The Importance of Remembering
The final two chapters of Esther (though one of them is very short) illuminate the entire purpose of the whole book: to tell the story of and establish the celebration of a holiday to be remembered th...
18 Dec 20230s
Encountering Jesus with a Blind Man
Many of the stories of Jesus in the gospels teach us just as much by the people responding to (and either rejecting or accepting) Jesus. Why did the healing of the blind man elicit such strong reactio...
18 Dec 20230s
The Final Showdown
After several delays, Esther finally confronts Haman on the night of her second feast. What contributes to the final showdown, how does it all play out, and what should we learn from this dramatic eve...
11 Dec 20230s
Encountering Jesus with a Demon
Jesus encountered many demons during his ministry, but what is often more interesting in these encounters is the people: how they react, what they say, and how Jesus responds to them. What can we lear...
11 Dec 20230s
Pride Goeth Before a Fall
As we build toward the crescendo in Esther, the narrative pauses to zoom in on Haman’s pride, obsession, and bitterness. What can we learn from Haman’s inevitable downfall? Click Here to Listen. (Prea...
4 Dec 20230s
Encountering Jesus as a Gentile
Jesus encounter with the Canaanite woman is one of the most unusual in the gospels. Why did Jesus treat the woman the way he did, and what should we learn from his behavior? Click Here to Listen. (Pre...
4 Dec 20230s
Encountering Jesus in a Storm
Jesus calming the storm is probably one of the most famous Gospel stories, perfectly demonstrating Jesus’s power and intent. But it is made more powerful in Matthew’s version by the contrast with what...
27 Nov 20230s
Esther’s Gamble
The story of Esther has three crescendos, the first of which is when Esther risks the wrath of the king. Why did Esther need to approach the king, and what in her life built up to this moment? Click H...
20 Nov 20230s
