“Coming into the tomb, they saw a young man seated to the right clothed in a long white robe. And they were startled” (Mark 16.5). According to Mark’s Gospel, on the night of Jesus’ arrest there was a young man… Read moreAbrupt: Clothed

“They said to each other, ‘Who’ll roll back the stone from the tomb’s entrance?’” (Mark 16.3). Jesus does little if anything in the account we read from Mark. If, as we spoke of last week, the book ends with the… Read moreAbrupt: Inaction

“They ran out of the tomb shaking and terrified, and out of fear said nothing to anyone” (Mark 16.8). Sue Grafton, author of the Kinsey Millhone “alphabet” mysteries, passed away a few years ago, leaving her long-running series unfinished. Her… Read moreAbrupt: Ending in Y

“In response, Jesus said, ‘Get out of here, Satan. You know it’s written that worship and veneration are for the Holy One, and Them alone’” (Matthew 4.10). The first two temptations, as we’ve explored, hold at their heart similar elements…. Read moreWild Place: Mortal

“Once more, the Tempter took Jesus to the height of a tall mountain, and showed him the great empire of the earth and its splendor. The Tempter said, ‘All of this, and everything with them I’ll give you if you’ll… Read moreWild Place: Empires

“Jesus said in response, ‘It’s also written that you’re not to put the Holy One to the test’” (Matthew 4.7). Hear me out on this one; because, I’m not trying to be controversial or shocking. Just stick with me. See,… Read moreWild Place: Invulnerable

“Then the Devil took him to the holy city and stood him atop the highest point of the Temple. And there said to him, ‘If you’re the son of God, throw yourself down. It’s written, isn’t it, that the Divine… Read moreWild Place: Glasses and Capes

“Jesus responded and said, ‘It’s written that it isn’t by bread only that humans will live, but by every utterance from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4.4). Later, when this time in the Wild Place is complete and he’s returned… Read moreWild Place: Enough

“The Tempter came to him saying, ‘If you’re the son of God, speak to these here stones so that they will become bread” (Matthew 4.3). What’s wrong with making bread? It’s not like there’s a shortage of stones. No doubt,… Read moreWild Place: Bread

“Afterward, Jesus was led into the Wild Place by the Spirit to experience temptation by the Devil” (Matthew 4.1). Why did Jesus say no? Think about that for a moment. You’ve heard this story before. Jesus, right after his baptism… Read moreWild Place: Temptation