Just How Many Times Did Jesus Cleanse the Temple?

Scarsellino (1550-1620) "Driving the Merchants from the Temple" The four Gospels tell of Jesus Christ clearing out moneychangers from the temple in Jerusalem. The Synoptic Gospels1 set the temple cleansing after the triumphal entry into Jerusalem at the end of His public ministry (Matt. 21:1-27; Mk. 11:1-11, 15-19; Lk. 19:28-48). However, the Gospel of John … Continue reading Just How Many Times Did Jesus Cleanse the Temple?

Did Jesus Teach Us to Hate Kin and Self?

Jesus Christ said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Lk. 14:26).1 At first this saying is perplexing. How could Jesus tell us to hate? Does not this contradict everything … Continue reading Did Jesus Teach Us to Hate Kin and Self?

Why Pilate Pardoned Barabbas but Condemned Jesus?

Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, sanctioned the execution of Jesus Christ. At the same time, the governor set free a seditious murderer named Barabbas. Why did Pilate allow the crucifixion of an innocent man and the acquittal of the guilty man? Why was Barabbas let go? The Jewish Sanhedrin condemned Jesus for blasphemy … Continue reading Why Pilate Pardoned Barabbas but Condemned Jesus?

Why Did God Reject Cain’s Sacrifice?

Adam and Eve had two sons, the elder was Cain and Abel was the younger. The younger became a herdsman and the elder a farmer. No sibling rivalries are mentioned but one day Cain murders Abel. Unjustified primeval fratricide! The tipping point that led to the younger brother’s demise actually happens at the altar of … Continue reading Why Did God Reject Cain’s Sacrifice?