of it—the religious aspect, for example. It is the annoucement of the reign of God present and active. It sends Jesus and his disciples out on a mission which includes healing the sick and feeding the hungry as well as preaching the good news and teaching the way of life. But it does not lead to the creation of a theocratic welfare state in Israel; it leads to rejection, crucifixion and death. And yet death is not the end; beyond death is resurrection and the coming of the new era of the Spirit—promise