Simon of Cyrene: In Jesus’ footsteps (Luke 23:26)

Once Jesus had been unjustly sentenced to death He was led away to be crucified.  Jesus’ trial and subsequent sentencing had taken place within the city walls but his crucifixion would take place on a hill just outside Jerusalem.  The scourging, beating, and torture he had undergone rendered his body a mass of bloody flesh, […]

The Rechabites: Unwavering obedience (Jeremiah 35)

Jeremiah 35 contains an intriguing episode from the strange life of Jeremiah.  Jeremiah is told by God to invite a clan of Israelites called the Rechabites to the temple in Jerusalem and provide them with wine to drink.  What an invitation – a surprise and an honour! On arrival they were welcomed and taken to […]

Dorcas: Doing good & helping the poor (Acts 9:36-43)

In Acts 9:36-43, tucked away between the era-defining accounts of Paul’s Damascus road conversion and Peter’s afternoon vision – events which propelled the Early Church to welcome Gentiles and take the gospel across the known world – sits the beautiful story of Dorcas.  Described simply as a disciple, Dorcas, or Tabitha in Aramaic, became ill […]