Prayer: O Jesus, help me to believe that you are the resurrection and the life. Imagination: (Picture Martha and Mary speaking with Jesus.) Context: Jesus speaks individually with Martha and Mary. In this way, each could express their faith that Lazarus would not have died, if Jesus had been there. …
Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Let your Kingdom bring forth a harvest. Imagination: (Picture Jesus explaining the parable to his disciples.) Context: In this text, Jesus applies the parable. The original story highlighted the power of the Kingdom. This explanation highlights the ground’s ability to receive the seed and bring a …
Prayer: O Jesus, reveal to me the mysteries of the Kingdom. Imagination: (Picture Jesus explaining to his disciples the mystery of parables.) Context: All the gospels speak of “insiders” (the disciples) and “outsiders” (those who have not yet accepted Jesus and his Kingdom). Jesus has offered to these outsiders, (called …
Prayer – Jesus, plant the powerful seed of your Kingdom in my heart. Imagination: (Picture Jesus preaching to the crowds). Context: This parable contrasts the difficult beginning of the seeds and the glorious fulfillment of the harvest. The beginning has multiple frustrations. The end has gigantic results. Jesus’ ministry is …
Prayer – Come, Holy Spirit. Reveal the glory you have prepared. Imagination – (Picture James and John seeking favors from Jesus.) Context: Jesus has just told the apostles about his future sufferings. The mother of James and John, however, is interested in her sons’ glory. Jesus talks about the …
Prayer – O Lord, I seek no sign or wonder. I seek only you. Imagination – (Picture Jesus speaking to the crowds.) Context: Jesus’ enemies ask for a sign but Jesus addresses this teaching to the crowds. He cites two Old Testament examples of foreigners having a change of heart. …
Prayer: O Jesus, I will use my life your Judgment. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with His disciples.) Context: In Jesus time, three groups tried to form the perfect religious community of Israel – the Pharisees, the Essenes, and surprisingly, John the Baptist. All of Jesus’ actions went against this idea. For …
(Matthew 12:46-50) Prayer – O Jesus, I will be your brother (sister). Imagination:(Picture yourself in the crowd with Jesus saying “These are my brother and sister” Context: Often, Mark begins a story, tells another story and then completes the first story. In this text, Mark concludes the story of Jesus’ …
(Matthew 13:24-30) Prayer: O Jesus, I will use my life your Judgment. Imagination: (Picture Jesus with His disciples.) Context: In Jesus time, three groups tried to form the perfect religious community of Israel – the Pharisees, the Essenes, and surprisingly, John the Baptist. All of Jesus’ actions went against this …
(Matthew 13:18-23) Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Let your Kingdom bring forth a harvest. Imagination: (Picture Jesus explaining the parable to his disciples.) Context: In this text, Jesus applies the parable. The original story highlighted the power of the Kingdom. This explanation highlights the ground’s ability to receive the seed and …
(Matthew 13:10-13) Prayer: O Jesus, reveal to me the mysteries of the Kingdom. Imagination: (Picture Jesus explaining to his disciples the mystery of parables.) Context: All the gospels speak of “insiders” (the disciples) and “outsiders” (those who have not yet accepted Jesus and his Kingdom). Jesus has offered to these …
(Matthew 13:1-9) Prayer – Jesus, plant the powerful seed of your Kingdom in my heart. Imagination: (Picture Jesus preaching to the crowds). Context: This parable contrasts the difficult beginning of the seeds and the glorious fulfillment of the harvest. The beginning has multiple frustrations. The end has gigantic results. Jesus’ …
(Matthew 12:38-42) Prayer – O Lord, I seek no sign or wonder. I seek only you. Imagination – (Picture Jesus speaking to the crowds.) Context: Jesus’ enemies ask for a sign but Jesus addresses this teaching to the crowds. He cites two Old Testament examples of foreigners having a change …
(Luke 10:38-42) Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Make Jesus the center of my attention. Imagination: (Picture Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet.) Context: Luke places this story right after the Good Samaritan to emphasize that the disciple must first love Jesus. Serving others is important (like the Good Samaritan) but not enough …
