“Do not be afraid.” Jesus says it three times in this passage. And whenever Scripture repeats itself, we should probably pay attention. “Do not be afraid.” It sounds comforting. It belongs on a greeting card, perhaps, or embroidered on a pillow. But in this chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is not speaking to people whose […]

“I will not leave you orphaned,” Jesus says. “I am coming to you.” It is one of the tenderest promises in John’s Gospel. And it comes at a moment when tenderness is desperately needed. Jesus is speaking to his friends on the night before he dies. The table has been shared. Feet have been washed. […]