The wonderful Chevelle Hibberd shared again with us today. "As renewing as it is to remember Jesus's resurrection, the Lord's Supper harks back to a very ancient message that the Kingdom is about feasting, and the feasting is open to every nation."

Jesus had an entirely different set of priorities compared to the  synagogue leader. Setting this woman free was more necessary than  following the rules of the Sabbath. But this isn’t just a story about a  woman who is bound, it is a story about how Israel is bound. Jesus' desire to set this daughter of Abraham free reflects his desire to set Israel free.

From beginning to end the doctrine of Mark is vividly presented as an incarnation story with a persistent message. You must see Jesus not simply as a great teacher, an inspiring leader, and a miraculous healer. You must know Jesus the Son of God, crucified and risen.

The Old Covenant was written on tablets of stone, but the New Covenant is written on our hearts. In the past we were externally compelled by the law but now as we are transformed, we are internally compelled to become more like Christ, living out the way of the kingdom that is within us.

Are Jesus’ words harsh? Yes. Just as his words against the religious rulers were harsh. But under the circumstances I’ve described it makes much more sense. This is a situation loaded with historical racial tension where Jesus cuts straight to the heart of the matter and the woman responds with faith.

When we justify our judgemental wrath towards others by calling it righteous anger we are simply creating a theological loophole to baptise our sin! Anger is not the emotion of righteousness; it is the emotion of judgement. The emotions of righteousness are love and compassion. Jesus was moved with compassion.

The instruction here is short and simple: treat women with the respect they deserve as co-heirs of the grace of life, and don’t use your social and physical power to dominate women or your prayers will be hindered!

This passage is not a treatise endorsing empire or kingship, the institution of slavery, or the patriarchal family, but rather a guide for Christians about how to remain faithful to their calling in the face of a hostile society and pagan cultural structures.

Faith isn’t knowing exactly what is going to happen. Faith is trusting the person who is telling you to jump. It is knowing their voice even though you can’t see them and trusting that they will catch you. A leap of faith may look like blind faith, but it is based on a foundation of trust. It may seem foolish but really it is wisdom to follow a trustworthy voice.

Today at the Whitehouse Church we had a chat about love languages - what they are (and what they aren't), and how they can help us to build healthy and fulfilling relationships.

I wish I had better words to describe what it means for me to say "I’m  progressive". But right now, I simply don’t. I just want to serve Jesus,  not tradition, and I believe that all people deserve to be treated with  respect, and to be seen as image bearers of God.