Many Christians right now are preparing for Christmas. Jews, on the other hand, are in the middle of the 8-day celebration of Hanukkah. For most, the two holidays seem to have little in common. But this is actually a wonderful time of year to consider Jesus in his Hebraic context. During Hanukkah, Jews celebrate their […]
Jesus, the Metaphorical Theologian – Ken Bailey
Ken Bailey has written a number of fascinating books on Jesus in his Middle Eastern context. In his introduction to Finding the Lost Cultural Keys to Luke 15 (Concordia, 1992), he explains a key difference between how Westerners think and communicate and how Jesus did. Westerners primarily communicate in concepts, but Middle Easterners communicate in […]
In the West, Man is Big and God is Far Away
I’m always fascinated by the question of what we need to know, culturally, to understand our Bibles better. So I enjoyed the essay at this link by James Kugel, a Jewish biblical scholar, about a fundamental disconnect between the worldview of the Bible and of our Western world today. It’s from an essay on Psalm […]
The Messianic King … Your Thoughts?
The title “Christ” or “Messiah” refers to God’s “anointed one.” Overall, the prophetic imagery is that of a king, although prophets and priests were anointed too. (For more, see What does “Christ” Actually Mean?) In our modern world it’s hard to grasp what awe and worship kings inspired, and why Israel desired one so much. […]
Those Spicy, Savory Hebrew Words
Have you noticed the latest food trend? Growing numbers of people are into artisanal foods. They love organic cheeses and heirloom vegetables, farmer’s markets and food co-ops. They want to eat slow food, not fast food. It takes more time and effort, but it’s worth it, they say. You know what? I’m into artisanal Bible […]
Gossip — I am Nobody’s Friend
Lashon hara is the Hebrew phrase for the “evil tongue” and it refers to gossip, slander and all sorts of malicious speech. It was a source of great concern to rabbis down through the centuries, including Jesus. Below is a poem about gossip that is very wise. Nobody’s Friend My name is Gossip. […]
Can God the Father Teach us About Masculinity?
It’s Father’s Day, and articles fill the internet about men who defied the masculine stereotype of being tough, distant workaholics. Changing diapers. Working at home. The world is a very different place nowadays than it was a few decades ago. The last place that many would look for inspiration for modern fatherhood is the Old […]
New Ebook: 5 Hebrew Words that Every Christian Should Know
* Extra * Extra * Extra * Hot off the presses! Announcing my new ebook: 5 Hebrew Words that Every Christian Should Know A friendly, bite-sized Bible study of five flavorful Hebrew words. In this introductory word study, readers get a taste of the ancient wisdom of Hebrew, the Bible’s heart-language, and see how […]
Sneak Preview of My Upcoming Ebook
You haven’t heard much from me lately, and it’s because I’ve been putting the finishing touches on something new. It’s an ebook! This is my first venture in this new medium. It’s called… drumroll… 5 Hebrew Words that Every Christian Should Know A Bite-Sized Bible Study This is an introductory word study of five […]
Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus – now in Dutch
I’m excited to share the news – my book, Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus (Zondervan, 2012) is now available in Dutch! If you want to download a free pdf preview of Wandelen in het Stof van Rabbi Jezus, use this link. You can order the book at this link. The Dutch publisher, Uitgeverij […]
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