The Season After the Epiphany
Epiphany: By Another Road
January 7, 2024 • Brian Zahnd
One of the reasons that after nearly fifty years of following Jesus and after over forty years of full-time ministry that I’m not bored, burned out, jaded or cynical, is that many times and in many ways—including by dreams—I’ve been warned and wooed by the Holy Spirit to travel by another road.
The Telos of the Old Testament
February 11, 2024 • Brian Zahnd
The Uncreated Light of Tabor illuminates the Old Testament. The Light brighter than the sun that shines from the face of the Transfigured Christ turns the Old Testament into a brand-new text. At the Transfiguration we learn that Jesus is the telos of the Old Testament.
The Fame of Jesus
January 28, 2024 • Brian Zahnd
The fame of Jesus spread throughout Galilee, then Judea, then the Roman Empire, and then throughout the whole world, so that Jesus of Nazareth is far and away the most famous person in history. Fame is connected with fascination. We're fascinated by famous people—we want to know more about them. And fascination with Jesus Christ is the essential thing. But wherein lies the fame of Jesus? What is Jesus famous for?
The Risk of Becoming
January 21, 2024 • Brian Zahnd
To follow Jesus is to embark upon the risk of becoming—it’s the lifelong journey of becoming who you are meant to be. And this journey is always a risky adventure. There are gains and losses, successes and failures, victories and defeats. Sometimes you walk on water for ten seconds—and the next moment you're crying out, “Lord, save me!” And in that moment of risk Jesus does save you. But the greater truth is this: As long as you're moving toward Jesus, there’s really never any risk at all.
Heaven Opened
January 14, 2024 • Brian Zahnd
The story of Jacob's Ladder in Genesis has a powerful influence upon our theological imagination: It speaks to us of the reality of another world called heaven. It speaks to us of another order of being called angels. It speaks to us of the possibility of a ladder of interaction between these two worlds.