SUMMARY: These stories of two blind men highlight the ways that we attempt to protect Jesus from the unrighteous and deny mercy. The blind man and Zaccheus are the outcast of society and both are desperate to see Jesus. The crowds do their best to keep both men away, but Jesus sees them both and meets them halfway. Jesus treats them as equals and invites them to return to the community that has shunned them. We must be careful of keeping such stringent rules about righteousness that we miss opportunities to bring people to meet Jesus and receive mercy.
We often think of the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin as stories about God searching for those who have wandered away. But what if these stories are also about us—about the ways we lose and find parts of ourselves and our faith? Life is not a simple journey from lost to found but a continuous cycle of seeking, discovering, and celebrating. And through it all, we trust in the deep truth: God doesn’t lose people.
The fig tree passage reminds us that even things that seem dead, or at rest, may still be growing. Rather than destroying what seems useless, we need to take time and offer small actions that give the best chance for growth and renewal.
The familiar story of Martha and Mary is often used to create two descriptions of believers: worker bee and faithful contemplative. This is a shallow explanation for the story of two brave, independent sisters. Each one is practicing her faith in modern and wonderful ways. Martha, in her doing of good works, has been distracted by her own ideals of that work. The work has overtaken its own purpose, to serve her guest generously and kindly. Jesus calls Martha, and us, back to works built on faith.
SUMMARY: The familiar parable of the Good Samaritan is subversive. Jesus is overturning the ways that we label and view one another. Instead of giving people value because of their position, nationality, or other factors, he invites us to view one another as human beings. We need one another. And the one who responds in mercy may be the one we least expect.
Summary: In these final days before heading towards his own tomb, Jesus raises his close friend, Lazarus, from the dead. It’s a poignant moment, as Jesus weeps with his friends. They question, as we often do, “Why didn’t you come sooner? Why didn’t you save Lazarus?” In this Scripture, Jesus is avoiding the easy task of saving Lazarus for the difficult task of resurrecting life from destruction. Where do we see this happening in our own lives? How does this impact our faith?
Summary: We are called to follow the Good Shepherd. This is a beautiful picture of being led by someone who loves and knows us. In order to follow, we need to set aside our own need to control and lead. There is safety in following the Shepherd. Wolves are in the field, imitating the Shepherd’s voice and trying to distract and scatter us so that we can be picked off. Our work is to keep our eyes on the Shepherd, know his voice, and do his good work. The work the Shepherd calls us to is to feed and care for the lambs and sheep. The Shepherd will take care of the wolves. We can safely abide.
