Jesus vs. Judaism (or just plain ol’ human nature?) | Rev. David Pileggi

21 August 2022 - Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost - On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus healed a crippled woman on the Sabbath which resulted in a clash with a synagogue official. At first glance this might seem to be just another encounter between Jesus and the religious authorities. Yet when viewed in its historic context, this incident may have more to do with human nature than just a theological issue and it demonstrates the subtle danger of letting our personalities, traditions, politics or current culture obstruct God's redemptive Kingship.

Readings: Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; Luke 13:10-17

The Rev. David Pileggi is the rector of Christ Church in the Old City of Jerusalem. He and his wife Carol have lived (and raised their three adult children) in Israel for 40 years where David has worked as a journalist/researcher and for 19 years was director of a study program dedicated to teaching Christians about the Jewish context of their faith. He has an M.A. from the Hebrew University in Jewish Studies and is a licensed tour guide. Fascinated by Eastern European Jewish life that existed before the Second World War, he has led countless trips to Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic, designed to teach Christians about the Holocaust and Jewish life in the modern era. Ordained by Archbishop Henry Orombi of Uganda, he has been the rector of Christ Church Jerusalem since 2008. He also takes a keen interest in the Isaiah 19 Movement and the rights of the Christian minority in Israel.

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