Author: David Ellis

Don: It is a primary focus of all the great religions to answer three existential questions: Where do I come from? Why am I here? And: Where will I go after death? They are in essence questions of creation, revelation, and salvation. Most religions teach that the afterlife is a reward—or a punishment—for the life…

Don: We have studied the stories of the Rich Young Ruler and the lawyer, both of whom asked Jesus how they could inherit eternal life. Other scriptural stories—the Pharisee and the Publican, the blind man on the road to Jericho, and Zaccheus the tax collector—provide additional insight regarding the answer to that question: And [Jesus]…

Don: In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus contrasted the action of the Samaritan with the inaction of the priest and the Levite. All priests are Levites, but not all Levites are priests. The priests were direct descendants of Moses’ brother Aaron and were given specific duties in administering sanctuary services. Levites who were…

Don: Two people asked Jesus the question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” The first was the Rich Young Ruler, whom we discussed last week. The second was a “lawyer”: And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And He said…

And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” Then he said to Him,…

Don: What was Jesus trying to help us understand when he talked about the need to be childlike? Like the sinners, tax collectors, women, gentiles, and Samaritans with whom Jesus associated, children were held in low regard by society at that time and as little more than a nuisance—even by the disciples: Then some children…

Don: Jesus’ statement: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6) was a mission statement. It is an overarching affirmation of the Trinitarian God: God the Father, who is embodied by the Truth; God the Holy Spirit, which is the Way; and…

Don: Jesus expanded on the concept that the big T Truth is to be found in him (“I am the way, the truth, and the life”) when he said: “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.”…

Don: The story of the adulteress was a trial not just of the woman, who represents all of us sinners, but also of the Mosaic law, which represents “small t truth.” Jesus addressed the woman’s case directly, but he addressed the issue of the law only indirectly, by trumping it with grace. This is the…