Category: Parables

Being a Neighbor, Showing Mercy in Minneapolis

February 4, 2026

Jesus is meddling in politics again. Why doesn’t he just preach the gospel? To “go and do likewise” in this moment for many Jesus-followers in Minnesota means moving toward those who are being harmed and mistreated, showing mercy and standing in solidarity with them, being the healing presence of Jesus and bearing witness to those being left devastated (and sometimes dead) by the side of the road. … More Being a Neighbor, Showing Mercy in Minneapolis

Wise Teaching

August 13, 2021

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus drew huge crowds. There was an irresistible enigma to him. He is the ultimate charismatic teacher and leader. What is it about Jesus’ teaching and his style of teaching that was so attractive? … More Wise Teaching

The Journey Home

November 1, 2019

Wise people have observed that we spend the first half of life living out the Parable of the Talents (Matt 25:14–30), investing our time, talent and treasures in hopes of yielding a satisfying return that benefits ourselves and the greater good. This is largely an outward project of the Ego, as we try to prove … More The Journey Home

A Parable Retold

October 23, 2019

Here’s a retelling of a parable through the lenses of the Enneagram. Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in their False Self, thinking they were the better personality Type and regarded other Enneagram Types with contempt:  “Two different personality types went up to the temple to pray, one a self-righteous Type One and … More A Parable Retold

Imagine a World: Treasure Seekers (Matt 13:44-46)

August 23, 2017

We gathered at the beach for our annual baptism service and potluck. Always a highlight to preach in the open air with the lapping waves and morning breeze coming off of Lake Minnetonka. I resisted making mention (this time!) that just a few hundred yards down the shoreline Bill Bright housed the Campus Crusade headquarters … More Imagine a World: Treasure Seekers (Matt 13:44-46)

Imagine a World: Grateful Stewards (Matt 21:33-40)

August 14, 2017

Jesus’ parables, in the words of my teacher Scot McKnight, invite hearers to “imagine a world like this…” Like a good novel or film, you get swept up into another world for a moment and when its over you’re dropped back into our world pondering what you just saw, heard, experienced or imagined. Jesus’ parables fire … More Imagine a World: Grateful Stewards (Matt 21:33-40)

PARABLES: Let’s Party 4 (Matt. 22:1-14)

July 19, 2015

11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. 13 “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there … More PARABLES: Let’s Party 4 (Matt. 22:1-14)

PARABLES: Let’s Party 1 (Matt. 22:1-14)

July 10, 2015

Let’s pick apart a parable together. Our modern American church culture is obsessed with the big and flashy. This “bigger is better” mindset usually cuts right against the Kingdom way of Jesus that celebrates small looking things that appear unimpressive- – like mustard seeds. But one thing Jesus and our churches both can unite around … More PARABLES: Let’s Party 1 (Matt. 22:1-14)