John 14:1-14 Dear Partner in Preaching, Tucked into the middle of the passage from John appointed for this 5th Sunday of Easter – yes, it really is Easter even though the RCL has dragged us back to Maundy Thursday in the narrative – tucked into to the middle of this passage are some of the most memorable, even iconic verses from the Fourth Gospel: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” “In my Father’s house there are many rooms.” “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” And “If in my name you ask for anything, I will do it.” Each of these could be a sermon in and of itself, often wrestling with some of...

Dear Partner in Preaching, The story of Thomas has always been one of my favorites. Of course, it’s not just a story about Thomas. It’s also a story about frightened disciples. So scared, in fact, that, they hid behind locked doors. And who can blame them? They had just witnessed the one they confessed to be the Messiah betrayed by one of his own, tried and convicted by both religious and civil authorities, and then brutally executed. Little wonder they were afraid, assuming that the next step would be to round up Jesus’ followers. But when Jesus comes on the scene, their fear falls away and is replaced by joy. This, I think, is the...

Dear Partner in Preaching, Here’s my brief take this vignette from Luke’s larger narrative about the resurrection appearances of Jesus: if you don’t have serious doubts about the Easter story, you’re not paying attention. Seriously. I mean, just read the story. Actually, all of the stories. For while the four gospels have many interesting variations in their account of Jesus’ resurrection, they are absolutely consistent on one thing: no one believes the good news of Jesus’ resurrection when they first hear it. No one. And that includes Jesus’ own disciples, the ones who were closest to him and spent the most time with him. In...