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.      

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.    

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!  

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.

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,
  

Bibe Study of All 4 Gospels at the Same Time - Circumcision and Presentation of Jesus at the Temple - Post 9

Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to be circumcised when Jesus was 8 days old.  This was done to fulfill the requirements stated in the Law of Moses.  According to the Law of Moses all male children were to be circumcised when they were 8 days old.  One of the requirements of Jesus saving us from our sins, was that he would keep all the Jewish Laws perfectly, Jesus had to be perfect, to take the sin out of the world, that Adam allowed in when he sinned at the fall in the Garden of Eden.  Adam was created perfect until he fell, Jesus would have to remain perfect in order to take sin out of the world.   Jesus could not be born from a man and a woman, because he would have been born into the same sin that Adam brought into the world.  Jesus had to come from above (Heaven), only God would be strong enough to withstand the devil's trials and not fail.  Along with presenting Jesus to be circumcised, a sacrifice was required due at the time of presentation.  Mary and Joseph gave a pair of doves or two small pigeons.  They gave this amount because they were poor.  Then they returned home in Bethlehem.    
A month after birth the Jewish parents that were not of the tribe of Levi would have to redeem their first-born male children back from God.  All first-born male children had to be dedicated to the Lord, as an offering of first fruit.  The Levites had to dedicate their male first-born into service of the Lord.  as  stated in Numbers 1: 47 - 54.  The rest of the Jewish males had to be redeemed from God's service as specified in Numbers 18:16.  This account is important, because Jesus had to satisfy all the Jewish Laws in order to be proclaimed the "propitiation" (1 John 4: 10b)  sacrifice, the complete sacrifice for the remission of all sin.  This was to occur approximately 30 days after birth.  It was during this Temple visit that Simeon and Anna met the infant Jesus.  Simeon was a devout Jew and was told by God that he would not die until he beheld the Christ child.  Simeon took Jesus into his arms and blessed him Luke 2: 29 - 32.

Anna was also in the Temple that day.  Her story is stated in Luke 2: 36 - 40.  Anna also was a devout Jewess and spent her days in the Temple after the death of her husband, she had been a widow for 84 years.  God told her also, that she would not die until she beheld the Messiah.  All of these things occurred so that the Word of the Lord would be fulfilled.

Study of all 4 Gospels at the Same Time The Praise of Angels and Homage of Shepherds to Babe in Manger - Post 8

Why were there shepherds outside Bethlehem at this time of year?  This is a good question and requires some thought in order to answer it.  The Lord's Temple was located in Jerusalem, some 7 miles from Bethlehem.  Lambs and goats were used in sacrifices in the Temple.  The animals used in the sacrifice were considered clean, but when they were part of the flock they were considered unclean.  Due to the smell that seems to follow the flock, they were not allowed any nearer to Jerusalem.  The Jews were not the only group of people that thought this way.  When Jacob brought his family to Egypt, they had to keep their flocks at Goshen, miles from the Palace of Egypt, because the Egyptians felt the flock or herd animals were unclean.  Notice the lambs for sacrifice were considered clean, but where they were born and kept was considered unclean.  It is kind of the same way with us.  When we are born we are born into sin, through the human nature that caused Adam to sin.  When we are introduced to the Holy Spirit (the first time we realize that there is a God); we start on the road to becoming clean.

We found out why the sheep and goats were on the hillside outside Bethlehem, but who are the shepherds?  In order for the lambs to be considered clean they would have to be kept in compliance with the Jewish Laws dealing with the handling of the animals.  You have probably heard the word "Kosher" before.  Kosher means that the item labeled that was inspected by a Rabi in all the processes used to bring that item to your market.  The idea in this situation is the same.  Who better to guarantee that the sheep were raised according to Jewish law, would be young Levites.  Levites were the tribe of Jews whose job it was to run all aspects of the Temple.  Just like David was a shepherd before he became king, so the young Levites would work as shepherds making sure the sacrifice animals were clean to be used at the Temple.

These sheep and shepherds were enjoying a quiet peaceful night on the hillsides outside Bethlehem, when all of a sudden the sky became full of Light, and a host of angels proclaimed the good news that God had brought His Son into the World.  If these shepherds were Levites, they would understand the message that the Angels gave to them.  They would send representatives to Bethlehem to see all that the Angels had told them.  The Levites would understand what this means.  God has sent His Messiah into the world to save His people, all people from their sins.  No other God loved His people, all people this much to bring His Son into the world to suffer and die to save us from our sins.