A sinner washed Jesus' feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. Rather than be concerned with her righteousness or with being socially right, Jesus was concerned with her. Forgiving others often means giving up something of being right, the person being more important than being right.

The church was formed as the Body of Christ, the image of Jesus who is "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians). Part of the image of God is caring for the orphan and widow (Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Psalms).

Jesus healed the Centurion's servant, even though Centurions were considered enemies of Israel. This one had a good name, having treated the Jews with kindness. Jesus healed his servant from a distance, present with him even while not physically there. Jesus also healed the servant despite the Centurion's own faults.

God as three persons in one unity means we can relate to and draw near to God in more ways than one, sometimes through the wind of the Holy Spirit, sometimes through the person of Jesus, sometimes through the Father.

Jesus unified his disciples and God said yes to Jesus' prayer that his disciples would be one when the Holy Spirit came upon them, allowing them to speak so that all people, of any language could understand. Unity in the church was essential then, and it is essential today.

Surrounded as we are by death, we have hope in Jesus' invitation for all to drink from the water of life. We have an invitation to give, to share our hope with others. As Dallas Willard wrote, many of us are "flying upside down," totally unaware of how off course we are.

Keep Jesus' word, following him as "the Way, the Truth, and the Life," and allow God to dwell within you.

God will wipe every tear from their eyes...after the great ordeal? What is the great ordeal? Keeping some mystery to it, we believe strife will come, but it will be a cleansing flame, like a forest fire which brings destruction along with restoration.

Jesus offers us new life in his resurrection. We are constantly amidst death...death of loved ones, death of jobs, death of dreams, etc. Amidst death, we can have new life, and not just life as usual.

Thomas recieved proof that Jesus was resurrected. We do not. Through our faith, we recieve blessings of joy, hope, peace, and love.