"Jesus was/is Priest, Prophet and King."

I always think of him as a teacher and that's the quality I think stands out the most about him based on what we know. The three titles you list, just for me personally, are...well...not really that attractive. I just can't fathom a Jesus that would wish to be called King.

In all honesty, I think his protest was stern but peaceful. I think it highlights his desire to teach and the lesson in this case was a rather large one that I think required the sort of disturbance he created. He never hurt anyone and it baffles me that people use this passage to attempt to show Jesus was not a pacifist. It also highlights an aspect of Jesus I really like...the rebel Jesus...he was here to tear down the old ways. He also was defending the honor of his father...righteous stuff bro...but nothing there to say that he didn't believe in being a pacifist...no sir...no how...no way.

I'm not at all a big fan of Revelations. It's book that basically just causes a lot of trouble. It's not meant to be read as a literal forecast of the future but as a sort of dreamy warning from my obviously warped perspective. I hate the fact that people try to turn it into a Nostradamus thing and it's one of the most horrifically misinterpreted books in the bible...I kind of wish when the committee chose which books to include this one was one of the ones they dropped. It's the big Las Vegas finale to me...I bet they dug that at the time.

Afterward, I too thought better of the term defend. But, though Pat may not need my support, which I am certain he does not, I shall defend who and what I please Reg.

Wouldn't have it any other way...I just meant I didn't really think he was being attacked.

Also, it strikes me that you too in your challenging of myself are defending Pat. Hmmm :)

I'd defend Pat but not what he had to say...it was too ridiculous to defend. Hey, if he's gonna throw stuff like that out there he's asking for a response...he's not looking for defense, he's looking for a fight. Mick was giving him what he asked for.

I don't hold what they call him in as high regard as his own words.

You may recall that scripture is not a linear textbook Reg:

I do and think that's an important point. It has many authors and was assembled by committee. It's more word of man than word of God and that is where we likely head in different directions. I don't have the faith to believe it was all written with Divine Providence. It's been translated and retranslated over the years and not always with the interests of God in mind.  

God made it inscrutable apart from assistance from himself on purpose, as is stated throughout.

That's faith not fact. Just as a point of reference on my part. I'm not being a critic either, I can't say nor would I that your view or mine is better...just different.

It is a funny thing that the more you learn, if you have any sense of self-awareness, the more foolish you feel. I revel in my foolishness! As does my pal Mick.

Well, that "image" phrase I would avoid, I agree...but I would say in all things there is the spark of the divine.

Thanks for the practice Reg, hope all are well in your world. And trust in Jesus buddy boy, I'm sure the Mrs would rest easier with that assurance at her side.