Wade Johnston, Life Under the Cross: A Biography of the Reformer Matthias Flacius Illyricus, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis: MO, 2025.
This ancient “tale of two mothers” concerns far more than theological semantics—it is the difference between a God who sends and a God who comes.
This story points us from our unlikely heroes to the even more unlikely, and joyous, good news that Jesus’ birth for us was just as unlikely and unexpected.

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Our crucified Lord makes it clear that the widow’s worthless giving was far greater than a million dollars because she gave all she had.
Some lie and tell us that to sin is to be ourselves. But it is not. Sin is not natural to humanity.
Jesus is the end of religion.
God only baptizes babies. He only saves babies. He only resurrects babies.
I hate driving. I am more of a “pew-pew” guy than a “vroom-vroom” guy. I battle my own heart every day in Atlanta traffic.
Perhaps you’ve had a pastor or “Bible teacher” ask you these questions. If not, consider yourself blessed.
A good place to start is to work hard at loving those no one else seems to love. I can’t think of a more Christ-like action.
Every day for the baptized is a good day to die."
“In a culture that promotes self-interest, children in church learn that something much bigger and more important than themselves is going on in their midst."
Do you remember way back in May 2007, Charlie and his brother Harry were sitting on a chair when Charlie bit Harry's finger? The little guys broke the internet.
When God adds His promise to creation, we understand a greater reality than what we see: Light given; Light that sustains life; Light that will end up living in the midst of his people forever.
Instead of burning them up with unquenchable fire, He comes in solidarity, to be God with us and God for us. Jesus is baptized into our life, so that He could gift us His life.