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Feeding the Five Thousand

Luke 9; John 6

March 20, 2016 • Luke 9, John 6

TODAY WE revisit the accounts of Jesus walking on Sea of Galilee and feeding the five thousand, this time from the perspectives of Luke and John. We learn from John that the miracle of the loaves and fishes was so impressive to the crowd that they tried to take Jesus by force to make him king.

Since today is Palm Sunday, we also read the four gospel accounts of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We discuss Jesus’ cursing of the fig tree that was not in season–a metaphor for the Jewish religious leaders of the day, who rejected Jesus because he didn’t fit their preconception of what the Messiah should be.


This misunderstanding has, sadly, continued to the present day. Two thousand years later, Jews looking for the mashiach are still waiting for a mortal man to lead Israel to its rightful place among the nations. Thankfully, we read in Revelation that God is not yet finished with His chosen people, and there will be a remnant who recognizes God’s unique, beloved Son.

Jesus, the Christ

January 10, 2016 • Matthew 1, John 1, Luke 1, Luke 2

TODAY WE begin our study of the New Testament, which we will follow in chronological order just as we’re doing with the Old Testament. Our readings today begin the story of Jesus, the Christ. We discuss the differences between the styles and intended audiences of Matthew, Luke, and John, all of whom, in their own way, establish right from the start the bona fides of Jesus as the rightful heir of the kingdom of David and the kingdom of God. Here is the link Derek promised to the video presentation by Dr. Michael Heiser making a case for the birth date of Jesus as September 11, 3 B.C.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqt9pbsyy5y (note: Derek incorrectly said the “woman clothed in the Sun” prophecy was in Revelation 11).

The Baptism of Jesus

January 17, 2016 • Matthew 2, Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3

WE BEGIN to study Jesus’ ministry, the early days, beginning with his appearance to John the Baptist at the Jordan River and the calling of the first disciples: Andrew, Simon (Peter), James, and John. We also spend some time discussing the Magi, the virgin birth of Jesus, and the geopolitical climate of Judea at the time of Jesus’ birth.

The Testing of Jesus

January 24, 2016 • Luke 5, John 2, John 3, Matthew 4, Luke 4

TODAY WE encounter the Devil as Jesus is led into the desert for 40 days and then tempted — or, more accurately, tested. Thankfully for all of us, Jesus resisted the snares of physical gratification (bread), public acclaim, and earthly power. We discuss Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana, the miraculous catch on the Sea of Galilee, and the unique nature of Jesus as God’s only son.