Jesus takes us beyond outward observation into the very heart of our lives. In Matthew 15, a special envoy of Pharisees from Jerusalem arrives to interrogate Jesus. But it is Jesus who confronts them about their confusion over what defiles and what the heart of true spirituality with God is all about. Jesus called the …
Two Contrasting Ways: The Pharisees and Jesus’ Disciples
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 23, Jesus follows a series of attacking questions from religious leaders with a scorching critique of the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees. Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must …
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Encountering Jesus the Healer and Deliverer
"That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was." (Mark 1:32-34) Jesus is the healer …
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Which is the Greatest Commandment?: Jesus’ unique answer
Rembrandt van Rijn, Christ Preaching, called La Petite Tombe; Etching, engraving, and drypoint; 1657. “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is …
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Encountering the Merciful Love of God :: Fra Angelico, “The Annunciation”
Fra Angelico, The Annunciation; tempera on wood; between 1433 and 1434. “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed.” (Luke 1:46-48) "Love is blind." At least, that's how the saying goes. The …
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Matthew Erickson 