Lest Blood Be Shed

Our gospel lesson for today seems be a simple open and shut case for we preachers. The message almost shouts itself from the pages. The preacher says, "Just Trust Jesus and all of your problems will be solved, Amen" end of sermon. Now, we can all get back to our easy chairs and TVs or our gardens and lemon-aide. If only it really were that easy. If only all we had to do was 'trust in Jesus'—whatever that means—to live in perfect peace and ease. Fortunately, life is much messier and dirtier than that.