Tag Archives: Matthew

Reading a gospel like a newspaper

Posted on March 30, 2018 by hessd

I’ve been trying for many years now to give up a bad habit. It’s hard. I read the gospels as if they were newspaper accounts. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to. Do you suppose there is a 12-step program for me? … Continue reading →

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Tidings of Delicious

Posted on December 4, 2015 by hessd

There is a bright red banner across the glass front of the pastry case at our Starbucks in Multnomah Village. It says, “Tidings of Delicious.” Every time I see it, I think of Matthew’s strategy for placing the birth of … Continue reading →

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Do You Understand What You Are Reading?

Posted on January 10, 2014 by hessd

I take the title from the question Philip asks the government official in Acts 8:30.  The official is reading Isaiah and Philip runs up to the chariot to ask if the official is reading with understanding.  The two passages I … Continue reading →

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Explaining Matthew’s Advent Story to Children

Posted on December 26, 2011 by hessd

The story of Herod’s anger at having missed his chance to kill the Christ Child has been around for a long time, assuming that the Gospel of Matthew dates from the 80s AD.  In the charged political atmosphere of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies, Politics | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments