Jesus’ Life and Teaching

Where writing reflects on Jesus’ life and teachings

Christ’s Procession Today

/ M McKinnell

A two voice reflection for Palm Sunday - the first Sunday (in Scotland) churches can be open for worship following the latest enforced closures due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

  • Voice 1: Someone in the crowd as Jesus rides into Jerusalem
  • Voice 2: Someone in the procession back to church as lockdown rules on worship are relaxed

Jesus’ Life – An act of Love!

/ M McKinnell

A pantoum based on John 3:14-21, the Gospel for this Sunday (Lent 4, Yr B)

First Stanza:

When Jesus comes to us as an act of love –
we’re used to a society that loves to judge.
In every aspect of our lives – how we look and what we do or say –
life’s a competition – full of hierarchy ladders.

Cleansing the Temple

/ M McKinnell

A two voice reflection based on John 2:13-22, the Gospel for this Sunday (Lent 3, Yr B):

  • Voice 1 – A person reflecting on Jesus entering the temple in Jerusalem
  • Voice 2 – A person reflecting on Jesus entering the temple that is our bodies

    • The Lord is Near

    / M McKinnell

    This Character Reflection is based on Mark 1:9-15, the Gospel set for this Sunday (Lent 1, Yr B) in the Revised Common Lectionary. It is inspired by the spirit drawing my attention to the idea that Jesus' first words after his 40 days in the wilderness echo the teaching of John the Baptist. It is written from the point of view of a bystander in the crowd.

    Witness in the Wilderness

    / M McKinnell

    (Written February, 2021
    Scripture references: Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13)

    It’s humbling to witness Jesus in the wilderness –
    He has such strength, such courage, a peacefulness.
    No challenge, not even the devil, can break him down –
    Just one sharp rebuke removing temptation from His thought.

    Wine – God’s Miracle!

    / M McKinnell

    (Written January, 2019 - based on The Wedding at Cana - John 2:1-11)

    First Stanza:

    A miracle, a precious gift from God,
    when you run on empty far too long.
    Filling the barrel alone proved impossible -
    God renews and refreshes His way!