Night. From the windows of his house, Joseph Caiaphas can sense how full the city is. His view is obstructed by the courtyard’s wall, but he knows that if he were to go up to the roof he would see the campfires and candle light flickering from every house. But more than sight, there is … Continue reading Caiaphas
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Lazarus
He is still wrapped in burial clothes as he exits the tomb. He sees the world come back to life around him through strips of cloth that are white and loosely woven. The faces around him are ghostly, as if they were wrapped in gauze. There is a one thick thread cutting across his vision. … Continue reading Lazarus
Simon Peter
He and Andrew had just begun their night's work. They had just heaved the dense, wet net out of the bottom of the boat and cast it out over the water. It struck the surface and sank. They were silent after the sound of the net going in, and then a voice called them from … Continue reading Simon Peter
Life and Ideals
Not everyone was happy about the resurrection of Lazarus. According to John's Gospel, the fact of that miracle caused great crowds to flock around Jesus, and the chief priests grew jealous and afraid. They plotted to kill Lazarus, thinking that this would make the crowds go away. They didn't just want to ignore his resurrection. … Continue reading Life and Ideals
Snakes on a Stick
The problem with the story about the snakes in Numbers 21:4-9 is that it seems to be about magic. And the problem with Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus in John 3 is that Jesus's use of the Numbers story is completely bizarre. It would be easy for preachers to dismiss this, to move too quickly to … Continue reading Snakes on a Stick
KPB Stevens 