Today we come to one of the most sobering stories in scripture – Jesus’ betrayal by Judas Iscariot.  The story is so famous it has entered our culture: we still use the name ‘Judas’ as a generic term for betrayal.  Indeed, the identification of Judas with betrayal is so strong that the two other ‘good’ … Read more

Over the years, I have taken part in a few foot-washing ceremonies – both as the washer and the one being washed.  Without doubt, they are some of the most powerful and moving spiritual experiences I’ve had.  I still remember my first such experience, many years ago.  The pastors at our church were offering it … Read more

Many religions have washing rituals.  We need water to make us physically clean – but water has often come to symbolise something deeper.  Think of the millions who gather by the shore of the River Ganges each year for the famous Kumbh Mela ritual.  Or the Mikveh bathing rituals which are an important part of … Read more

If you’ve ever worked in the corporate world or in business, you’ll hear about succession planning: the way that leaders prepare to hand over power and responsibility after they’ve left, in particular by nurturing leaders to succeed them.  It’s not a new idea – apparently Genghis Khan did something similar 800 years ago, involving his … Read more

The Trinity is an eternal mystery – God who is three-in-one and one-in-three, perfect unity and also perfect community: Father, Son and Spirit.  They are all equally God, but they also have different roles or functions as part of the Godhead.  Today’s passage is a case in point.  Jesus is the complete and representation of … Read more