easter text on gray surface beside yellow flowers

Lent 2026 #17: Model Not-to-do

When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify …

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white camel

#263 Gnats and Camels

As an English teacher, I seriously appreciate Jesus’ way with words in The Gospels.  Usually these words are combatting The Pharisees, the religious leaders of his day, who believe they are spiritually superior to those around them, but in reality are nothing like it. They are oppressive: They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put …

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close up of a fresh red apple on tree branch

#262 God’s Classroom

As has been observed by many, there is a tendency for adults in social settings to identify ourselves not by who we are, but by what we do.  “I’m a dentist.”  “I’m a plumber.” “My team has just started working on a new project.” “My team has just finished working on a large project.” And …

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