Matthew's account of the Baptism of Jesus says that John the Baptist was hesitant to Baptize Jesus, because John knew Who Jesus was (even though he was related to Jesus); the Baptist felt he was not worthy to perform the Baptism of Jesus. We have to understand why Jesus told John it is right that John Baptize Him. God is a God of order, and it was right that the Baptist Baptize Jesus. God instituted the Tabernacle and the Temple worship. But the Levites who were in charge of the Temple started worshiping God, according to their own understanding, instead of following the way God had set up. This is very interesting, because we are doing this same thing in our "Christian" Churches today. The Jews were only going through the motions of Worship, but not engaging God in their worship. God wanted the Jews to be "hearers, but also doers" of His Word. The attendance of our Church Services show that we don't even want to be hearers, much less doers. The religious leaders at the time of Christ, did not even recognize Jesus as their Messiah, that shows how far they had fallen. Since the conventional religious system did not recognize Jesus it made God have to go a different way to reach the people and draw them back to Him. The Prophets in the Old Testament, were raised up by God in order to try to bring the people back to a personal relationship with Him.
Look at the account in Matthew, about what happened after John finished baptizing Jesus, the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming on Him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my one dear Son; in Him I am well pleased." This is very unconventional indeed. Think if this happened in your Church, would you go about your business like nothing happened?
Mark's account is very similar to what Matthew said. Luke's account says that Jesus waited until all the other people who came to baptized to finish before He came to John.
All of these accounts are similar, with Matthew and Luke providing the most information.
Matthew's account should have a lot of detail, because he wrote to the Jews, to prove to them that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah as foretold by the Prophets in the Old Testament.
If you are a believer do you have a personal relationship with Christ?? You have to be a doer beside a hearer of the Word.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Monday, October 30, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Introduction of Christ - Matthew 3: 11 & 12; Mark 1: 7 & 8; Luke 3: 15 - 18; John 1: 19 - 28 - Post 16
Matthew and Luke talk about a winnowing fork, this a tool used for the process of removing the wheat kernels from the stock and chaff of the wheat plant after the wheat has died. The threshing floor is a special plate that has raised ridges, with valleys in between to provide a place for the kernels to accumulate before they can be swept up to take to the mill. The valleys are narrow enough to keep the stock and chaff from gathering there. This terminology is used to describe the work the Messiah will perform while He was on earth during His Ministry. John the Baptist used the apocalyptic language of baptism with the Holy Spirit and with fire; to show the importance of the Messiah's coming and why it will impact all of humanity. Matthew and Luke both mention that the wheat will be gathered into His storehouse. This talks about the separation of the good from the bad, and where both will end up. This also is a very strong image painted here by the Gospel accounts, to show that the coming of the Messiah is very serious and important. Inextinguishable fire, is a metaphor for hell.
John's account is more interested in viewing Jesus Christ as the Son of God. This is why the Apostle points out who the Jewish leaders were and what questions they asked the Baptist. The Jewish leaders started asking the Baptist who he was, The Baptist answered "I am not the Christ!" The Jews were looking for the Messiah (Christ) to come. Then they asked the Baptist if he were Elijah; this was because the Prophet Malachi said that the Lord would sent Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord. At this point in time, God had not mentioned that the Messiah would come twice. I believe that this is why John the Baptist used apocalyptic language in his Ministry Messages. John the Baptist understood that Rome was in charge, and the Messianic Scriptural references talked about. After the Baptist had told the Jewish leaders he was not any of the people they asked him about. Then they asked him what he would say about himself. The Baptist quoted Isaiah 40: 3, making the path straight is a metaphor for becoming straight through repentance.
When the Baptist said this the Jewish leaders wanted to know by whose authority the Baptist was baptizing. The Jewish leaders asked this question, because they felt they were the voices of God and they had not given their permission to baptize the people. God will use Whom He Will to accomplish His Will. That even includes women and children!!
John's account is more interested in viewing Jesus Christ as the Son of God. This is why the Apostle points out who the Jewish leaders were and what questions they asked the Baptist. The Jewish leaders started asking the Baptist who he was, The Baptist answered "I am not the Christ!" The Jews were looking for the Messiah (Christ) to come. Then they asked the Baptist if he were Elijah; this was because the Prophet Malachi said that the Lord would sent Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord. At this point in time, God had not mentioned that the Messiah would come twice. I believe that this is why John the Baptist used apocalyptic language in his Ministry Messages. John the Baptist understood that Rome was in charge, and the Messianic Scriptural references talked about. After the Baptist had told the Jewish leaders he was not any of the people they asked him about. Then they asked him what he would say about himself. The Baptist quoted Isaiah 40: 3, making the path straight is a metaphor for becoming straight through repentance.
When the Baptist said this the Jewish leaders wanted to know by whose authority the Baptist was baptizing. The Jewish leaders asked this question, because they felt they were the voices of God and they had not given their permission to baptize the people. God will use Whom He Will to accomplish His Will. That even includes women and children!!
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Introduction of Christ - Matthew 3: 11 & 12; Mark 1: 7 & 8; Luke 3: 15 - 18; John 1: 19 - 28 - Post 15
Matthew 3: 11 & 12
"I baptize you with water, for repentance, but the one coming after me is more powerful than I am - I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clean the threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the storehouse, but the chaff he will burn up with inextinguishable fire."
Mark 1: 7 & 8
He proclaimed, "One more powerful than I am is coming after me; I am not worthy to bend down and untie the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Luke 3: 15 - 18
While the people were filled with anticipation and they wondered whether perhaps John could be the Christ, John answered them all, "I baptize you with water, but one more powerful than I am is coming - I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clean out the threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his storehouse, but the chaff he will burn up with inextinguishable fire." And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people.
John 1: 19 - 28
Now this was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed - "I am not the Christ!" So they asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not!" "Are you the Prophet?" He answered , "No!" Then they said to him, "Who do you say about yourself?" John said, "I am the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said" (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) So they asked John, "Why then are baptizing if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"
These accounts are similar, yet different. I felt it would help to see all the accounts, so you would be able to follow my explanation and differences between them. The Matthew and Luke account say "He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Mark does not use this language, because his Gospel was aimed at the Romans. John's (the Apostle) account talks more about John the Baptist's qualifications then how Jesus will baptize. Matthew's Gospel was written to the Jews to show Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Mark's account was written to the Romans to give an account of Jesus Christ. Luke's account is the most historical account and was written to the Greeks. John's account was to show Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
"I baptize you with water, for repentance, but the one coming after me is more powerful than I am - I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clean the threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the storehouse, but the chaff he will burn up with inextinguishable fire."
Mark 1: 7 & 8
He proclaimed, "One more powerful than I am is coming after me; I am not worthy to bend down and untie the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Luke 3: 15 - 18
While the people were filled with anticipation and they wondered whether perhaps John could be the Christ, John answered them all, "I baptize you with water, but one more powerful than I am is coming - I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clean out the threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his storehouse, but the chaff he will burn up with inextinguishable fire." And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people.
John 1: 19 - 28
Now this was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed - "I am not the Christ!" So they asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not!" "Are you the Prophet?" He answered , "No!" Then they said to him, "Who do you say about yourself?" John said, "I am the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said" (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) So they asked John, "Why then are baptizing if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"
These accounts are similar, yet different. I felt it would help to see all the accounts, so you would be able to follow my explanation and differences between them. The Matthew and Luke account say "He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Mark does not use this language, because his Gospel was aimed at the Romans. John's (the Apostle) account talks more about John the Baptist's qualifications then how Jesus will baptize. Matthew's Gospel was written to the Jews to show Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Mark's account was written to the Romans to give an account of Jesus Christ. Luke's account is the most historical account and was written to the Greeks. John's account was to show Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - His Message (John the Baptist) - Matthew 3: 7 - 10; Luke 3: 7 - 14 - Post 15
The Message of John the Baptist was very harsh. He was telling the Jews, that their worship of the Lord was sending them to damnation. He said that they have "no fruit", meaning they know what God wants them to do, but refused to do so. This is very hard for the Jews to hear, because the Scriptures tell them they are the chosen by God. Now John the Baptist is telling them it is not enough. John could be talking directly to us today. You can imagine this did not set well with a large number of Jews, and they would go back to the Temple in Jerusalem to complain to the religious authorities. When John the Baptist saw the Pharisees and the Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them "You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance, and don't think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as out father.' For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones! Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Matthew 3: 7 - 10)! Who are the Pharisees and the Sadducees? The Pharisees, were the Levitical Rabbi's that were teaching the people in the Synagogues. The Pharisees were of the house of Aaron, and could work in the Temple as well. The Pharisees believed in the Resurrection, but were not sure which form the resurrection would take.
The Sadducees, were the Levitical Jews that lived in the Southern part of Israel and worked in the Temple. The Sadducees were the political group that did not like the Roman occupation, but they were willing to work with them, and took a more liberal view of interpreting the Scriptures. The Sadducees also did not hold to the resurrection teachings of the Scriptures.
The Jews believed very strongly in keeping their family lines pure. This is one of the reasons, Jews hated the Samaritans, even though they were related to them. I will talk more on this in later blogs in this study. When John the Baptist tells the Pharisees and the Sadducees, that God could turn these stones into "Sons of Abraham." John was telling them their special treatment of God and their worship was lacking. This is a hard thing to hear for anyone. How about you reading this blog, are you Christian? Do you remember when you became a Christian? Has your life shown any change? If you can not see any change in your life for the better; maybe you should look at where you failed to change. This was John the Baptist's challenge to the Jews of his day. And This is the same challenge we are under today. Where are you??
The Sadducees, were the Levitical Jews that lived in the Southern part of Israel and worked in the Temple. The Sadducees were the political group that did not like the Roman occupation, but they were willing to work with them, and took a more liberal view of interpreting the Scriptures. The Sadducees also did not hold to the resurrection teachings of the Scriptures.
The Jews believed very strongly in keeping their family lines pure. This is one of the reasons, Jews hated the Samaritans, even though they were related to them. I will talk more on this in later blogs in this study. When John the Baptist tells the Pharisees and the Sadducees, that God could turn these stones into "Sons of Abraham." John was telling them their special treatment of God and their worship was lacking. This is a hard thing to hear for anyone. How about you reading this blog, are you Christian? Do you remember when you became a Christian? Has your life shown any change? If you can not see any change in your life for the better; maybe you should look at where you failed to change. This was John the Baptist's challenge to the Jews of his day. And This is the same challenge we are under today. Where are you??
Friday, October 27, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - John the Baptist Introduces Christ - Matthew 3: 1-6; Mark 1: 2-6; Luke 3: 1-6; John 1: 6 - 18 - Post 14
John the Baptist was the one spoken of by the Prophet Malachi, in chapter 4: 5 "Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes."
Many thought John the Baptist was Elijah, he looked very similar to what Elijah would have looked like. Before I go further, the account in Malachi says that God will send Elijah, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. I believe that the passage in Malachi is talking about the "Second Coming" of the Lord. I will address this in later posts on this blog. Since this is not the "Second Coming", I will stop here on this topic.
Jews and non Jews were coming to the Jordan River, confessing their sins and being baptized by John the Baptist. The Jews believed they were the "Chosen People" of God, and by birth-right they did not have to be baptized. The "religious leaders" believed that since they were teaching the people, they were without sin. This also will be looked into more detail later in this study.
Remember who John the Baptist's father was, Zechariah was of the house of Aaron; being a member of the High Priest rotation; gave him access to the Library in the Temple of Jerusalem, and access to all Scriptural Scrolls. Zechariah's job was to educate his son to all things the Messiah would do and what types of things He would say. John begins his ministry by saying "Repent for the Kingdom of God is near". John went on to say that "the One Coming after him will Baptize with the Holy Spirit and with Fire." Up to this time the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament came on people but left shortly, The Spirit did not stay. We will go into more detail on this later in this study. John the Baptist was teaching about an "Apocalyptic Messiah". Apocalyptic means pertaining to "End Times". If you are familiar with Old Testament Prophecy, there is no mention of when these things will take place or if some will be fulfilled before others. I will talk about this also later in this study.
John the Baptist drew huge crowds into the desert, to hear his words. The huge crowds, he was drawing, were getting the attention of not only religious leaders, but also Herod and Rome. The politicians were getting nervous at John's popularity. Israel and Rome were afraid of a large uprising. And wanted to defuse it before it could get started.
All through history, God has asked all of us to make a decision, to either make God the Lord of your life, or not. Have you made this decision yet?? If you are ready, talk to your local Church, or ask me. You can comment to this blog. I would love to pray for you, or talk to you.
Many thought John the Baptist was Elijah, he looked very similar to what Elijah would have looked like. Before I go further, the account in Malachi says that God will send Elijah, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. I believe that the passage in Malachi is talking about the "Second Coming" of the Lord. I will address this in later posts on this blog. Since this is not the "Second Coming", I will stop here on this topic.
Jews and non Jews were coming to the Jordan River, confessing their sins and being baptized by John the Baptist. The Jews believed they were the "Chosen People" of God, and by birth-right they did not have to be baptized. The "religious leaders" believed that since they were teaching the people, they were without sin. This also will be looked into more detail later in this study.
Remember who John the Baptist's father was, Zechariah was of the house of Aaron; being a member of the High Priest rotation; gave him access to the Library in the Temple of Jerusalem, and access to all Scriptural Scrolls. Zechariah's job was to educate his son to all things the Messiah would do and what types of things He would say. John begins his ministry by saying "Repent for the Kingdom of God is near". John went on to say that "the One Coming after him will Baptize with the Holy Spirit and with Fire." Up to this time the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament came on people but left shortly, The Spirit did not stay. We will go into more detail on this later in this study. John the Baptist was teaching about an "Apocalyptic Messiah". Apocalyptic means pertaining to "End Times". If you are familiar with Old Testament Prophecy, there is no mention of when these things will take place or if some will be fulfilled before others. I will talk about this also later in this study.
John the Baptist drew huge crowds into the desert, to hear his words. The huge crowds, he was drawing, were getting the attention of not only religious leaders, but also Herod and Rome. The politicians were getting nervous at John's popularity. Israel and Rome were afraid of a large uprising. And wanted to defuse it before it could get started.
All through history, God has asked all of us to make a decision, to either make God the Lord of your life, or not. Have you made this decision yet?? If you are ready, talk to your local Church, or ask me. You can comment to this blog. I would love to pray for you, or talk to you.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Eighteen Years Spent at Nazareth? - Lost Years - Luke 2: 51 - 52 - Post 13
The Bible says that His mother kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and with people. There is a lot of speculation concerning these 18 years between the Bible account when Jesus was twelve till Jesus started His Ministry when He was thirty. It seems everyone wants to take the credit for Jesus' enlightenment. Some say Jesus went to the East to learn from them. Some say He went to live with the Essenes around the Dead Sea. Some even say He went to Western Hemisphere to teach people there. If Jesus is God, and the teachers were astonished with His wisdom at twelve, why would He go elsewhere to learn from them?? If you look at what the East teaches and compare it with what Jesus taught, it is similar on some things and totally different on others. The Essenes do not hold with "Blood Sacrifice", what could Jesus possibly learn from them?? If He went to the Western Hemisphere, why is there no evidence of this. The Holy Family spent a short time in Egypt, and the Coptic's say they became believers from that short time with Jesus.
God created man and woman, created marriage between one man and one woman; He created family, to live as a unit. This is what Jesus taught. We will go into more detail concerning His teachings as we get further into the Gospels.
Joseph is not mentioned after the trip to Jerusalem during Passover of Jesus' 12th year. Joseph's occupation was that of carpenter. Joseph would have taught Jesus the trade as part of their understanding of what God taught. If Joseph had died, Jesus would have become the "Head of the household". In this position Jesus would be responsible for caring for His mother and the rest of the family by working as a carpenter. Jesus would have to work in this capacity until one of his brothers could take over the family business. When this was accomplished, Jesus would be free to start working in His Father's business. His Father had provided everything for Jesus while He was growing up in Joseph's house. The Wise men, had brought gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. God had provided for His Son, by providing the means for Joseph to move his family in and out of Egypt. God was taking care of His Son and His family. Remember Jesus had to satisfy all of the Law of God, in order to be the Jewish Messiah, and our "Perfect Sacrifice". Everything that happens, is according to God's Design and because He allowed it to happen. Even when it looks like God is not working; He is working.
God created man and woman, created marriage between one man and one woman; He created family, to live as a unit. This is what Jesus taught. We will go into more detail concerning His teachings as we get further into the Gospels.
Joseph is not mentioned after the trip to Jerusalem during Passover of Jesus' 12th year. Joseph's occupation was that of carpenter. Joseph would have taught Jesus the trade as part of their understanding of what God taught. If Joseph had died, Jesus would have become the "Head of the household". In this position Jesus would be responsible for caring for His mother and the rest of the family by working as a carpenter. Jesus would have to work in this capacity until one of his brothers could take over the family business. When this was accomplished, Jesus would be free to start working in His Father's business. His Father had provided everything for Jesus while He was growing up in Joseph's house. The Wise men, had brought gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. God had provided for His Son, by providing the means for Joseph to move his family in and out of Egypt. God was taking care of His Son and His family. Remember Jesus had to satisfy all of the Law of God, in order to be the Jewish Messiah, and our "Perfect Sacrifice". Everything that happens, is according to God's Design and because He allowed it to happen. Even when it looks like God is not working; He is working.
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Childhood at Nazareth And Jesus Trip to Jerusalem at Age Twelve - Luke 2: 40 - 50 -Post 12
Joseph's family moved to Nazareth from Egypt to be further away from the eyes of the ruling authorities of the Kingdom of Israel and the Temple. At this time the rulers of the kingdom and the Temple, were more interested in keeping a good relationship with Rome, than with God. They liked their positions inside the Roman Empire, and would rather keep the status quo instead of making waves.
During this time Jesus was growing into an adolescent. Not much is noted about Jesus' life at this time. The Bible is silent until the Passover Feast of Jesus' life and the trip to Jerusalem. The distance from Nazareth to Jerusalem is about 30 - 50 miles. This was before public transportation, and motels and hotels, did not exist along the roadway as they do today. A trip like this, would require a lot of planning. They had to carry their food, provide enough food and water for themselves and their animals, and provide for their own security while traveling. It was not unusual for families to make this trip together. Jesus, had to keep all the Laws of God, in order to be the Jewish Messiah, and to become the "Perfect Sacrifice".
The family units during Jesus' time are not like the ones we know today. When Jesus lived, people did not move very far from where they were born. This means you would live close to your aunts, uncles, mother and father, and grandparents. Since families would have to go to Jerusalem at least five times a year for the Feasts celebrated in the Temple. They would usually travel together, safety in numbers and pooling their resources and sharing with each other. After the Feast of the Passover, Mary and Joseph packed up their things and started the long journey back to Nazareth. Mary and Joseph went a days journey and could not find Jesus, among their traveling unit.
It is here that modern parents start to admonish Jesus' parents for losing Jesus. I believe this is a little unfair. Think of Who their Child was. I think it was really hard to have Jesus as a member of the family; he never did anything wrong. Mary and Joseph had become used to not worrying about Jesus, and probably gave him a lot of room. I believe this could have contributed to their delay in looking for Jesus. I think it is very interesting that when they got back to Jerusalem, it took them three days before they looked for Him in the Temple. How much have we changed from them?? Human nature is to try to do things according to our own strength, and when that fails, then we turn to God! They should have prayed to God first. Jesus' answer to them is perfect "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?"
Being in the Temple, talking with the teachers of the Law, listening and asking questions, they were astonished at his answers and his understanding. They just didn't know Who He was!
During this time Jesus was growing into an adolescent. Not much is noted about Jesus' life at this time. The Bible is silent until the Passover Feast of Jesus' life and the trip to Jerusalem. The distance from Nazareth to Jerusalem is about 30 - 50 miles. This was before public transportation, and motels and hotels, did not exist along the roadway as they do today. A trip like this, would require a lot of planning. They had to carry their food, provide enough food and water for themselves and their animals, and provide for their own security while traveling. It was not unusual for families to make this trip together. Jesus, had to keep all the Laws of God, in order to be the Jewish Messiah, and to become the "Perfect Sacrifice".
The family units during Jesus' time are not like the ones we know today. When Jesus lived, people did not move very far from where they were born. This means you would live close to your aunts, uncles, mother and father, and grandparents. Since families would have to go to Jerusalem at least five times a year for the Feasts celebrated in the Temple. They would usually travel together, safety in numbers and pooling their resources and sharing with each other. After the Feast of the Passover, Mary and Joseph packed up their things and started the long journey back to Nazareth. Mary and Joseph went a days journey and could not find Jesus, among their traveling unit.
It is here that modern parents start to admonish Jesus' parents for losing Jesus. I believe this is a little unfair. Think of Who their Child was. I think it was really hard to have Jesus as a member of the family; he never did anything wrong. Mary and Joseph had become used to not worrying about Jesus, and probably gave him a lot of room. I believe this could have contributed to their delay in looking for Jesus. I think it is very interesting that when they got back to Jerusalem, it took them three days before they looked for Him in the Temple. How much have we changed from them?? Human nature is to try to do things according to our own strength, and when that fails, then we turn to God! They should have prayed to God first. Jesus' answer to them is perfect "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?"
Being in the Temple, talking with the teachers of the Law, listening and asking questions, they were astonished at his answers and his understanding. They just didn't know Who He was!
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Flight to Egypt And Death of Herod the Great - Matthew 2: 13 - 30 - Post 11
After the Wise men had come to Jerusalem to the Palace of Herod the Great and inquired of the birth of the Messiah; Herod questioned them in hopes of finding more information concerning the whereabouts of the Child. King Herod told the Wise men to come back and tell him where the child was so he could worship the Child. When the Wise men did not return, King Herod became angry and issued a proclamation that all new born males born 2 years and younger, in and around Bethlehem are to be killed. King Herod arrived at this group to be singled out from questioning the Wise men when they had visited his Palace. King Herod told the Wise men that he intended to worship the Child, as the Wise men had done. King Herod really wanted to kill the Child. King Herod's title was King of the Jews, but Herod was not Jewish at all. He was an Edomite, born of the House of Esau. Herod became king of Israel, because no Jew wanted to be king under the rule of the Romans. You can read more about King Herod in Josephus' Book The Antiquities of the Jews Book 14 Chapter 13 1.324. Starting there and continuing. King Herod was King of Israel from 37 B.C. to 4 B.C.
The story continues with God coming to Joseph in a dream, telling him to take his young family and go to Egypt for safety until all those trying to kill the Messiah were dead. Joseph and his family were gone from Bethlehem, when Herod's soldiers came to kill all the young boys living in and around Bethlehem 2 years and younger.
While Joseph's family were in Egypt, people living in Egypt became aware of Joseph and his family, some of these people came to believe that Joseph's Son was the Messiah. These people became known as "Coptic's" This group in Egypt traces their belief back to when this family was in Egypt.
True to His Word, God came to Joseph in a dream, while he was still in Egypt and told him it was safe for he and his family to return back to Israel. Upon returning to Israel, Joseph took his family and settled in Nazareth, in the Northern part of Israel. This is where the family lived after leaving Bethlehem.
Nothing is mentioned in the Bible until Jesus was 12 years old.
The story continues with God coming to Joseph in a dream, telling him to take his young family and go to Egypt for safety until all those trying to kill the Messiah were dead. Joseph and his family were gone from Bethlehem, when Herod's soldiers came to kill all the young boys living in and around Bethlehem 2 years and younger.
While Joseph's family were in Egypt, people living in Egypt became aware of Joseph and his family, some of these people came to believe that Joseph's Son was the Messiah. These people became known as "Coptic's" This group in Egypt traces their belief back to when this family was in Egypt.
True to His Word, God came to Joseph in a dream, while he was still in Egypt and told him it was safe for he and his family to return back to Israel. Upon returning to Israel, Joseph took his family and settled in Nazareth, in the Northern part of Israel. This is where the family lived after leaving Bethlehem.
Nothing is mentioned in the Bible until Jesus was 12 years old.
Monday, October 9, 2017
Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Visit of the Wise Men (Magi) Matthew 2: 1 - 12 - Post 10
Who are these Wise Men, these "Magi"? And why would they be interested in an infant's birth in a small obscure kingdom such as Israel? These are very important questions and need to be answered if you are to understand who this "Baby" is. The Wise Men or Magi were not themselves kings, but they were high officials in the kingdoms that hired them. Kingdoms would hire Magi's or Wise Men to advise them on world affairs; they were also prized for their spiritual knowledge and would be asked for leadership in this area as well. Now that we know a little more about who these Magi were, why would they be interested in anyone born in Israel? The Bible provides some insight into this question. Magi would have ben present in Egypt's palace and would have seen Moses' miracles (Exodus Chapter 4 and following. The Children of Israel had another encounter with a Magi, named Balaam, Numbers 22:22 and following; not going to tell his story here except to focus on Numbers 24: 17 "I see him, but not now; I behold him but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob , and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth."
Nothing is said about the Magi until the book of Daniel; Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon had a dream. He summoned all magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and the Chaldeans (Daniel 2:1 and following). All the kings wise men could not help the king. It was brought to the king's attention that a young Israelite named Daniel might be able to help. Daniel's story continues through the rest of the book of Daniel. Daniel becomes the head of the Magi in Babylon during this time. The Magi become familiar with Israel and the "Star" that would mark the coming of the Israelite King. We now understand why some Magi would be interested in this new "Star", and go to follow it. This is why the Magi would travel to Jerusalem and to the palace of the king. Their reception at the palace was less than warm. Herod the Great, would question the magi as to why and where they would be led to his palace. When the Magi told Herod that a child had been born, he asked his religious leaders to look through the Scriptures and find where this Messiah would be born. The religious leaders found the Scripture that advised where the Messiah would be born (Micah 5: 2).
Notice that no one from the Palace of Herod went with the Magi, to see where the "Baby" was. The Matthew account says that the Magi found the Baby, worshipped Him and returned to their own country by another way. They did not return to Jerusalem to inform King Herod. They had been warned in a dream not to see Herod again.
This whole story about the birth of Jesus, and everything that took place, seems pretty hard to believe; except for the fact, that there are facts you cannot dispel. The virgin birth is hard to prove without the help of the Scriptures; by studying the Scriptures, you come to the conclusion that it has to be. This is the only way that God have handled everything. I know I have no control over who reads this blog, but I hope to show the truth of the Scriptures. I am trying to provide facts in the hopes that you will gain a greater understanding of Who Jesus Christ is,
Nothing is said about the Magi until the book of Daniel; Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon had a dream. He summoned all magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and the Chaldeans (Daniel 2:1 and following). All the kings wise men could not help the king. It was brought to the king's attention that a young Israelite named Daniel might be able to help. Daniel's story continues through the rest of the book of Daniel. Daniel becomes the head of the Magi in Babylon during this time. The Magi become familiar with Israel and the "Star" that would mark the coming of the Israelite King. We now understand why some Magi would be interested in this new "Star", and go to follow it. This is why the Magi would travel to Jerusalem and to the palace of the king. Their reception at the palace was less than warm. Herod the Great, would question the magi as to why and where they would be led to his palace. When the Magi told Herod that a child had been born, he asked his religious leaders to look through the Scriptures and find where this Messiah would be born. The religious leaders found the Scripture that advised where the Messiah would be born (Micah 5: 2).
Notice that no one from the Palace of Herod went with the Magi, to see where the "Baby" was. The Matthew account says that the Magi found the Baby, worshipped Him and returned to their own country by another way. They did not return to Jerusalem to inform King Herod. They had been warned in a dream not to see Herod again.
This whole story about the birth of Jesus, and everything that took place, seems pretty hard to believe; except for the fact, that there are facts you cannot dispel. The virgin birth is hard to prove without the help of the Scriptures; by studying the Scriptures, you come to the conclusion that it has to be. This is the only way that God have handled everything. I know I have no control over who reads this blog, but I hope to show the truth of the Scriptures. I am trying to provide facts in the hopes that you will gain a greater understanding of Who Jesus Christ is,
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