This statement would make immediate sense when spoken by any run-o-the-mill male person. But it was not spoken by an average man. It was said by one who repeatedly claimed that his father was the God of Israel, the creator. Many have made similar claims but only Jesus has attracted such a widespread following. What is God like? He is like Jesus. If this is true, there is a God worthy of trust and worship.

God does not have favorites. Those entrust themselves to the living God of the Gospel are introduced to saving gifts of consolation, encouragement and inspiration that imbue their life with meaning, courage and hope. This does not mean that God's saving action is limited to believers. He drenches the whole human race with mercies in order to bring them to the enjoyment of even richer blessing.

With two powerful metaphors Jesus pictures the human conundrum. Alone among the species, we are capable of contrasting moods of joy-buoyancy-fulfillment-contentment versus insecurity, futility and despair. To discover a durable solution to this psychological standoff would be good news indeed. Anyone claiming to have the key to this dilemma begs to be heard. And Jesus does not disappoint.

With two powerful metaphors Jesus pictures the human conundrum. Alone among the species, we are capable of contrasting moods of joy-buoyancy-fulfillment-contentment versus insecurity, futility and despair. To discover a durable solution to this psychological standoff would be good news indeed. Anyone claiming to have the key to this dilemma begs to be heard. And Jesus does not disappoint.

The bedrock validation for human fellowship lies in the truth of God's existence, and the fact that he ALONE is God. There is not a person in the world who does not owe his/her being and daily subsistence to him. Here implied, is both brotherhood and service--components of love. My prayers defy prayer's logic if they do not reach beyond my own felt needs to the comfort, well-being, progress and salvation of all humanity.

Thank, the law in our society does not permit such crude treatment of women. Only in a culture steeped in the values of patriarchy could a woman be humiliated so. The men (they were all men) who orchestrated this public shaming were Israel's Bible students and Pastors. Notwithstanding, everything about the spectacle tells us they had not one white of Pastoral concern for the woman. What motivated them? Certainly not compassion; not love. The world is better off without such

A good conscience is the possession of one that does habitually follow a known course of evil. So faith and a good conscience are always in each other's company. Faith takes hold of Christ who cleans the conscience by purging it of guilt through forgiveness and reconciliation. To pursue what Christ suffered for in order to be merciful to us, is to despise God's kindness and goodness, and wreck our faith.

The question is rhetorical; it expects 'no' for an answer. If the intellectuals in the land are dismissive of Jesus, then, of course, no one else should take him seriously! It is never right to let other people think or decide for us. The beauty of Jesus personality and its moral rightness is explicable to everyone; including the ignorant and the illiterate.

God doesn't choose human agents with impeccable credentials. Such persons would not answer his design. He picks individuals who are totally unqualified to represent him so that they become living advertisements for his great mercy. God is not a talent scout. He wants to be known for his unlimited patience, so that the world will know that there is hope and love for everyone.

God is not open to scientific investigation or testing. Logical analyses, the tools of evidence and academic enquiry are not adequate to the task of finding him out. The entrance to divine mystery is a moral one. Access to his secrets is open to those who want God to be God; those who want to serve him.