Posts by Michele Crater

DAILY READING Luke 13:31-35 I love the way The Message translates this passage. “Tell that fox that I’ve no time for him right now. Today and tomorrow I’m busy clearing out the demons and healing the sick…” Jesus straightforward without shame replies that he has no time for Herod, because he is busy going about the work of the Gospel. My color-coordinated…

DAILY READING Luke 13:31-35 What would you do if you knew exactly how many days you had left in your life? In this text, Jesus knows he only has a few days left before his crucifixion, and he is entirely focused on giving generously to his flock while he can. Even as the Pharisees warn him of Herod, Jesus says…

DAILY READING Luke 13:31-35 Without the broader context of these verses, you lose the scope and impact of Luke’s words. Let’s zoom out.  Currently, Jesus is traveling with the disciples from village to village, teaching and healing. Stories of Jesus, his messages, and miracles have reached King Herod, and he wants Jesus out of the…

DAILY READING Luke 13:31-35 These short verses contain several interesting and provocative ideas. Verses 31-33 focus on Jesus’ thoughts about the Jewish King Herod Antipas. He called him “that fox.” Why would Jesus call him that? The New Interpreters Study Bible suggests that “within the ancient world ‘fox’ has a range of possible meanings—e.g., its craftiness, its lack of strength, its proclivity for malicious…

DAILY READING Luke 13:31-35 Brentwood United Methodist Church is my spiritual home. It was here that I sang the songs of childhood and learned the classic Bible stories.  This youth group is where I fell in love with Jesus and where I discovered my call to ministry.  The pews in this Sanctuary were where Wesley’s…

DAILY READING Luke 4:1-13 Right before Jesus is in the desert, he is baptized in the Jordan river by John the Baptist. Immediately following the baptism, Jesus is driven out into the desert for 40 days and nights. Instead of getting to start his ministry, Jesus is out where there is nothing but stillness and rest. I am sure that like many…

DAILY READING Luke 4:1-13 I have never spent much time alone in the wilderness; partly because I fear what creatures larger than me I might run into, but mostly because being alone leaves behind the comfort in numbers I feel. Jesus accompanied only by the Holy Spirit set out into the wilderness to come face to face with not only the elements, but also…

DAILY READING Luke 4:1-13 Why is it that temptation comes at the least opportune time for us? When we are finally starting to get back to a routine, the seasons change. When we are starting to get all the chores done and the house looking nice, the dryer breaks. It seems as if we are…

DAILY READING Luke 4:1-13 We’re all familiar with the pre-flight safety routine – the one that instructs passengers to put on their oxygen mask first before assisting children or other passengers. This demonstration reflects the values of the world. We are often told to take care of ourselves first – make sure your wants, needs, and desires are…