Author Archives: markphilps
Herod, Joseph and the Battle for the Kingdom of God
Zacchaeus – Luke 19.1-10
The Queen
What motivates hundreds of thousands of people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs to travel to London, queue for hours and pass briefly by the coffin of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second? Many answers to that question have been suggested over the past few days: There is probably some truth in all theseContinue reading “The Queen”
Thoughts on Luke 14.7-14
Welcoming the presence of Jesus: Luke 13.10-17
Growing into maturity: a sermon on Colossians 1.1-14
What’s in a name? A sermon preached at St Peter’s, Marlborough, 3 July 2022
A Good Friday Reflection on the power of the cross (based on the account in Mark’s Gospel)
Jesus was being crucified with two “rebels” or “bandits”. Not “thieves” as traditionally rendered. These were not men who had run off with somebody’s handbag. Crucifixion was reserved for runaway slaves and those who had rebelled against Roman rule. Jesus has the charge “King of the Jews” over his head. Only the Emperor is allowedContinue reading “A Good Friday Reflection on the power of the cross (based on the account in Mark’s Gospel)”
A Reflection for Palm Sunday
We’ve just had a long weekend in Jordan. Driving around I’ve enjoyed looking out for flocks of sheep and goats (sometimes with a shepherd), camels, and the occasional donkey. I’d like today to focus on the donkey ridden by Jesus into Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday. What is Jesus doing commandeering somebody else’s donkey? IsContinue reading “A Reflection for Palm Sunday”