John Piper has some great comments about the Gospels and the ‘Quest’ of modern Biblical scholarship for the ‘real’ Jesus. See the section in the intro of his newest book (“What Jesus Demands from the World“) called: “A Word to Biblical Scholars”. He points out that much of what passes for “the assured results of […]

After finishing their meal with a hymn, Jesus and his disciples left to spend the rest of the night on the Mount of Olives. Rather than going back to Bethany for the night (it was undoubtedly late by that time), they opted to camp in Jerusalem among the trees on the mount.  Probably along the way, […]

By John Piper (Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Books, 2006, 400 pgs.) John Piper has some incredible thoughts in his newest book, on the teaching of Jesus.  I say incredible, because we are so use to preachers and teachers presenting and emphasizing only the barest minimum requirements for salvation as normative Christianity.  Dr. Piper goes way beyond that in this book, […]

     Vs. 22  The guys were still eating and probably talking and enjoying themselves.  Then Jesus took some bread, gave thanks, and broke it, giving some to each one of them.  He said: “Take; this is my body.”  The whole tone of the supper changed in a moment.  I’m sure that all of a sudden you […]

By Bart D. Ehrman (New York: Oxford Univ. Press, 2006, pgs. 198) Chapter Three:  Judas in Later Gospel Traditions In surveying all the early traditions about Judas, it is the contention of Dr. Ehrman that oral traditions about Judas circulated for a number of years and resulted in some very different and conflicting presentations about […]

“Borat” has been the top grossing film in the USA for the past two weeks.  What does this say about America?  Is this really the best that our culture can produce?  I was tricked into seeing this film.  It is presented as a comedy in the trailers, but believe me when I say that words cannot explain how over-the-top offensive and […]

     Vs. 17-19   The Passover meal was in progress when Jesus proclaimed that one of his closest twelve, who were right there eating with him, would actually end up betraying him.  Each one reacted to the question, whether they might be the one (“is it I?”), only Judas and Jesus really knew the truth.  The rest of […]

1.  Christianity teaches that God is righteous and treats all of his creatures with perfect justice.      “For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice” -Psalm 11:7;  “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.” -Psalm 89:14;  “He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.” -Psalm 98:9;  “I now realize how true it […]

By Bart D. Ehrman (New York: Oxford Univ. Press, 2006, pgs. 198) This is probably destined to be the definitive book on the subject.  Written by the very able scholar from Chapel Hill.  One may disagree with his conclusions, but Dr. Ehrman is never to be ignored.  I plan to review his book in a ‘serial’ […]

     Vs. 12-13  The disciples ask Jesus about preparations for the Passover meal.  This story is similar to the story of the donkey.  Jesus prophetically sends two of his disciples to find the provider of the upper room.