Readings for the week of 11/29-12/5/2009
Matthew           Mark           Luke           John

John alone records the final discourse of Jesus with his chosen disciples. Each word Jesus speaks reflects the burden which he feels n leaving these men to finish the work which he has begun. Jesus encourages them in their faith and promises that in his name they will perform great works. Again he calls them to mutual love in order to withstand the inevitable persecution which awaits them. Explaining the necessity of his going away, Jesus promises that they will not be left wholly on their own. Jesus reassures them that the Holy Spirit will be with them and will guide them in their mission. Read more »

Posted: November 29th, 2009 under Bible study.
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Readings for the week of 11/22-11/28/2009
Matthew           Mark           Luke           John
 

Whether intentionally present for the feast or there for other reasons, Jesus is in Jerusalem in December during the eight-day Feast of Dedication, known more modernly as Hanukkah. This feast was instituted as recently as 164 B.C. by Judas Maccabaeus in commemoration of the refurbishing of the temple after it had been profaned for idolatrous use in 168 B.C. by Antiochus Epiphanes. Faithful Jews are gathering in Jerusalem in order to celebrate the rededication of the temple, and Jesus takes this opportunity to reach out to the large number of people present. Read more »

Posted: November 27th, 2009 under Bible study.
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Readings for the week of 11/15-11/21/2009

Matthew           Mark           Luke           John

As the time arrives for the annual Feast of Tabernacles, held for eight days in late September & early October, Jesus apparently feels that he can once again journey safely to Jerusalem. This feast, along with Passover and Pentecost are mandatory for all males and it is a commemoration of the ancient wilderness journey, during which the Israelites had lived in tents. Accordingly, during the festival the people live in improvised booths made of tree branches. Read more »

Posted: November 14th, 2009 under Bible study.
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Readings for the week of 11/8-11/14/2009

Matthew           Mark           Luke            John

As Jesus now continues his extensive tour north through Caesarea Philippi and then south again into Galilee, he uses this time to prepare his chosen disciples for his death and to strengthen their ministry in carrying on his work. At this point in Jesus’ ministry the apostles are truly convinced that Jesus is the Messiah, but apparently they too have notions of a political Messiah. Realizing that their understanding of his messiahship is still very limited, and that their somewhat simplistic faith will be tested, Jesus begins to tell the apostles about his death, as well as the burdens which they themselves will face. Talk of their Leader’s imminent death must surely confuse these men, who have hopes of playing key roles in a wholly different kind of kingdom. Read more »

Posted: November 14th, 2009 under Bible study.
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Readings for the week of 11/1-11/7/2009

Matthew           Mark           Luke           John

The Jews have been awaiting the coming of the prophesied Messiah, believing that he will deliver them from political bondage and be an ideal national leader. What they have not expected is a leader arising from among the common people who will establish a spiritual rather than a political kingdom. Perhaps because of this very misconception, John the Baptist is called to prepare the way for Jesus and to testify on his behalf. Read more »

Posted: November 14th, 2009 under Bible study.
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