads though, merge onto other roads and we never have to stop. That’s the way we should think of John 21, as wellContinue reading “The Pain of Failure and the Power of Love”
The Work of Peace
As the pilgrims journeyed toward the holy city, they were thirsty for peace. It was more than just a passing concern for them; peace is a steady theme throughout the ascent psalms (122:6-8, 125:5, 128:6). It’s fitting that as they approached Jerusalem (“the city of peace”), they sought the greater, higher peace of God. InContinue reading “The Work of Peace”
Traveling Mercies
I suppose prayer language is a bit like barbecue—each region has its own distinctive flavor. Some phrases seem to have made the circuit and are employed everywhere (guide, guard and direct, until the next appointed time, well-pleasing in Thy sight). Then there’s one I’ve only heard a handful of times, but I really gravitate toward: traveling mercies. It’sContinue reading “Traveling Mercies”
Why does God need to be worshiped?
A reader has this comment and question: God looks down upon self worship . . . He looks down upon things being idolized . . . He looks down upon being conceited or putting ones self above others. So, why does He ask us to worship him? Does it not go against every set ofContinue reading “Why does God need to be worshiped?”
“There Will Be A Reckoning” (Cold Mountain)
There are a couple of scenes in the movie Cold Mountain that really speak to the biblical presentation of judgment. The first is when Ada and Ruby find Sally Swanger propped up and stretched out in her yard, her hands being held down by the weight of a split rail fence. Not far from her hangs the body ofContinue reading ““There Will Be A Reckoning” (Cold Mountain)”
A substitute for prayer?
“I’m sending positive thoughts your way.” Let’s start by acknowledging the good will and intent behind these words. People say such things because they are concerned about someone in difficult circumstances and they want to voice their support for them. We’ve all been in this situation and know the powerlessness you feel—someone you care aboutContinue reading “A substitute for prayer?”
Rescue from the Heart of Darkness
In the model prayer Jesus gave His disciples, we are told to pray that God will “lead us not into temptation.” This strikes many people as a little strange because it seems to suggest that without this petition, God would lead us into temptation—a conclusion that is clearly out of sync with God’s character (1 JohnContinue reading “Rescue from the Heart of Darkness”
Falling Into Fruitfulness
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit (Jesus in John 12:24). We are born with two fears—the fear of loud noises and the fear of falling. The sensation of falling is an uncomfortable one. Think ofContinue reading “Falling Into Fruitfulness”
