Travis Bruno

Wow! Another year in the books. Thanks, Jimmy and Travis for all your work behind the scenes. It's been great!

I loved this experience! Thank you!

Amen. And all the while doing so with the humblest and sincerest of attitudes. Without need of acknowledgement, without expectation of reciprocation. Just because that's what Jesus did and told us to ...

Well, I think there are several things possibly taking place in this convo. First, in the honor-shame context of the first century, this process of challenges wasn't unexpected nor was it uncommon. Ev...

The story of the woman accused of adultery in John 8:1-11 is one of the most beloved stories from the Gospels. However, based on the best and earliest manuscripts we have of the Gospel of John, it is ...

The rabbis understood that some laws were weightier or more important than others. In this case, Rabbi Eleazer ben Azariah would say that one becoming a son of the covenant through circumcision (which...

Yes, to all of that! I did hear someone recently speculate that Jesus choosing to heal on Sabbath was intentional...to provoke the Pharisees, to open the door for such dialogue. 🤷 One other ...

I love this scene between Jesus and Nicodemus for so many reasons 💜💜 Jesus references Moses -- the story is captured in Numbers 21:4-9: "Then the people of Israel set out from Mount H...

I would love to know how John (the Baptist) felt upon realizing his cousin was the Messiah.

How this meeting of Jesus with John (the Baptist) would change the world. Yes, I would also love to know what John (the Baptist ) thought after he realized he was related to the Messiah.

@siteadmin “And the light shines on in the darkness,…”. I love encouraging words

So he answered them, “Go tell John what you have seen and heard: The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news proclaimed to them. ...

@shelley-johnson, The line "one who goes behind me [opisō mou]" is used by John to refer to Jesus in Matthew 3.11n || Mark 1.6 || John 1.14 || John 1.26–31. This is the phrase used in the Gospels an...

Jesus comes in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus reads from Isaiah, The Spirit of the Lord is on me. The Trinity is so interesting. I’ve never thought of Jesus and the Holy Spirit being separate. In...

There's so much packed into this summary of John's ministry: "the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness" -- after centuries of silence, God now speaks to His people; God's wo...

So I really like reading these words in Luke that are not in the other gospels (right?!?!)… Mary’s song of praise and Zechariah’s words (prophecy/praise). They both seem so powerful and I am amazed at...

I love how I can reread paragraphs like this one AGAIN and still find hidden gems I'd missed before. Like verse 66. "All who heard these things kept them in their hearts, saying, 'What then will this ...

Peter 😭😭😭 But redemption is coming.

Upon. Loser look at the map and scale in the life application bible this morning, I see a little itsy bitsy decimal in front of the one🤪🤪

So good. So true. And I love hearing about Guatemala experiences 🙏💜

@travisbruno3 You wrote something else back in May that resonates still and I think is also a part of these parables: I feel like I am often trying to find better words to express this idea, and one ...

Reading these passages again I am struck with the futility of trying to determine the date of “The End”. We need to be about the work of caring for those in need and in growing our relationship with o...

The invitation to the kingdom of God, a reality based upon God's heart and will for the world, has been sent out, but those who were invited are too caught up in the workings of the world and day-to-d...

That's so good, Travis. So good. You've thought it out so well that I have better understanding about my role in all this, and I feel some conviction. 😅 Entitlement, hoarding, self-seeking--oh...

There is a lot to unpack this week in our reading. Come along with me and let’s have some great discussion and unpack what Jesus is trying to tell us.

Not only did the blind men regain their sight, they also follow Jesus. So they not only gained physical sight but spiritual sight as well.

Jesus is really appealing to our innate sense of fairness to help us grasp that grace is not bound by fairness. Grace redeems the moment Christ is received. Period. And for that we rejoice!! 🎉

This story is so “me”. Jesus asks me to get in the boat and be about his work. When the trip gets a little bumpy, I get nervous and then Jesus shows up. He calls me again and I start heading his way a...

There are times in my faith where I ask the question of where God is, not in response to human suffering but instead because of the blatant rejection of God's expectations for love and justice by Chri...

I often have read this passage through a harsher lens than I believe it was intended to be. I think I have read this passage as if God is keeping the soil from being ready for the word. Like, God has...

 6 I tell you that something greater than the temple is here.  Thank you Jesus for bringing something greater than the temple. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that dwells in each of us ...

I really like how Jesus responded in those first few verses when John the Baptist sent his disciples to find out if Jesus was the “one to come or if they should look for another”. ”Go tell John what y...

This passage is full of hard things: Jesus doesn't bring peace to the world but a sword--I imagine the zealots misunderstood this to mean war while we're probably confused because Jesus is the Prince ...

37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest-ready fields.” Where ...

I have always love Matthew 9:9-13, maybe because I am a nurse but today as Jesus is teaching at Mathew’s house I can’t help but notice how Jesus is using the Old Testament to bring home his point. Ins...

A few things. #1 thank you for your patience in the podcast production. With Holy Week and a few huge meetings at the foundation that Jimmy and Travis are working hard to make happen, we are behind o...

Posted by: @siteadmin In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets. Earlier, in Matthew 5:17 Jesus stated that he came "not to abolish ...

@travisbruno3 yes!! Here's to pursuing God!

I enjoy reading these pages in a different translation. The subtle difference in word choice opens new understandings. Like 6:33. "Seek first the kingdom" is what I've memorized. But hearing it as "pu...

It could be a literary device known as framing or book-ending. Jesus, the speaker, opens with the idea that's actually the main idea, that of inheriting the kingdom of heaven. Then He closes with the ...

This week's reading is two chapters: Matthew 5-6. These chapters are the first two of three of the Sermon on the Mount. This Week's Reading 5 When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain....

Posted by: @travisbruno3 How might we engage in wrestling without rebellion? This is part of the wrestling. 😉

@travisbruno3: So... can you help me move beyond: "Dang... the Law of Moses was more awful than I thought!" ??? Well, I don't know that I can. I think one way that I personally approach this is thro...

Posted by: @travisbruno3 And what does it mean for "a spirit of jealousy to come on a man" ? (Even if "she has not defiled herself") It means he has jealous thoughts.

Yes, so right about our individualism. I think of how not-so-far-back we know our ancestors these days and MARVEL at the Jewish ways and records--yes for the purpose of tracking lineage but also to wa...

You know, this part of the text always sticks out to me:  “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” They re...

@silverfx23 Jaun, we don't know exactly from where the Magi started their journey. It was likely an area of modern-day Iran or northern Iraq. Magi were often associated with the Persian religion of Zo...

@travisbruno3: The things that stick out in my memory are the moment where the men died after touching the Ark as it was falling, and something about not being able to directly gaze upon the glory of ...

Don't miss the guest post by Shelley Johnson on the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew: How a Genealogy Tells God’s Story (by Shelley Johnson)

I counted 5 women… is that right Vickie?!! I get lost real quick In genealogies, but it does help me, especially when I notice names I can remember from back in the day! @Bill Parks, makes me real tha...

Genealogies are not the most interesting reading in the Bible but now that you have did any names stand out to you? Did you recognize any names from the Old Testament? How many women are mentioned? I...

@travisbruno3: And growing up there was this understanding that sin separates us from God, but Jesus's death and resurrection on the cross bridges that gap/separation, once and for all forever. I th...

I loved going through Mark at such a slow pace! Also, I think it seems a little random and very specific that he tells the disciples that those who believe will “pick up snakes in their bare hands.” W...

“Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭15:36‬ ‭NIV‬...

So interesting, Jimmy. It makes sense that Jesus would be too weak to carry a heavy cross that long distance. I am still amazed that he even survived the beating. Also, so many mocking him. What an em...

They brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which is translated, “Place of the Skull”) brought: The Greek word for 'brought' (pherō) can mean 'carry' or 'bring.' In Mark it is often used when peop...

Jimmy thanks for all this. I had never caught or thought of what the word "brought" meant here. I just visualized it like he was walking carrying his cross, but I think this makes sense that they were...

I think I've said this before in group, but as a father this part of the gospel wrecks me emotionally every time. I understand that the greater good happened, but the reward we all get to experience i...

15 Because he wanted to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them. Then, after he had Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified. Barabbas in Aramaic is Bar Abba, 'Son of the Father...

Gonna say, this is great discussion and I love being able to "listen" and learn from so many of you all. I'm grateful for this format and God bless you all!

Reading this I feel all the emotions! (I am a pretty emotional person myself). Jesus- the desperation for a different plan, the frustration of his friends falling asleep, the hurried and maybe anger h...

I honestly don’t know. His role had to take place which makes me feel a little sorry for him. No one wants that role in history. I wonder if it’s a situation like Pharaoh, where God hardened his heart...

Every time I read this passage, I am always drawn to Judas. What must he have been thinking? What must have been going on in his heart?

@siteadmin I’m trying to picture this scene. The priests are plotting Jesus’ death, and Jesus is not stressed and anxious, but is relaxing at a friends house. Then, God spoke to a woman and told her...

This seems like a good time to thank Jay, Jimmy, and Travis for working hard to lead us all through this study. God bless each of you for your commitment!

I know this part of the story is coming, but it still gets me every time.

The Question: When will these things take place? It is important when reading this passage to frame it in the context of what Jesus has previously said and the question that he was asked. When coming ...

I have historically, subconsciously connected the GOSPEL must be preached to all nations to an end times expectation. That as long as their are unreached peoples, Jesus will not come back. As I again...

@travisbruno3 Yes. The lower level/style of stone is what remains of the Herodian retaining wall and the upper levels are the walls to the current Haram Esh-Sharif where the Dome of the Rock stands. T...

@travisbruno3 Here's an example of the size of some of the Herodian stones. That's one stone where she is standing. Attachment : 2015-03-17 05.10.10.jpg Behind her are the arches to the "Tripl...

These podcasts are so helpful. I just want to thank you for taking the time to do them!

I think it is interesting that the one specific thing that is mentioned about praying is that we are to start with forgiving others. I think it must be a way to prepare our hearts for meeting/talking ...

Same thoughts Travis and Shelley. As it’s been rolling around in my mind this AM I was thinking about how I have to trust, fully, God in his sovereignty, but I do believe the Spirt gives us power and ...

I. Don't. Know. 😩 I've been reading a lot about prayer and doing a lot of praying, and not all prayers get answered. Prayers are not meant to be wish lists. Prayers are invitations into the wo...

Posted by: @silverfx23 Is it wrong to wonder if what we are seeing is actual emotion here from Jesus? I don't think it's wrong to wonder that at all. I think Jesus clearly did have emotions, ju...

Posted by: @silverfx23 when I read this I wonder how much in common with the dad who loves his kids sooo much, but still has to go to the garage or take a walk alone, and then comes back inside and h...

I really do appreciate all the description both from Jimmy and from Travis, it helped me really contemplate more on this moment. Not to take away from anything anyone else has already commented, and o...

Thank you for the visuals yesterday, so good! @Travis Bruno I also appreciated what you wrote so much. This is such a defining moment, wow. I hadn't thought of it like that. I know Jesus was doing eve...

It cannot be expressed enough how dangerous what Jesus did in the Temple was...except that we know it ultimately gets him killed. There is a long tradition among the Hebrew prophets, as well as some c...

This flyover of modern Jerusalem, starting at 4:09 (starting looking north) shows the modern Temple Mount or, as it is known today, the Haram esh-Sharif , then shifts to the Church of the Holy Sepulch...

@travisbruno3 So good! If you need to add to your imaginative element of 'seeing' this scene, imagine the moon being full at night (Passover is always during a full moon). It would rise behind the Mou...

Here is a CGI video reproduction of Herod the Great's Temple complex as it may have been during Jesus' day:

Jesus ascends from Jericho to Bethany ("House of Ananas" or "House of the Poor") and Bethpage (g "House of Figs") on the east side of the Mount of Olives and then to Jerusalem and the Temple. The Jour...

Any idea who Bartimaeus the son of Timaeus was? It’s not very often that one of the people healed is specifically named. Usually it’s “the lame man” or “the blind man”.

Once again Jesus has to explain the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God to his disciples. Then, with the healing of Bartimaeus, the chapter ends with the last healing miracle in the Gospel of Mar...

@travisbruno3 Travis you asked: ...what kind of prayer does Jesus mean here? What was prayer to Jews and these disciples during this time? Just "talking to God" as we say it? Or something else? The...

Am I the rich young ruler or am I a disciple? Am I willing to be last or do I strive to still be first? Jesus looked at them and said, “with man it is impossible, but not with God. For ALL things are...

“Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and ...

...the man looked sad and went away sorrowful, for he was very rich. In the world, we assume that wealth brings happiness. However, the reality may be the opposite. Many New Testament passages have h...

In telling the rich young man to 'go, sell your possessions and give to the poor,' Jesus was not telling him to do something that Jesus himself had not done (and continues to do). When encouraging/cha...

Some contextual thoughts on the passage from today regarding children: Children in the first-century were not idealized or romanticized as they are in today's culture. Children had no status, no posse...

The journey of Jesus in this chapter is from Galilee to Jericho. Click on the image below to see a large version of the map: Attachment : galilee-to-jericho.png

As Jesus looked at him, he felt love for him  Until now, I had the feeling that Jesus words to the young man were a rebuke but as I slow down and read, he looked at him with love. Who or what do ...

This is the first time in the Gospel of Mark that Jesus has left the Galilee and the other regions to the north (the Decapolis, the Tetrarchy of Philip, and Phoenicia). Now Jesus is going south into t...

Better late than never? The podcasts for Week 07 of Year in the Gospels are finally out. This week Shelley Johnson joined us. Unfortunately, we had some connection problems with her Zoom feed, and we ...

Then the Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, asking for a sign from heaven to test him. Sighing deeply in his spirit he said, “Why does this generation look for a sign? I tell you the truth,...

I find myself identifying with Peter very much in how he is portrayed here. Very human. He takes Jesus aside and gives Him a "talking to" then later offers to build Him Moses and Elijah a shelter eve...

Are there other places in scripture besides this one with the blind man that it takes Jesus a couple of attempts to fully heal someone? It’s interesting to me that it takes him a couple tries when we ...

I never realized how often Jesus gets in boats. 😅 And in the last couple of chapters bread has been central -- feeding 5000, Syrophoenician woman, and now the feeding of the 4000. The Gentile ...

The podcast helps remind me there are many ways we could read this -- it's a hard passage to know anything for sure. I just keep reminding myself to read this passage through the lens of the whole Bib...