Cleopas

From Distraction to Discovery

As we journey through life, distractions often pull us away from what truly matters. In the story of Cleopas and his friend on the road to Emmaus (Lk. 24:13-35), we find a powerful illustration of how distraction can cloud our understanding and how meaningful discussion can lead to profound discovery.

Cleopas and his companion were walking, consumed by the events of the past few days—the crucifixion of Jesus, their dashed hopes, and the rumors

Thomas

“I’ll believe it when I see it!” We’ve all said it at one time or another. A well-known idiom, expressing the skepticism or need of tangible proof that lies inherent within all of us. The apostle Thomas is no exception, best known as “Doubting Thomas” as a result of needing tangible proof of Christ’s resurrection. In John 20:24-29, the Sunday evening of Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus appeared to the assembled disciples, but Thomas was not present.  Upon hearing of the encount

Mary Magdalene

“Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: I have seen the Lord” John 20:18.

Mary Magdalene watched the horrifying crucifixion of her Savior, Jesus, as soldiers hammered spikes into his hands and feet and hung him to die a criminal’s death. Mary heard Jesus say, “It is finished” and her heart sank. She was confused and scared.

Before Jesus came into Mary’s life, it was filled with wild outbursts and raging moments of madness from complete demon possession. With di

Joseph & Nicodemus

As we reflect on the burial of Jesus, two prominent figures stand out:  Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (cf. John 19:38-42, Luke 23:50-54). Both played crucial roles in this pivotal moment in Jesus’ life, fulfilling prophecy along the way. So, what do we know about them? The Bible describes Joseph as a council member, a good and just man who was eagerly awaiting the kingdom of God. In contrast, Nicodemus is identified as a Pharisee, a ruler among the Jews.

Both men had t

Thief on the Cross

Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Luke 23:42

If you knew you only had a few more minutes, maybe hours to live, what would you want? What would be most important to you? I have often wondered what such a moment would be like, especially when I reflect on the story about that first Good Friday when three men were sentenced to die. Two were thieves, and the other was Jesus.

Shortly before His death, Jesus’ last moment with the thief pr

Mary, the Mother of Jesus

When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.  John 19:26-27

I have wondered many times how Mary, the mother of Jesus, might have felt to face so many difficult circumstances becoming the mother of Emmanuel, God with us.

And as a mother myself, it is deeply humbling to think about

Pilate

This was a very bad day. Do you know the type? Nothing seems to go right. While I, Pilate, should have been in control of the situation - I was not.  I am the Roman governor of Judea.  Why could I not be the governor of a more civilized area? Instead of this backwater desert. It was these insipid Jews, with their feast days and separate laws - and One God - who only has one god? It’s ridiculous.  They always get riled up around their feast days.  I was expecting this.  It