Along with the Mustard Seed story in Matthew come several other one-liners that are almost as famous. The Good News in his first parables did not seem much like good news, as the gist of those was that the world was going to end and most people would not be saved. But these are found…
All posts by Jay Nelson
About Jay Nelson
An independent Christian hermit, Jay is a writer, historian, mystic and artist.
Cutting the Mustard
One of Jesus’ shorter, but for some reason, best remembered parables, is that of the Mustard Seed. Yet, like many of his better-known images, this one is a little shocking. The seeds of mustard plants can be ground to create the yellow condiment that goes best with hot dogs and the leaves are edible, too.…
The Paris Working: Good Show, Bad Omens
The Paris Olympics pretty much lived up to their billing. The organizers planned well; not even a deluge during the opening pageant washed out the show. Gay Paree sparkled as never before. The spectacle was thoroughly French throughout, and fortunately there were few major problems. There were, however, some ominous glitches for those watching carefully…
Secret Growth
The Parable of the Sower during Jesus’ famous preaching debut from the boat was just the start of his work that day. He later explained that one in detail privately to the disciples. Then he dealt out a handful of brief, pithy parables in rapid succession. In the Gospel of Mark, there is one parable…
The Wounded Beast
That nerdy kid who shot former-president Trump might well have dreamed he would save the country. But the stupid punk merely handed Fearless Leader the greatest gift possible. History can be a real mean bitch when you try to slap her around, kids, no matter what your motive may be. The roaring lion is now…