The entirety of Matthew 14 corresponds with Mark 6:14-56. As with other sections borrowed from Mark, Matthew makes notable changes to the story, which tailors the meaning to his audience, and these changes hint at the message Matthew wishes to convey to his readers. Mark 6 begins with the story of Yeshua’s rejection at Nazareth … Continue reading Real Bible Studies, Matthew 14, The Death of John
Tag: human nature
Worthy, Zelda Burch
Early in Abigail’s sophomore year, a local church starts distributing anti-gay literature and holding protests near campus. Her friend Delores is very angry and insists their LGBTQ group organize counterprotests and confront the parishioners head-on. Abigail is among those who want to take a less confrontational stand against the church. After several discussions among their … Continue reading Worthy, Zelda Burch
Author’s Intent: Expanded Universe
My Expanded Universe of Fictional Atlanta came about when I realized a character I created for a play I was writing in 2011 was the same individual maligned by the lead character in a novel I had shelved around 2000. That novel, Boom Town, featured a character named David Cairo (pronounced “kay-ro” like the Georgia … Continue reading Author’s Intent: Expanded Universe
Real Bible Studies, Matthew 13, Parables and Prophecies
Parables Matthew relates more lessons from Yeshua, and these are delivered in the form of parables. They all relate to the central conflict of the Gospel, separating true believers from the hangers-on and wannabes. They also highlight Yeshua’s tendency to obscure his message to the crowds who follow him, relaying his true meaning only to … Continue reading Real Bible Studies, Matthew 13, Parables and Prophecies
Worthy, Rosalind and Barbara
Barbara Kincaid has always looked up to her cousin, Rosalind. When she first arrived in Boston, when Barbara was eight or nine, Rosalind was an exotic presence, a West Coast relative who didn’t seem like anyone Barbara had ever met before. In fact, Rosalind was all anyone in the family could talk about. She was … Continue reading Worthy, Rosalind and Barbara
Author’s Intent: Worthy
In 2016, I serialized the rough outline of a story entitled Worthy on my blog. It originally consisted of fifty parts, covering the life and times of Abigail Worthy, a character from a play I was writing, Another Mother. Early in 2017, I was notified that the play had been chosen by The Essential Theatre … Continue reading Author’s Intent: Worthy
Real Bible Studies: Matthew 12
Picking Grain on the Sabbath As the chapter opens, Yeshua is under scrutiny from the Pharisees for allowing his disciples to pluck grain on the Sabbath. Yeshua doesn’t apologize, but rather turns it back onto his opponents by reminding them of an incident involving David and stating Temple officials also violate the Sabbath. For the … Continue reading Real Bible Studies: Matthew 12
Songbird: Amy & Rebecca
Amy is on her way into her condo when she hears a familiar voice calling out to her. She turns to face Rebecca Asher. “Yes, Ms. Asher. What can I do for you now?” “Just curious if you had any comment on the remains found near Toccoa.” “What remains?” “So, you haven’t heard. A couple … Continue reading Songbird: Amy & Rebecca
Real Bible Studies: Matthew 11
Messengers from John After giving his disciples their marching orders, Yeshua is approached by messengers from John, inquiring if he’s the leader John has been predicting. Rather that state it outright, Yeshua instructs the messengers to report what they’ve seen to John and let him decide. In much of Christian orthodoxy, John is heralded as … Continue reading Real Bible Studies: Matthew 11
Worthy, Big Sis
Abigail is having lunch alone in the cafeteria and studying for her midterm exams. Her mother and cousin are expected later that evening, so she's hoping to get most of her studying done before they arrive. Her phone rings, and she doesn’t recognize the number. She answers. “Abigail. This is Jillian Hawkins.” “Jillian? I didn’t … Continue reading Worthy, Big Sis