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(Matt: 14:25-33) This is another of those set pieces that everyone remembers: the disciples see Jesus walking on the water, Peter impetuously joins in, but his faith isn’t up to the task and he is only saved by Jesus’ intervention. “Just like us, so often,” we sigh. Let’s take a closer look. I will spareContinue reading “Peter gets it!”

(Matt 15-10-20) The Pharisees approach Jesus and demand to know why His disciples ignore the traditions of the elders, by eating without washing their hands first. And Jesus asks them why they ignore God’s word in favour of their traditions. He then goes on to say this to the crowd: “Listen and understand. What goesContinue reading “No, Peter, it isn’t a Parable…”

(Matt 16:24-25, also in Mark 8 and Luke 9 – not to mention Matt 10:38) It is one of the best known sayings of Jesus – and yet it doesn’t make sense. “If anyone would follow me, let him deny himself, pick up his cross and follow me.” What do I mean, “it doesn’t makeContinue reading “Follow me, soldier”

(Matt 15:21-28; see also Mark 7:24-30) This is a well known and understood story: the Syro-Phoenician mother comes to Jesus because her daughter is demonised and ill; the disciples tell Jesus to send her away because she is making a big fuss, and Jesus initially tries to turn her away, saying it is not rightContinue reading “Heal her, she’s so annoying”