the greatest man who ever lived

Can any man be called with certainty the greatest man who ever lived? How do you measure a man's greatness? His strategic statue? His physical strength? Through his mental intelligence?

Historian H.G. Wells said that a man's greatness can be measured by what 'he leaves behind to grow, and whether he causes others to think in new directions with an enthusiasm that lasts.' Wells, although not claiming to be a Christian, approved: "Jesus is the first in this test."

Alexander the Great, Charlemagne (he was called "the Great" during his lifetime), and Napoleon Bonaparte were powerful rulers. Through their fearsome presence, they wielded great influence over those they ruled. Nevertheless, Napoleon was reported as saying: "Jesus Christ has influenced and exercised authority over his subjects without his visible physical presence."

Through his powerful teachings and his consistent life, Jesus has powerfully influenced people's lives for nearly two thousand years. As one writer aptly expressed it: "All the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever existed, and all the parliaments that ever ruled, all the kings that ever reigned, if put together, would But it has not affected human life so effectively."

a historical person

Yet, it is surprising that some people say that Jesus never lived and that He is, in fact, a creation of some first-century people. Responding to such skeptics, the respected historian Will Durant argued: "The invention in one generation by a few simple men of such a powerful and charming personality, so high in ethics and so inspiring a philosophy of human brotherhood, is a miracle. "Which will be even more incredible than the miracles recorded in the gospels."

Ask yourself: Could a person who never lived influence human history in such an extraordinary way? Reference work The Historians' History of the World states: The historical consequences of [Jesus'] activities were, in fact, more significant, even from a secular perspective, than the actions of any other character in history. The birth marks the beginning of a new era, recognized by the world's major civilizations."

Yes, think about it. Today's calendars are based on the year in which Jesus was thought to have been born. The World Book Encyclopedia states, "Dates before that year are called BC, or AD. Dates after that year are called AD, or AD. "

However, critics say that most of what we really know about Jesus is found in the Bible. No other contemporary writings about him exist, he says. H.G. Wells also wrote: "Old Roman historians completely ignored Jesus; he did not influence the historical accounts of the time." But is this true?

Although mention of Jesus Christ by early secular historians is rare, such references do exist. Cornelius Tacitus, a respected first-century historian, wrote: "[The name Christ] is derived from Christ, who was killed by Pontius Pilate in the reign of Tiberius." Other Roman writers of the time, Suetonius and the younger Pliny, also mentioned Christ. Additionally, Flavius Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, wrote of James, whom he introduced as "the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ."

Thus The New Encyclopædia Britannica concludes: "These independent accounts prove that even the opponents of Christianity in ancient times never doubted the historical fact of Jesus, which was first refuted in the late 18th century. in, during the 19th century, and on an inadequate basis in the early 20th century."

However, most of what is known about Jesus was recorded by his followers in the first century. Their reports are preserved in the Gospels—the books of the Bible written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. What do these accounts say about the identity of Jesus?

Actually, who was he?

Jesus' first-century companions pondered this question. When they saw Jesus miraculously rebuke and silence the sea from a strong storm, they asked in amazement: “Who is this?” Later, on another occasion, Jesus asked his apostles: "Who do you say that I am?" - Mark 4:41; Matthew 16:15.

If you were asked this question, what would you answer? Was, in fact, Jesus God? Today many people say that he was. Yet, his companions never believed that he was God.

Was. The apostle Peter answered Jesus' question this way: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." - Matthew 16:16.

Jesus never claimed to be God, but he acknowledged that he was the promised Messiah, or Christ. He also said that he was "the Son of God", not God. (John 4:25, 26; 10:36) Yet, the Bible does not say that Jesus was like any other man. He was a very special person because God created him before all things. (Colossians 1:15) For countless billions of years, even before the creation of this physical universe, Jesus lived as a spirit person in heaven and enjoyed close association with His Father, Jehovah God, the Grand Creator. Proverbs 8:

22, 27-31. Then, about two thousand years ago, God transferred the life of His Son into the womb of a woman, and Jesus became the human Son of God by being naturally born of a woman. (Galatians 4:4) While Jesus was developing in the womb and growing as a boy, he depended on those whom God had chosen to be his earthly parents. Jesus eventually reached manhood and was allowed to fully remember his previous fellowship with God in heaven. John 8:23; 17:5.

how he became the best

Because he carefully imitated his heavenly Father, Jesus was the best man who ever lived. By being a faithful Son, Jesus imitated His Father so perfectly that He could say to His followers: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9, 10) In every situation here on earth, they did exactly as their Father, Almighty God, would have done. “I do nothing of myself,” Jesus explained, “but as

I say these things the way my father taught me. (John 82) When we look at the life of Jesus Christ we get a clear picture of what God is like.

Thus, even though the Apostle John acknowledged that no one had ever seen God, he could write that God is love. (Acts 1:18: 1 John 4:8) Jesus, who is the perfect image of His Father. Euhtra experienced God's love through what he saw and was able to say this. Jesus was loving, kind, humble, and approachable. The weak and the fallen, and all kinds of people—men, the rich, the poor, the powerful, even the worst sinners, loved to be with Him. Only the evil-hearted did not like him.

Indeed, Jesus not only taught His followers to love one another, but also showed them how to do so. “Just as I have loved you,” He said, “so you also love one another.” (John 13:34) One of His apostles would say that knowing “the love of Christ,” “passes knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:19) Yes, the love Christ displayed is greater than academic head knowledge. and “compels” others to respond to it. (2 Corinthians 5:14) Thus, Jesus' outstanding example of love, in particular, makes him the greatest man who ever lived. His love for God has inspired millions of people. Has touched hearts and influenced their lives for good.

Still, some will object: 'Look at all the crimes committed in the name of Christ—the Crusades, the Inquisition, and the wars in which millions of professing Christians fought against Puts the Christians on the side. But the truth is, these people give lie to their claim to be followers of Jesus. His teachings and way of life condemn their actions. Even a hind, Mohanka

Gandhi, was moved to say: 'I love Christ, but I hate Christians because they do not live as Christ lived.'

benefit from learning about it

Surely there can be no more important study today than the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. “Look unto Jesus,” exhorts the apostle Paul. "So meditate on that." And God himself commanded regarding His Son: “Listen to him.” This book by the greatest man who ever lived will help you do just that. Hebrews 12:2, 3; Matthew 17:5.

An attempt is made to present every event of Jesus' earthly life as recorded in the four gospels, including his speeches and his parables and miracles. As far as possible, all the events have been told in sequence. At the end of each chapter is a list of the Bible passages on which that chapter is based. You should read these passages and

Answering the given review questions is encouraged. A University of Chicago scholar recently claimed: "More has been written about Jesus in the last twenty years than has been
written about him in the last two thousand years." However, the need for personal attention to the gospel accounts is essential, as The Encyclopædia Britannica states: "Many modern students are so preoccupied with conflicting opinions about Jesus and the gospel books that they themselves Shows carelessness in studying the sources."

After taking a deep, objective look at the gospel accounts, we feel you will agree that the greatest events in human history occurred during the reign of Roman Caesar Augustus, when Jesus of Nazareth died for us. Came.

message from heaven

■In fact, the entire Bible is a message from heaven, given by our Heavenly Father for our instruction. However, two special messages were given about 2,000 years ago through an angel who “stands before God.” His name is Gabriel. Let us examine the circumstances of those two important visits to earth.

Year B.C.E. Is 3. In the mountains of Judea, probably not far from Jerusalem, lives a priest of Jehovah named Zechariah. He has grown old, and his wife Elizabeth has also grown old. And they don't have any children. Zechariah is taking his turn at priestly ministry in God's temple in Jerusalem. Suddenly Gabriel appears standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

Zechariah gets very scared. But Gabriel calms his fears by saying, "O Zechariah, do not be afraid for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will give birth to a son for you, and you are to name him John." Gabriel further declares that John will be “great before the Lord” and that he will “prepare a people worthy of the Lord.”

But, Zechariah could not believe it. He and Elizabeth find it so impossible to have a child at their age. Therefore Gabriel says to him: "You will remain silent and will not be able to speak until the day these things are fulfilled, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." - N.W.

Well, meanwhile, the people standing outside wonder why Zechariah is taking so long in the temple. When he finally comes out, he cannot speak but can only gesture with his hands, and they realize that he has seen something supernatural.

Upon completing his term of temple ministry, Zechariah returns home. And immediately afterward that's exactly what happens – Elizabeth gets pregnant! When

As she awaits the birth of her child, Elizabeth lives in a house isolated from the public for five months.

Later Gabriel appears again. And who does he talk to? He talks to a young unmarried woman from Nazareth named Mary. What message does he give this time? Listen! “God has favored you,” Gabriel tells Mary. “Look, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.” Gabriel continues: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

We can be sure that Gabriel felt especially blessed in giving these messages. And as we read more about John and Jesus, we will see more clearly why these messages from heaven are so important.

2 Timothy 3:16; Luke 1:5-33.

• What two important messages have been given from heaven?

• Who delivers the messages, and to whom are they delivered?

• Why is it so difficult to believe these messages?

honored before being born

When Mary is told by the angel Gabriel that she will give birth to a son who will become a permanent king, Mary asks: "How can this be, since I have never had intercourse with a man?" -NW.

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you," Gabriel explains, "and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. And therefore, the child will be called Holy, Son of God."-NW.

To help Mary believe this message, Gabriel continues: “And behold, your relative Elizabeth is also going to give birth to a son in her old age, in the sixth month, she who was called barren, because the word that came to God It is not without effect." -N.W

Mary accepts Gabriel's words. And what is his answer? “Look! I am the servant of the Lord,” she cries out. “Let it be done to me according to your word.”

Soon after Gabriel leaves, Mary gets ready and goes to meet Eli- Sheba, who lives with her husband, Zechariah, in the hill country of Judea. It is probably a long journey of three or four days from Mary's home in Nazareth.

When Mary finally reaches Zechariah's house, she enters and salutes. At the same time, Ili-Shiba is filled with the Holy Spirit, and says to Mary: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How did this grace come to me, that the mother of my Lord came to me? And look! As soon as the word of your greeting reached my ears, the child in my stomach jumped with joy."

Hearing this, Mary responds with heartfelt gratitude: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in the God of my salvation; for he has looked upon the lowliness of his handmaid. Therefore behold! From now on forever The people of this world will call me blessed because the Mighty One has done great things for me." Yet, despite the kindness shown to her, Mary assigns all honor to God. “Hallowed is His name,” she says, “and His mercy endures from generation to generation for those who fear Him.”

Mary praises God in the apostolic prophetic song, saying: “He showed his arm, and scattered those who exalted themselves. He brought down the mighty from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he humbled the hungry. Satisfied the rich with good things, and sent back the rich empty-handed. He took care of his servant Israel, to remember his mercy to Abraham and his descendants forever, as he said to our fathers. "-N.W.

Mary stays with Elizabeth for about three months, and undoubtedly proves to be a great help during those last weeks of Elizabeth's pregnancy. It is certainly wonderful that these two believing women, who conceived with God's help, were able to be together at this blessed time of their lives!

Have you noticed the honor that was given to Jesus before he was born? Elizabeth called him "my Lord", and Mary's unborn child jumped for joy when he appeared for the first time. On the other hand, as we will see later, others later held Mary and her unborn child in very low regard.

Luke 1:26-56.

• What did Gabriel say to Mary that helped her understand how she would become pregnant?

• How was Jesus honored before he was born?

• What does Mary say in praise of God in the prophetic song?

• How long does Mary stay with Elizabeth, and why is it appropriate for Mary to stay with Elizabeth at this time?

One who prepares the way was born

This lady is almost ready to give birth to her child. During these three months, Mary lived with him. But now the time has come for Mary to bid farewell and return to her home in Nazareth after a long journey. She will also give birth to a child in about six months.

Soon after Mary leaves, Elizabeth gives birth. What a joy it is when the birth is successful and Elizabeth and the baby are healthy. When Elizabeth shows her little child to her neighbors and relatives, they all rejoice with her.

According to God's law, an infant boy must be circumcised in Israel on the eighth day after his birth. On this occasion friends and

Relatives go to meet. That the child be given the name of his father, Zechariah. But Elizabeth speaks up. No, she says, rather he should be named John. Regarding Yaad, the angel Gabriel had said that the elder should be named this.

But his friends object that no one in your family has this name. (NW) Then in Sankati language, they ask the father what name he wants to name the child. Asking for a writing pad, Jakarbah writes, "His name is John," much to everyone's amazement.

With this, Zechariah's hearing miraculously returns. You will remember that he lost his power of speech when he did not believe the angel's announcement that Elijah would have a son. Then, when Zechariah starts speaking, all the people living in the neighborhood are astonished and say to themselves, what will this child be like?

When the Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit, he shouts, “Blessed be the Lord God of Ikhael, because he has looked upon his people and has redeemed them.” And he raised up for us a horn of

salvation in the house of his servant David." (NW) Of course, this horn of salvation is the Lord Peju. Who is to be born whenever. Ukravaha says, His Hariye Parmenar will give us that we will overcome our enemies. They serve Him by remaining faithful and righteous throughout their lives.

Zechariah then prophesies about his son, John. “You, child, will be called Prophet of the Most High, because you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people the knowledge of salvation, which comes through the forgiveness of their sins. This is the same great statement of our God It will happen with mercy, due to which the light of the morning will rise on us from above, to give light to those who sit in the shadow of darkness and death, and to direct our steps on the path of peace." -NW.

At this time Mary, apparently still an unmarried woman, arrives home in Nazareth. What will happen when she finds out that she is pregnant? Luke 1:56-80; Leviticus 12:2, 3.

• How much older is John than Jesus?

• What happens when John is eight days old?

• How has God turned his attention to his people?

• What work is Uhtra prophesied to do?

pregnant but unmarried

■Riyam is in her third month of pregnancy. You may remember that she spent the early part of her pregnancy visiting Elizabeth, but now she has returned home to Nazareth. Soon his whereabouts will become common knowledge in his hometown. Surely, he is in a sad state!

Mary is engaged to Joseph, a carpenter, which makes the situation worse. And she knows that under God's law given to Israel, a woman who is betrothed to one man, but willingly has sexual relations with another man, must be stoned to death. How can she explain her pregnancy to Joseph?

Since Mary was gone for three months, we can be sure that Joseph was eager to see her. When they meet, presumably Mary gives him the news. Perhaps she does her best to let him know that she is pregnant through God's Holy Spirit. But, as you can imagine, this is very difficult for Joseph to believe.

Joseph knows about Mary's good reputation. And he obviously loves her very much. Yet, despite her claims, she actually thinks she is pregnant by another man. Still, Joseph does not want to be stoned to death or publicly humiliated. So he secretly decides to divorce her. In those days, once engaged the two were considered married, and breaking the engagement required divorce.

Later, Joseph falls asleep thinking about these things. The angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream and says: "Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife home, for what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus Keep, because he will save his people from their sins."

When Joseph wakes up, he is so grateful. Without any delay he does what the angel ordered. He takes Mary to his home. In fact, this common act serves as a marriage ceremony, noting that Joseph and Mary are now formally married. But as long as Mary has Jesus in her womb, Joseph does not have sexual relations with her.

See! Mary is heavy with child, yet Joseph is making her sit on the donkey. Where are they going, and why are they traveling when Mary is ready to give birth? 23, 24. Luke 1:39-41, 56; Matthew 1:18-25; Deuteronomy 22:

• What is Joseph's mental state when he learns of Mary's pregnancy, and why?

• How could Joseph divorce Mary when they were not yet married?

• Does the common work serve as the wedding ceremony of Joseph and Mary?

Birth of Jesus - where and when?

The Emperor of the Roman Empire, Caesar Augustus, ordered that everyone who registered should return to the city of their birth. So Joseph is traveling to his birthplace, Bethlehem. Many people have come to Bethlehem to register, and the stable is the only place Joseph and Mary can find to stay. Jesus is born here, where donkeys and other animals are kept. Mary wraps it in strips of cloth and places it in a manger, a place where food for animals is kept.

Surely, on the instructions of God, Caesar Augustus created this rule of registration. This made it possible for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem, the city that had long been foretold in Scripture as the birthplace of the Promised Ruler.

What an important night this is! A bright light shines around a herd of shepherds in the fields outside. This is the glory of Jehovah! And the angel of the Lord says to them: "Do not be afraid, because, look! I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people, that today in the city of David a Savior is born to you, which is Christ the Lord. . And this is your sign, you will find a child wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly more angels appear and they praise: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased."

When the angels leave, the shepherds say to one another: "Come, let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us."

(VW) They go quickly and find Jesus where the angel had said they would find him. When the shepherds tell what the angel had said to them. Everyone who listens is astonished. Mary keeps all these things safely in her heart.

Most people today believe that Jesus was born on December 25. But December in Bethlehem is a rainy, cool season. Shepherds will not be able to stay in the fields with their sheep overnight at that time of year. Also, the Roman Caesar would probably not have allowed people who were already prone to rebel against him to travel in the cold of winter to register. Apparently, Jesus was born in the early autumn of the year.

Luke 2:1-201

Micah 5:2.

• Why do Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem?

• What amazing event happens on the night Jesus is born? How do we know that Jesus was not born on December 25?

child of promise

Instead of returning to Sarat, Joseph and Mary stay in Bethlehem. And when Jesus is eight days old, they circumcise him, as God's law to Moses commands. Apparently it is a custom to name the child on the eighth day. So they name their child Jesus, as the angel Gabriel had previously told them.

A little over a month passes, and Jesus is 40 days old. Where do his parents take him now? They take him to the temple of Jerusalem, which is just a few kilometers away from his residence. According to God's law given to Moses, 40 days after giving birth to a son, a mother is required to take an offering to the temple for purification.

Mary does the same. She brings two small birds as a gift. It reveals the financial situation of Joseph and Mary. The Law of Moses indicates that a lamb, which is more valuable than birds, should be given as an offering. But if a mother is unable to provide it, then two turtledoves or two pigeons will suffice.

In the temple an old man takes Jesus in his arms. His name is Simon. God has revealed to him that he will not die until he sees Jehovah's promised Messiah, or Christ. When Simon comes to the temple on this day, the Holy Spirit directs him to the child carried by Joseph and Mary.

As Simon takes Jesus in his arms, he thanks God, saying: "O Most High Lord, now you send your servant away in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation , which you have prepared before the people of all nations, that it may be a light to enlighten other nations, and a glory to your own people Israel."

When Joseph and Mary hear this they are amazed. Simeon then blesses them and tells Mary that her son will be "a blessing to many in Israel."

to fall, and to rise" and sorrow, like a sharp sword, will pierce his soul. Present on this occasion was an 84-year-old prophetess named Hannah.

Is. Actually, she never disappears from the temple. She comes near them at that very moment and begins to thank God and tell the listeners about Jesus.

How Joseph and Mary rejoice over these events in the temple. Of course, all this confirms to them that this child is God's promised one.

Luke 2:21-38; Leviticus 12:1-8.

• Apparently, when was it customary for an Israelite child to be named?

• What requirement was made of an Israelite mother when her son was 40 days old, and how does the fulfillment of this requirement reveal Mary's financial situation?

• Who recognized Jesus at this occasion, and how did they show it?

jesus and the astrologer

■The noble men have come from the east. Astrologers are those people who claim to interpret the positions of the stars. When they were in their country in the east, they saw a new star, following which they walked hundreds of kilometers towards Ysle.

When they reach Jerusalem, they ask: "Where is the King of the Jews who has been born? For we have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him."

When King Herod in Jerusalem hears about it, he becomes very upset. So he calls the high priests and asks them where Christ is to be born. Based on Scripture, they answer: At Beth." Then, Herod calls the astrologers to him and tells them to "Find out exactly what happened to the child, and when you find him, tell me, so that I too can come and worship him." " But, in reality, Herr wants to find the boy and kill him!

After they leave, a surprising incident occurs. The star which he had seen in the east is now moving ahead of him. Obviously, this is not a general arrangement, but it was specifically arranged to designate them.

Dirty Au

The astrologers follow him until he stops right above the house where Joseph and Mary live.

When the magi enter the house, they find Mary with her little child, Jesus. And then they all bow down. And they take out gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh from their bags. Later, when they are about to return and tell Herod where the child is, they receive a dream from God warning them not to do so. So they return to their country via another route.

Who do you think arranged the moving stars in the sky to guide the astrologers? Remember, that star did not point them directly to Jesus in Bethlehem. Instead, they were taken to Jerusalem where they came into contact with King Herod, who wanted to kill Jesus. And he would have done so had God not intervened and warned the astrologers not to tell Herod. It was God's enemy, Satan the Devil, who wanted to kill Jesus, and he used the star in an attempt to accomplish his purpose.

Matthew 2:1-12; Micah 5:2.

• What indicates that the star that the astrologers saw was not an ordinary star?

• Where is Jesus when the astrologers seek him out?

• Why do we know that Satan arranged for the stars to guide the astrologers?

get rid of a dictator

Ya Suf wakes up Mariam ● to give her very important news. The angel of the Lord has just appeared, saying: “Arise, take this child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. For Herod will come looking for this child. Is

to have him killed." Immediately, all three of them run away. And this happened just in time because Herod learned that the astrologers had betrayed him and left the country. Remember, after they found Jesus He had to return and give this information. Herod is very angry. So in an attempt to kill Jesus, he orders that all the children in Bethlehem and its district who are two years old or younger be killed. He does this on the basis of the information that he had received from the astrologers who had come from the past.

It is terrible to see all the infants being murdered! Herod's soldiers break into one house after another. And when they find an infant child, they snatch it from its mother's lap. We have no idea how many children they

They kill, but the crying and lamentation of mothers fulfills the prophecy of the Bible which was given by God's prophet Jeremiah.

Meanwhile, Joseph and his family have reached Egypt safely, and they now live there. But one night the angel of Jehovah again appears to Joseph in a dream. "Get up, take the child and his mother," says the angel, "and go to the land of Israel, for those who wanted to take the child's life have died." So in fulfillment of another Bible prophecy that the Son of God would be called out of Egypt, the family returns home.

Joseph apparently intended to settle in Judea, where they had lived in the city of Bethlehem before going to Egypt. But he learns that Herod's evil son Archelaus is now king of Judea and in another dream Jehovah warns of this danger. So Joseph and his family move north and settle in the city of Nazareth in Galilee. Jesus grows up here in this community, far from the center of Jewish religious life. 31:15; Hosea 11:1. Matthew 2:13-23: Jeremiah

• What terrible thing does King Herod do when the astrologers do not return, but how

Is Jesus kept safe?

• After returning from Egypt, why does Joseph not stay in Bethlehem again?

• What Bible prophecies are fulfilled during this period?

Trips to Jerusales

And the autumn season has arrived. And the time has come for Joseph's family to make their annual spring trip to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, along with their friends and relatives. There is a simple excitement as they set out on the nearly 100-kilometre long journey. Jesus is now 12 years old, and he watches this festival with special interest.

For Jesus and his family, Passover was not just a one-day affair. They also stay after that for the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, which they consider a part of the Passover season. As a result, the entire journey from their home in Nazareth, including a stop in Jerusalem, takes about two weeks. But this year, for some reason that involves Jesus, it takes longer.

The problem appears when making the return journey from Jerusalem. Joseph and Mary think that Jesus is traveling with a group of relatives or friends. Even after stopping for the night, he is not seen, and they start looking for him among their traveling companions. He was nowhere to be found. So Joseph and Mary return to Jerusalem again to look for him.

They search for him the whole day, but do not succeed. Even on the second day they are unable to find him. Finally, on the third day, they go to the temple. There, in a synagogue, they found Jesus sitting among the Jewish teachers, listening to them and

Seen asking questions.

“O son, why did you treat us like this?” Mary asks. "Look, your father and I were desperately searching for you." -N.W.

Jesus is surprised that they did not know where to find him. “Why were you looking for me?” he asks. “Did you not know that Mu was required to be in his father's house?”

Jesus could not understand why his parents could not understand this. After this, Jesus returns home with his parents and

John prepares the way

■Seventeen years have passed since the time when the 12-year-old boy Jesus was asking questions of the preachers in the temple. This C.E. It is the spring of the year 29, and it seems like everyone is talking about Jesus' cousin John, who is preaching all around the Jordan River.

Indeed, John is an impressive man in appearance and speech. His clothes are of camel's hair, and he has a leather belt around his waist. Its food is locusts and honeydew. And his message? "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." - N.W.

This message excites people. Many people feel the need to repent, that is, to change their attitudes and to abandon their past lifestyle as undesirable. So from all the region around the Jordan, and also from Jerusalem, great numbers of people come to John, and he baptizes them by immersing them in the water of the Jordan River. Why ?

John baptizes people in acknowledgment, or symbol, of heartfelt repentance for their sins against God's covenant of law. Thus, when some Pharisees and Sadducees come to the Jordan, John condemns them. “O children of snakes,” he says. "Bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think in your hearts, 'Our father is Abraham.' For I tell you, God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. And now an ax is laid to the root of the trees, so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. "-N.W.

Because John is receiving so much attention, the Jewish people send priests and Levites to him. They ask: "Who are you?"

“I am not the Christ,” John confesses. “Who, then?” he asks. “Are you Elijah?

"I am not." He answers.

"Are you that prophet?"

So they insistently ask who is it? So that we can answer our messenger. You say about yourself?”

John explains that I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, as the prophet Isaiah said, 'Make ye the way of the Lord.'" -NW.

They want to know, "If you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor a prophet, then why do you baptize?"

“I baptize in water,” he answers. “But there is a man standing among you whom you do not know.”

John is preparing the way by healing people's hearts to accept Christ who will be King. This is what John says. He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not able to untie." In fact, John also says: "He who is coming after me is greater than I, because he was before me." -N.W.

Thus John's message, “The kingdom of heaven has come near,” is a general notification that the ministry of Jehovah's appointed King, Jesus Christ, is about to begin.

19:4

John 1:6-8, 15-28; Matthew 3:1-12; Luke 3:1-18; Acts of the Apostles

• What kind of man is John?

• Why does John baptize people?

• Why could John say that the kingdom was at hand?

baptism of jesus

About six months after Ye Hatra begins his preaching work, Jesus, now 30 years old, comes to her by the Jordan River. For what ● reason? To meet like this? Is Jesus only interested in how John's work is progressing? No, Jesus asks the elder to baptize him.

John immediately objects. “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?” John knows that his cousin Jesus is God's special Son. Why, John jumped for joy in his mother's womb when Mary, carrying Jesus in her womb, came to meet them. Of course, John's mother, Elizabeth, had told him about it. And he may also have told her about the angel's announcement of Jesus' birth and the angel's appearance to the shepherds on the night Jesus was born.

So Jesus is no stranger to John. And John knows that his baptism is not for Jesus. This is for those who repent of their sins, but Jesus is without sin. Yet despite John's objection, Jesus insists: "Let it be so, for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."

enters into a new relationship, he also becomes a spiritual son of God. God now calls him back to heaven, that is, sets him on the path that will lead him to sacrifice his human life forever in behalf of fallen mankind. Matthew 3.13-17, Luke 3:21-38; 1:34-36, 44; 2:10-14; Jude 1:32-34; Hebrews 10:5-9.

• Why is Jesus no stranger to John?

• Why is Jesus baptized since He committed no sin?

• Considering what John knows about Jesus, why is he not surprised when the Spirit of God comes upon Jesus?

Learning from Jesus' Temptations

■Soon after his baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit of God to Judea. He has much to think about, for at his wilderness baptism "the heavens were opened" so that he could understand heavenly things. Surely, he has much to think about!

Jesus spends 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness and does not eat anything during this time. Then, when Jesus is very hungry, the Devil approaches him to tempt him, and says: "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to be turned into bread." But Jesus knows that it is wrong to use his miraculous powers to satisfy his personal desires. So they refuse to be tempted.

But the devil does not leave. He tries another kind of approach. He challenges Jesus to jump over the temple wall so that God's angels will save him. But Jesus is not tempted to make such a spectacular display. Quoting from Scripture, Jesus explains that it is wrong to test God in this way.

In the third temptation, the Devil somewhat miraculously shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and says: "All these things I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." But then again, Jesus refuses to succumb to the temptation to do wrong, preferring to remain faithful to God.

We can learn from these temptations of Jesus. For example, they show that the Devil is not merely an embodiment of evil, as some claim, but is a real, invisible person. Jesus' temptation also revealed that all governments in the world are the property of the Devil. How can Christ be defeated by the devil?

This gift could have been a real temptation if they weren't actually his.

And consider this: The Devil said he was willing to reward Jesus for one act of worship, even giving up all the kingdoms of the world. Thus the Devil probably presents to us worldly wealth, power,

Or he may also try to tempt us by offering us the tempting opportunity of getting a position. But how wise it would be if we followed Jesus' example and remained faithful to God in the face of all kinds of temptations! Matthew 3:16; 4:1-11; Mark 1:12, 13; Luke 4:1-13.

■ What are the things that Jesus clearly meditates on during his 40 days in the wilderness?

• How does the Devil try to tempt Jesus?

• What lessons can we learn from Jesus' temptations?

first disciple of jesus

■After spending thirty days in the wilderness, Jesus returns to John, who baptized him. As they approach, John clearly points to them and calls out to those present: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. This is the one about whom I said that after me comes a man who is better than me, because he was before me." Although John is older than his cousin Jesus, John knows that Jesus existed before him, in heavenas a spirit person.

But, a few weeks earlier, when Jesus came to be baptized, John clearly

He did not know with certainty that Jesus was the Christ. "I would have recognized him

John confesses, "But for this reason I came, baptizing in water, that he might be made manifest to Israel."

John goes on to tell his listeners what happened when Jesus was baptized: “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove,

He stopped at that. And I did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'On whom you will see the Spirit descending and remaining; He is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and testify that this is the Son of God."

The next day John is standing with two of his disciples. Then, as soon as Jesus

Coming closer, he says: "Look, this is the Lamb of God!" On this, John

These two disciples of the Baptist follow Jesus. one of them andreas

is, and the second is apparently the same person who wrote these things, whose name is also

Is John. According to indications, this John is also a cousin of Jesus, apparently

He is the son of Mary's sister, Salome.

Seeing Andrew and John following Him, Jesus asked: "Whom are you looking for?"

“O Rabbi, (ie, O Guru) where do you live?” They ask.

“Come, then you will see,” Jesus replies.

It is now about four o'clock in the afternoon, and Andrew and John have been with Jesus all day. After this, Andrew becomes so excited that he quickly goes to find his brother, who is called Peter. “We have found Christ,” he tells her. And he leads Peter to Jesus. Perhaps, at the same time, Euhra finds her brother James and brings him also to Jesus, yet, especially , Euphrates would have omitted this personal information from the gospel he wrote.

Is. The next day, Jesus meets Philip, who is from Vythsaeda, the same town where Andrew and Peter were originally from. He invites him. "Become my follower."-NW.

Philip then finds Nathanael, also called Bartholomew, and says. "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." (NW) Nathanael is suspicious. "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" he asks.

“Come and see,” urges Philip. As they are approaching Jesus, Jesus says of Nathanael: "Look, this man is truly an Israelite; there is no deceit in him."

"Where do you know me from?" Nathanael asks.

“Before Philip called you, I saw you when you were under the fig tree,” Jesus answers.

Nathanael is astonished. "Rabbi, [that is, teacher], you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel," he says.

“Is that why you believed because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?” Jesus asks. "You will see greater things than this." Then he promises: “I tell you the truth, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of man.”

Soon after, Jesus leaves the Jordan River and travels to Galilee with his newly acquired disciples.

John 1:29-51

• Who are the first disciples of Jesus?

• How were Peter, and perhaps James, introduced to Jesus?

• What convinces Nathanael that Jesus is the Son of God?

Jesus' first miracle

It was only a matter of days before Andrew, Peter, John, Philip, Nathanael, and perhaps James became Jesus' first disciples. All of them are going back to their home in the region of Galilee, where they were born. Their destination is Cana, Nathanael's hometown, located in the mountains and not far from Nazareth, where Jesus himself grew up. They have been invited to a wedding feast in Cana.

Jesus' mother has also come for the wedding. As a friend of the wedding party's family, Mary is seen busy taking care of the needs of the many guests. So she soon notices a shortage, which she reports to Jesus: "They have no wine."

Indeed, when Mary asks Jesus to do something about the wine shortage, Jesus is reluctant at first. He asks: "What have I to do with you?" (NW) As God's appointed king, he is not to be dictated by family or friends in his work. So Mary wisely leaves the matter in the hands of her Son, saying only this to those who serve. “Do whatever he tells you.”

Well, there are six huge stone jars, each of which can hold more than forty litres. Jesus orders the servants: "Fill the jars with water." And the servants filled them up to their mouths. Then Jesus says: "Now take them out and lead them to the one who is in charge of the feast."

He is impressed by the fine quality of the master wine, not knowing that it has been miraculously made. Calling the bridegroom, he says: "Every man gives the good wine first, and when people have finished drinking, then gives the middle wine. But you have kept the good wine until now."

This is the first miracle of Jesus, and look at it-

This strengthens the faith of his new disciples. Then, accompanied by their mother and half-brothers, they head to Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee. John 2:1-12.

■ When during Jesus' ministry did the wedding at Cana take place?

■ Why does Jesus resist his mother's suggestion?

■ What miracle does Jesus perform, and what effect does it have on others?

Stirring to worship Jehovah

Yi Shu's half-brothers are Mary's other sons – James, Joseph, Simon and Judah. Before traveling with Jesus and his disciples to Capernaum, a city near the Sea of Galilee, they probably stop at their home in Nazareth so that the family can pack essentials.

But why does Jesus go to Capernaum, instead of carrying out His ministry in Cana, Nazareth, or some other place in the mountains of Galilee? The first thing is that

Sepharnaum is more prominently populated and apparently a larger city. Also, most of Jesus' new disciples live in or near Capernaum, so they do not have to leave their homes to receive training from him.

During his stay in Capernaum, Jesus performs some miraculous works, which he himself attests to several months later. But soon Jesus and his companions return on their way. It is spring time, and they are Set out on the road to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover of the year 30. There, Jesus' disciples see something about them that they probably never saw before.

According to God's law, the Israelites are required to make animal sacrifices. So for their convenience, the merchants of Jerusalem sell animals or birds for this very purpose. But they are selling directly inside the temple, and they are cheating people by charging huge amount of money.

Furious, Jesus makes a whip of ropes and drives the sellers out. He scatters the money of the moneylenders and overturns their tables. "Take them out of here!" He shouts and tells the pigeon sellers. "Do not make my father's house a house of business."

When Jesus' disciples see all this, they remember this prophecy about the Son of God: "The zeal for your house will eat me up." But the Jews ask: "What sign do you show us when you do this?" Jesus replies: "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

The Jews imagine that Jesus is talking about the actual temple, and so they ask: "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?" But, Jesus is speaking about the temple of His body. And three years later, His disciples remember this statement after He was raised from the dead. 13:55; Luke 4:23. John 2:12-22; matthew

* After the wedding at Cana, what places does Jesus visit? ,

Why is Jesus angry, and what does he do?

* What do Jesus' disciples remember when they see his actions?

What does Jesus say about “this temple,” and what does he mean?

teaching nicodemus

When Jesus A.D. Appearing at the Passover of the year 30, they perform wonderful signs, or wonders. As a result, many people believe in them. Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jews' high court, is impressed and wants to know more. So he meets Jesus in the dark of night, perhaps out of fear that if he is seen he will spoil his reputation among the other Jewish leaders.

"Rabbi," he says, "we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." In response, Jesus tells Nicodemus that to enter the Kingdom of God a person must be "born again.

But, how can a person be born again? "Is he

“For just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,” Jesus says to Nicodemus, “in the same way the Son of Man must be lifted up, that whoever believes may have eternal life.” Yes, just as He had to look to the bronze serpent to save the Israelites from poisonous snakes, so all humans need to believe in the Son of God to be saved from their death-defying situation.

Emphasizing Jehovah's loving role in this matter, Jesus further tells Nicodemus: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal Get life." Thus, only six months after beginning His ministry here in Jerusalem, Jesus makes clear that He is God Jehovah's instrument to save mankind.

Jesus further explains to Nicodemus: "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world," that is, to judge them in a harmful way, or to condemn them, and to sentence mankind to destruction. No. Rather, as Jesus says, he was sent so that “through him the world might be saved.”

Nicodemus comes to Jesus in fear in the dark of night. So it is interesting that Jesus concludes His conversation with him by saying: “The condemnation is due to the fact that the light [which Jesus personified in his life and teaching] has come into the world, and men Love darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For whoever does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds be brought to justice. But whoever walks in the truth He draws near to the light, so that his works may be revealed as being done by God."

John 2:23–3:21; Matthew 3:16, 17; Acts 2:1-4; Numbers 21:9.

• What prompts Nicodemus to visit, and why does he come at night? • What does it mean to be “born again”?

• How does Jesus explain his role in our salvation?

• What does it mean that Jesus did not come to judge the world?

John 2:23–3:21; Matthew 3:16, 17; Acts 2:1-4; Numbers 21:9.

• What prompts Nicodemus to visit, and why does he come at night? • What does it mean to be “born again”?

• How does Jesus explain his role in our salvation?

• What does it mean that Jesus did not come to judge the world?

John decreases, Jesus increases

■After cum, sayu. In the spring of the year 30, Jesus and his disciples leave Jerusalem. However, they do not return to their homes in Galilee, but go to the country of Judea, where they baptize. John the Baptist has been doing the same work for about a year, and the disciples have also been fellowshipping with him.

In fact, Jesus himself does not baptize anyone, but his disciples do so under his direction. The purpose of their baptism is the same as that of John's baptism, it is a symbol of the Jew's repentance of sin against God's covenant covenant. However, after his resurrectionJesus commands his disciples to baptize, which has a different meaning. Christian baptism symbolizes a person's dedication to serve Jehovah God.

At this early moment in Jesus' ministry, both John and Jesus, though working separately, are teaching and baptizing repentant people. But John's disciples become jealous and complain about Jesus: "Rabbi,... look, he baptizes and everyone comes to him.

Far from being jealous, John is overjoyed at Jesus' success and wants his disciples to be happy too. He reminds them: "You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, I am not the Christ, but I am sent before him." Then He gives a beautiful illustration: "He who has the bride is the bridegroom. But the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly at the voice of the bridegroom. Now my joy is complete."-NW.

John, being a friend of the bridegroom, had been rejoicing some six months earlier when he had introduced Jesus to his disciples. Some of them became anticipated members of Christ's heavenly bride class, which will be made up of Spirit-anointed Christians. John wants his current disciples to also become followers of Jesus, because his purpose is to prepare the way for Christ's successful ministry. As John the Baptist states: "He must increase and I must decrease." Jesus' new disciple John, who was previously a disciple of John the Baptist, writes about the origin of Jesus and His important role in the salvation of mankind: "He who comes from heaven is above all. The Father loves the Son. And he has given all things into his hands. Whoever believes in the Son,

Ins

Eternal life is his; But whoever does not believe in the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."-NW.

Shortly after John the Baptist contemplates his activism, he is imprisoned by King Herod. Herod has taken Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, as his wife, and when John openly exposes his actions and calls them inappropriate, Herod throws him in prison. When Jesus hears of John's arrest, he leaves Judea with his disciples for Galilee. John 3:22–4:3; Acts 19:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Mark 1.14:6:17-20.

• What is the meaning of baptism performed under the direction of Jesus before his resurrection? And what is the meaning of the baptism given after His resurrection?

• How does John show that his disciples' complaints are unjustified? • Why is John put in prison?

teaching a samaritan woman

On their way from Judea to Galilee, Jesus and his disciples pass through the province of Samaria. Due to the fatigue of the journey, around noon they come to a well near the city of Sukhaar for rest. This well was dug by Jacob centuries ago, and it still stands near the modern-day city of Nablus.

While Jesus rests here, his disciples go into town to buy some food. When a Samaritan woman comes to draw water, he requests: "Give me a drink."

Because of deep hatred, Jews and Samaritans generally do not have anything to do with each other. That is why, astonished, the woman asks: “Why do you, being a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?”

“If you even knew,” Jesus answers, “who it is that says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” “Lord,” she replies, “you don't even have anything to fill the water with.

And the well is deep, then where did that water of life come to you from? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this well; And you yourself, along with your children and your cattle, drank from it?

“Whoever drinks this water will never thirst again,” Jesus says. “Whoever drinks the water that I will give him will never thirst again;

In fact, the one who gives him water will become a spring from it, which will continue to flow forever." "Lord, give me that water so that I will not be thirsty and will not have water to fill.

Come this far." The woman answers. Now Jesus says to her: "Go and call your husband here." "I am without a husband." She answers.

Jesus supports his statement. "You are right that I am without a husband. Because you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband."

“Lord, I know that you are a prophet,” the woman says in astonishment. Reflecting her spiritual interest, she notes that the Samaritans "praise on this very mountain [Grizim, which is nearby]: and you [Jews] say that the place where worship should be is in Jerusalem."

Yet, Jesus points out that the place of worship is not that important. He says, "The time is coming when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeks those who worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth. Do bhajan."

That woman is very impressed. “I know that the Messiah is coming, who is called Christ,” she says. “When he comes, he will tell us all things.”

“I am the one who speaks to you,” Jesus reveals. Think about this! This woman who comes to draw water on a hot afternoon, perhaps so that she would not come into contact with the women of the city who were her life- Those who hate Him because of their style receive wonderful grace through Jesus. They openly say what they have never openly said to anyone. What was the result?

Many Samaritans believe

Returning with food from Richhar, the disciples find Jesus at James's well where they had left him, and where he is now talking to a Samaritan woman.

Used to be. When the disciples arrive, the woman leaves her pot and goes towards the city.

Deeply impressed by what Jesus had told her, she says to the men of the city: "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever saw." Then, piquing her curiosity, she asks: "Isn't this the same thing?" This question fulfills his purpose - the men themselves go to see him.

Meanwhile, the disciples urge Jesus to eat the food they have bought from Naga. But he replies: "I have food to eat that you do not know about."

Has anyone brought him anything to eat?" The disciples ask each other. * Jesus explains: "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say that there are still four months until the harvest?" However, pointing to the spiritual harvest, Jesus says: "Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, that they may be harvested.

Are ripe for. And the reaper receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life; So that both the sower and the reaper may rejoice together."

Perhaps Jesus could already see the impact of his encounter with the Samaritan woman in that many people were believing in him because of her testimony. She is testifying to the people of the town, saying: "He told me everything I ever did." Therefore, when the men of Sychar come to him near the well, they ask him to stay there and talk to them more. Jesus accepts the invitation and stays for two days.

As the Samaritans hear Jesus' words, many believe. Then they say to the woman: "Now we do not believe just because you said it; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world." Certainly the Samaritan woman provides a good example of how we can testify about Christ by stimulating curiosity so that listeners investigate further!

Recall that there are four months until the harvest—obviously the barley harvest, which occurs in the spring in Palestine. So now it is probably the month of November or December. This means that B.U. After the Passover of the year 30 Jesus and his disciples spent eight months or more preaching and baptizing in Judea. Now they are going towards their region Galilee. What happens to them there?

John 4:3-43.

* Why is the Samaritan woman surprised when Jesus spoke to her?

• What did Jesus say about the water of life and where we should worship?

taught?

• How does Jesus reveal who He is, and why is this revelation so surprising?

* What kind of testimony did the Samaritan man give, and what was the result?

* How is Jesus' meal related to the harvest?

● How can we determine the length of Jesus' ministry in Judea after Passover of 30 C.E.?

20 Another miracle while in Cana

After an extended evangelistic campaign in Judea, Jesus does not return to his home region to rest. Rather, they begin ministry on an even larger scale in Galilee, the country where they grew up. But his disciples, instead of remaining with him, return home to their families and to their former vocations.

What message does Jesus begin to preach? This: "The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel." And the reaction? The inhabitants of Galilee accept Jesus. Everyone respects him. However, this is not because of that message in particular, but rather, because many of them had gone to Jerusalem a few months earlier to celebrate the Passover and had seen the wonderful signs performed through Him.

Jesus apparently begins His great ministry in Cana of Galilee. You'll remember, before this,

On his return from Dia, he turned water into wine at the wedding feast there. On this second occasion, the child of a government official of King Herod Antipas is very ill. Hearing that Jesus has come from Judea to Cana, the official travels from his home in Capernaum to find Jesus. Suffering from grief, the man pleads: “Please come before my child dies.”

Jesus replies: 'Go back to your home.' Your son has been healed!' Herod's officer believes and sets out on the long journey home. On the way, he is met by his slaves, who have come hurrying to say that all is well—his son is now well! 'At what time did he get better?' he asks.

'Tomorrow at 1 o'clock in the afternoon,' he replied.-NW.

The official realizes that this is the same moment when Jesus said, 'Your son is healed!' After that, the man and his entire household become disciples of Christ.

Cana thus became a favored place where, marking his return from Judea, Jesus performed miracles twice. Of course, the miracles He performed up to this time are not numerous, but they are significant because they mark His return to Galilee.

Jesus now departs for his home in Nazareth. What will happen to them there? John 4:43-54; Mark 1:14, 15; Luke 4:14, 15.

• When Jesus returns to Galilee, what happens to his disciples, and how do the people accept him?

• What miracle does Jesus perform, and how does it affect the individuals involved?

• How did Cana receive grace through Jesus?

[21] In Jesus' hometown synagogue

There is no doubt that there was a sensation when Jesus returned to his home in Nazareth. When Jesus set out to be baptized by John a year earlier, he was already known as a carpenter. But now he is known far and wide as a miracle worker. The local townspeople are interested to see him performing such miracles among them.

Their anticipation increases when Jesus, as is his custom, visits the local synagogue. During worship, he stands up to read and is given the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He finds the place where Jehovah's Spirit anointed is mentioned, which we find in our Bibles today in chapter 61.

After reading how this man will release prisoners, give sight to the blind, and preach about the acceptable year of the Lord, Jesus gives the booklet to the servant and sits down. All eyes are focused on him curiously. Then, perhaps elaborating, he explains: "Today this writing is finished for you."

Namane

The people are amazed at his “charming words” and they say to one another: “Is this not the son of Joseph?” But sensing that they want to see him perform some miracle, Jesus adds: “ You will definitely say this saying on me, 'O physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard that was done in Capernaum, do it here in your country also.” Apparently, Jesus' former neighbors feel that the work of healing needs to be done in their own town.

four disciples are called

■After a fatal attack on Jesus' life in his hometown of Nazareth, they head to the city of Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee. This fulfills another prophecy of Isaiah. This is the same prophecy which states that the inhabitants of Galilee who live on the seashore will see a great light.

As Jesus carries out the illuminating work of Kingdom preaching here, He seeks out four of His disciples. They had previously traveled with him, but when they returned with Jesus from Judea they had returned to their fishing business. Presumably, Jesus seeks them out now, because this is the time to find steady and regular helpers whom he can train to carry on the ministry after he is gone.

While walking along the seashore, Jesus sees Simon Peter and his companions washing their nets and approaches them. He would have boarded Peter's boat

And asks to move away from the shore. When they go a short distance, Jesus sits in the boat and begins teaching the crowd on the shore.

Next, Jesus says to Peter: "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."

"Master," Peter answers, "we have worked hard all night and caught nothing, yet at your request I will lower the net."

When the net is let down, so many fish are caught that the net starts bursting. Immediately, these fishermen signal their comrades in nearby boats to come and help. Soon both boats become filled with so many fish that they begin to sink. Seeing this, Peter falls at the feet of Jesus and says: "Lord, go away from me, for I am a sinful man."

*Don't be afraid," Jesus answers. "From now on you will lead men back to life." Jesus also invites Peter's brother Andrew: "Come follow me," he exhorts him, "so I will save you men. The same invitation is extended to his fishing partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, and they also come without hesitation. So these four leave their fishing business and Jesus' first four steadfast and become regular followers. Luke 5:1-11; Matthew 4:13-22; Mark 1:16-20, Isaiah 9:1, 2.

■ Why does Jesus tell his disciples to follow him, and who are they?

• Does the miracle scare Peter?

• What kind of fishing does Jesus invite his disciples to do?

[23] More miracles in Capernaum

After Jesus calls his first four disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—they go to the local synagogue in Capernaum on the Sabbath. Jesus begins to preach there, and the people are amazed because he preaches to them as one in authority, not as the scribes.

A man possessed by a vampire is present on this Sabbath. After some time, he cries out in a loud voice: "What have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you, who you are? You are the Holy One of God!"

In reality, the vampire who has control over that person is an angel of Satan. Rebuking the demon, Jesus says: "Shut up, and come out of him." Then the vampire throws the man away and screams loudly. But it comes out without causing any harm to that person. Everyone is very surprised! "What is this?" He says. "He commands even the unclean spirits with authority, and they obey him." The news of this spreads to the surrounding areas.

After leaving the synagogue, Jesus and his disciples go to the home of Simon, or Peter. There Peter's mother-in-law is suffering from high fever. 'Please help him,' they plead. So, Jesus goes over there, takes him by the hand and lifts him up. She is instantly healed and begins preparing food for them!

Later, when the sun has set, people from all over begin to come to Peter's house carrying sick people. Soon the whole town gathers at the gate! And no matter what kind of illness they have, Jesus heals them all. He also heals people afflicted by unclean spirits. When they come out, the driven out unclean spirits shout: “You are the Son of God.” But Jesus rebukes them and does not allow them to say anything because they know that He is the Christ (Mark 1:21-34; Luke 4:31-41; Matthew 8:14-17).

• What happens in the synagogue on the Sabbath after Jesus calls his four disciples?

• Where does Jesus go after leaving the synagogue, and what miracle does he perform there?

• What happens later that evening?

why did jesus come to earth

Jesus had a busy day with his four disciples in Capernaum, spending much of the evening with the people of Capernaum healing all the sick patients brought by them. There was no time to be alone.

Now it is morning of the second day. When it is dark, Jesus gets up and goes out alone. They go to a secluded place so that he can pray to his Father alone. But Jesus' solitude is short-lived because when Peter and the others discover that Jesus is missing, they set out to find him.

Upon finding Jesus, Peter says: "Everyone is looking for you." The inhabitants of Capernaum want Jesus to be with them. what he did for them

They really appreciate him. But did Jesus come to earth primarily to perform miraculous healings? What do they say on this topic?

According to one account in the Bible, Jesus responds to his disciples, "Come, let us go to some of the neighboring towns, so that I may preach there also, for this is why I have come out." Although people urged Jesus to stay with them, He says to them: "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to other cities also, for this is why I was sent."

Yes, Jesus came to earth specifically to preach the Kingdom of God, which would vindicate His Father's name and heal all the ills of mankind forever. However, to prove that He is sent by God, Jesus performs miraculous healings. Similarly, centuries earlier, Moses had performed a miracle to establish his authority as God's servant.

Now, when Jesus goes from Capernaum to preach in other cities, his four disciples go with him. These four are Peter and his brother Andrew, and John and his brother James. You may remember that just a week earlier, these Jesus had invited to be his first companions traveling with him

Jesus' preaching tour of Galilee with his four disciples is successful. In fact, news of his work spreads throughout Syria. A large crowd from Galilee, Judea, and across the Jordan River follows Jesus and his disciples. Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:42, 43; Matthew 4:23-25; Exodus 4:1-9, 30,

• What happens the morning after Jesus' busy day in Capernaum?

• Why was Jesus sent to earth, and what purpose do his miracles serve?

• Who accompanies Jesus on his preaching tour of Galilee, and what is the reaction to Jesus' activities?

compassion for a leper

As Jesus and his four disciples arrive in the cities of Galilee, news of his wonderful deeds spreads throughout the region. The message of his actions reaches a town where a man is suffering from leprosy*. “Filled with leprosy,” is the physician Luke’s description. In its advanced stage, this dangerous disease gradually disfigures various parts of the body. So this leper is in a pitiful condition.

When Jesus reaches the city, the leper comes to him. According to God's law, a leper is required to warn others by saying, "Unclean, unclean," so that others may be protected from the risk of infection. Cody falls on his face and pleads with Jesus: "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

How much faith that man has in Jesus! Yet, how miserable his illness must have made him! What will Jesus do now? What do you do? Out of compassion, Jesus reaches out His hand and touches the man, saying "I will. Be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy is cured.

Would you like such a sensitive person to be your king? The way Jesus dealt with this leper assures us that under His Kingdom rule, the Bible prophecy "He will have compassion on the poor and the needy, and will protect the souls of the needy." Will save." Yes, then Jesus will fulfill his heart's desire to help all suffering people.

Jesus' ministry before healing this leper is causing great excitement among the people. In fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, Jesus now commands the healed man to "See that you tell no one." Then he is informed, "Go, show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses commanded for your purification, as a testimony against them."

But the man is so happy that he cannot keep this miracle to himself. He goes out and spreads this news everywhere, apparently this increases people's interest and curiosity to such an extent that Jesus cannot go into any city openly. Thus, Jesus lives in secluded places where no one else lives, and people come from everywhere to listen to him and be healed of their illnesses. Luke 5:12-16 Mark 1:40-45) Matthew 802-4) or 13:45, 14:10-13: Psalm 72:13 Isaiah 42:1, 2.

• What effect might a code have, and what warning was a code supposed to give?

• How did a man ask Jesus personally and

Due to the reaction of Vishu we residents

• How he was healed

failure to obey and

What is the result?

back home in capernaum

■By now the fame of Jesus has spread widely, and many people go to the remote places where He has stayed. However, after a few days, he returns to Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee. Immediately the news spreads throughout the town that he has returned home, and many people come to the house where he is staying. Pharisees and teachers of the law come even from as far away as Jerusalem.

The crowd is so huge that the door gets blocked, and there is no room for anyone to go inside. Now the atmosphere is ready for a truly amazing event. The event that occurred on this occasion is of great significance, for we can appreciate that Jesus has the power to remove the cause of human suffering and to restore health to all whom He chooses.

While Jesus is teaching the crowd, four men arrive carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They want Jesus to heal their friend, but they can't go in because of the crowd. How disappointing! Still they do not give up. They climb onto the flat roof, make a hole in it, and lower the paralyzed man along with his cot, very close to Jesus.

Is Jesus angry because of this interference? no way! Instead, he is deeply moved by their faith. He says to the paralyzed person: "Your sins are forgiven." But can Jesus actually forgive sins? The scribes and Pharisees do not think so. They reason in their hearts: “Why does this man say this? He blasphemes God. Who can forgive sins except God?”

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus says to them: "Why are you thinking this in your heart? What is easier? To say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take up your bed. Do it and let's go then'?" -N.W.

Then, Jesus allows the crowd, including his critics, to see an extraordinary display that reveals that he has the power to forgive sins on earth.

And indeed he is the greatest man who ever lived. He turns to the paralytic and commands: "Get up, pick up your cot and go home." And he immediately does so, picks up his cot and walks away in front of them all! Amazed, the people glorify God and exclaim: “We have never seen anything like this.”

Did you notice that Jesus mentions sin in relation to sickness and the forgiveness of sins in relation to gaining physical health? The Bible makes clear that our first father, Adam, sinned and that we have all inherited the consequences of that sin, namely, disease and death. But under God's kingdom rule, Jesus will forgive the sins of all who love and serve God, and then all sickness will be cured. How wonderful that would be! Romans 5:12, 17-19. Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26; Matthew 9:1-8;

• What was the atmosphere like for a truly amazing event?

• How did the paralytic reach Jesus?

• Why are we all sinners, but how did Jesus provide hope that forgiveness of our sins and perfect healing are possible?

Matthew's call

Shortly after healing the sick man, Jesus travels from Capernaum to the Sea of Galilee. Then crowds of people come to him, and he starts teaching them. As he walks ahead, he sees Matthew, who was called Nevi, sitting at the tax booth. Jesus invites you to follow him."

Presumably, Matthew was already familiar with Jesus' teachings, as were Peter, Andrew, James, and John when called. And like them, Money immediately responds to that invitation. He gets up, leaves behind his responsibilities as a tax collector, and follows Jesus.

Later, perhaps to celebrate receiving his calling, Matthew holds a large banquet in his home. In addition to Jesus and his disciples, Matthew's former companions are also present. These men are generally despised by their fellow Jews because they collect taxes for the hated Roman officials. Moreover, they often dishonestly extort more money from people than the regular toll rate.

Seeing Jesus at a banquet with such people, the Pharisees ask His disciples why does your Master eat with tax collectors and sinners? Suddenly hearing their question, Jesus answers the Pharisees "The healthy need not a physician, but the sick. So you go and learn the meaning of this, that I

I don't want sacrifice, but want mercy. For I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Apparently, Matthew has invited these tax collectors to his home so that they can listen to Jesus' words and receive spiritual healing. In order for them to have a healthy relationship with God, Jesus helps them by fellowshipping with them. Jesus does not despise such people, as the self-righteous Pharisees do. Instead, moved by compassion, he actually acts as a spiritual physician to them.

Thus, Jesus' showing mercy toward sinners is not ignoring their sins but an expression of the same tender feelings He shows toward the physically ill. Remember, for example, when he sensitively reached out his hand and touched a leper, saying: “I want you to be cleansed.” Let us also show compassion by helping those in need, especially helping them spiritually. Matthew 8:3; 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-32.

•Where is Matthew when Jesus sees him?

•What is C's occupation, and why are such individuals despised by other Jews?

• What complaint is made against Jesus, and how does he respond?

• Why does Jesus fellowship with sinners?

Questions were raised about fasting.

Yi Shu S.Y. Almost a year has passed since we attended the Passover of Year 30. By now, John the Baptist has been imprisoned for several months. Although he wanted his disciples to become followers of Christ, not all did.

Now some of John's imprisoned disciples come to Jesus and ask: "Why do we and the Pharisees fast so much, but your disciples do not fast?" The Pharisees, according to the tradition of their religion,

Fasts several times. And the sons of Purutra probably follow the same path. It could also be that they are fasting in mourning of Purutra's imprisonment and wonder why Piju does not join them in this manifestation.

Jesus explains in response. “Can the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the day will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and at that time they will fast.”

John's disciples should remember that Euhra himself referred to Vauzu as the bridegroom. So the elder does not think it appropriate to fast while Jesus is present, and neither do Jesus' disciples think it appropriate. Later, when Jesus dies, his disciples mourn and fast. But when he is resurrected and ascends to heaven, they are no longer grieved and have no reason to fast.

Then, Jesus gives this illustration: “No one puts a patch on an old garment, because the patch pulls more from the garment, and it becomes more torn. And new wine is not put into old wineskins, because By doing this the wineskins burst, and the wine flows out and the wineskins are ruined. But the new wine dies in the new wineskins and both remain." (NW) What do these parables have to do with fasting?

Jesus was helping John's disciples to appreciate that no one should expect his followers to conform to older practices of Judaism, such as ritual fasting. He did not come to make rough repairs and extend them on worn-out methods of worship that were ready to be discarded. Christianity is not made to conform to the human traditions of Judaism of that time. No, it is not like a new patch on an old garment or new wine in an old wineskin. Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39; Euhra 3:27-29

• Who fasts, and for what purpose?

• Why don't Jesus' disciples fast when he is with them, and how to fast afterward?

Will the cause end soon?

• What parables does Jesus tell, and what is their meaning?

doing good works on the sabbath

Home B.C. It is the spring of the year 31. A few months had passed since Jesus had talked to a woman at a well in Samaria on his way from Judea to Galilee.

Now, after preaching widely throughout Galilee, Jesus then departs for Judea, where he preaches in the synagogues. In comparison to the attention given to Jesus' Galilean ministry, the Bible provides very little information about this visitation and His ministry during the months following the previous Passover. obviously

His ministry here in Judea did not receive the same favorable response as it had in Galilee.

Soon Jesus A.D. Going to Jerusalem, the chief city of Judea, for the Passover of the year 31. Here, near the sheep gate of the city, there is a pool named Bethesda, where many sick, blind and lame people come. They believe that when the water of the pond is stirred, those who step into the water are healed.

It is the Sabbath, and Jesus sees a man at the pool who has been sick for 38 years. Aware of the long duration of the man's illness, Jesus asks: "Do you want to get well?"

He answers Jesus: "Lord, I have no man to lower me into the pool when the water is stirred; but as soon as I reach, someone else goes down before me."-NW.

Jesus says to him: "Get up, take up your bed and walk." On this the man immediately gets healed physically, picks up his cot and starts walking!

But when the Jews see the man, they say, "Today is the Sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry the cot."

The man answers them: "He who made me well said to me, 'Take up your bed and walk.'" -NW.

"Who is that man who said to you, 'Take up your bed and walk?' They ask. Jesus moved aside because of the crowd, and he

The man who was healed did not know the name of Jesus. However, in , Jesus and the man meet in the temple, and the man learns who it is who healed him.

So the healed man seeks out the Jews to tell them that Jesus has healed him. Upon learning of this the Jews go to Jesus. Because of that? It is not known through whom He does these wonderful works. But find fault in him because he is doing these good deeds without any reason for being a saint. And they also start harassing him.

Luke 4:44; Euhtra 5:1-0

• How much time has passed since Jesus' last visit to Judea?

• Why is the pond called Bethasada so popular?

• What miracle does Jesus perform at the manger, and what is the response of the Jews?

30) Answering your accusers

When Jewish religious leaders accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath, he replies: "My Father is still working." Yes, and I also work

Despite the claims of the Christians, Jesus' work was not of the kind prohibited by the Sabbath law. His work of preaching and healing is an assignment given by God, and following God's example, he does it every day. However, his answer makes the Jews even more angry than before, and they want to kill him. why?

Because they now not only believe that Jesus broke the Sabbath but also consider His claim to be the personal Son of God to be blasphemous. However, Gangu is unafraid and further answers them about his accepted relationship with God: "The Father loves the Son," he says, "and shows Him all that He does."

“For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life,” Jesus continues, “so the Son also gives life to whomever He wishes.” Certainly, the Son is raising the dead spiritually! “Whoever hears my word and believes in him who sent me,” says Jesus, “has passed from death to life.” (NW) Yes, he continues: "The hour is coming, and now is, in which the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live." -N.W.

Although there is no record of Jesus literally raising anyone from the dead, he tells his accusers that such a literal resurrection of the dead will occur. “Do not be surprised at this,” he says, “for the hour is coming when all the monuments that are in the graves will hear his voice and come out.” N.W.

Until now, Jesus has not clearly and clearly described His important role in God's purpose for all to see. But

The BK mongers have more to say about these things than their testimony. You asked Juhtra, Jesus reminds them. And he has testified to the truth.

Just two years earlier, the Baptist had told these Jewish religious leaders about the One who would come after him. Recalling his once deep respect for the now-imprisoned John, Jesus says: “You were allowed to enjoy his light for a while.” (NW) Jesus reminds them of this by hoping to help them, yes, to save them. But he does not rely on John's testimony.

"The works that I do, [including the miracles that I have just done] bear witness to me, that the Father has sent me." But in addition, Jesus adds: “The Father who sent me has testified about me.” For example, the Father testified about Jesus at His baptism, saying: "This is my beloved Son."

Indeed, Jesus' accusers have no excuse for denying him. The very scriptures which they claim to investigate bear testimony to. “If you had believed Moses, you would have believed me,” Jesus concludes, “because he has written about me. But if you do not believe what he has written, how can you believe my words? Will do."-NW.

• Why is Jesus' work not a Sabbath violation?

John 5:17-47; 1:19-27; Matthew 3:17

• How does Jesus describe his important role in God's purpose?

• What testimony does Jesus point to in proving that He is the Son of God?

plucking hair on the sabbath

Soon Jesus and his disciples leave Jerusalem and return to Galilee. It is spring, and the ears of grain are ready in the fields. The disciples are hungry. So they pluck the ears and eat them. But since it is the Sabbath, their work does not go unnoticed.

The religious leaders of Jerusalem recently sought to kill Jesus because of alleged Sabbath violations. Now the Pharisees accuse. Behold, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath; they are accusing.

The Pharisees claim that plucking hair and rubbing food with hands is reaping and threshing. His firm explanation of the meaning of work led to the observance of the Sabbath.

The day has been made burdensome when it was supposed to be a time of happiness and spiritual progress. So Jesus responds with Scriptural examples showing that Jehovah God never intended for an unduly strict application of His Sabbath law.

Jesus says that when David and his companions were hungry, they ate the loaves of bread presented at the tabernacle. These loaves had already been removed from before Jehovah and replaced with fresh loaves, and they were normally set out for the priests to eat. However, under such circumstances, David and his companions were not held guilty for eating it.

Giving another example, Jesus says, "Have you not read in the law that the priests are guilty of breaking the Sabbath in the temple on the Sabbath?" Yes, even on the Sabbath the priests prepare for animal sacrifices.

They kill and also do other things in the temple! "But I tell you." Jesus says, "Here is one that is greater than the temple."

Rebuking the Pharisees, Jesus adds: "If you knew what this meant, I delight in mercy and not in sacrifice, you would not condemn the innocent." Finally he says: "The Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath." What does Jesus mean? Jesus is referring to His thousand years of peaceful kingdom rule.

For 6,000 years, mankind has been suffering painful slavery under Satan the Devil, in which violence and war are common. On the other hand, the great Sabbath reign of Jesus will be a time of deliverance from all such suffering and oppression. Matthew 12:1-8; Leviticus 24:5-9; 1 Samuel 21:1-6; Numbers 28:9; Hosea 606.

• What accusation is made against Jesus' disciples, and how does Jesus respond?

• What shortcomings does Jesus identify with the Pharisees?

• How is Jesus “Lord of the Sabbath?”

What is appropriate on the Sabbath?

On another Sabbath Jesus goes to a synagogue near the Sea of Galilee. There is a man present there whose right hand is withered. The scribes and Pharisees are watching carefully to see whether Jesus will heal him or not. Finally he asks: “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?

Bahá'í religious leaders believe that healing on the Sabbath is appropriate only if life is in danger. For example, they teach that setting a bone or bandaging a sprain is also inappropriate on the Sabbath. So the scribes and Karimi question Jesus in an attempt to accuse Him.

But Jesus knows their reasoning. At the same time, he understands that they have taken a sharp, unscriptural view of what is involved in violating the Sabbath requirement of the prohibition to work. Jesus thus sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation by saying this to the man with dry wounds. Stand in the middle.”

Now, turning to the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus says: "Who among you has one sheep and falls into a pit on the Sabbath, and does not take hold of it and pull it out?" Since a sheep represents economic cost, they will not allow it to remain in the fold until the next day, as doing so could cause it to become ill and cause losses. Furthermore, the Holy Scriptures say. “The righteous man also takes care of the life of his animals.”

Giving a parallel example, Jesus says: "Mala, how much more precious is man than sheep! Therefore it is right to do good on the Sabbath." Unable to refute such rational, compassionate reasoning, religious leaders remain silent.

Saddened and at the same time angry at their stubborn foolishness, Jesus looks around. Then he says to that man, "Extend your hand." And he stretches out and his hand is healed.

Instead of being happy when the man's hand is healed, the Pharisees go out and immediately conspire with Herod's followers to kill Jesus. Apparently members of the religious Sadducees are also included in this political party. Normally, this political party and the Pharisees are openly opposed to each other, but they are strongly united in opposing Jesus. 12:10; Exodus 20:8-10. Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11; proverbs

• What is the setting of the dramatic confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders?

• What do these Jewish religious leaders believe regarding healing on the Sabbath?

• What illustration does Jesus use to refute their mistaken views?

[33] Fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy

When Jesus learns that the Pharisees and followers of Herod's party are planning to kill him, he and his disciples set out for the Sea of Galilee. Here a large crowd comes to him from Palestine and beyond its borders. He heals many, with the result that many suffering from painful diseases fall upon him to touch him.

Since the number of the crowd is very large, Jesus tells his disciples to have a boat ready at his service. Being away from the coast, he can protect himself from crowd pressure. He can teach them by boat or go out to other areas of the coast to help the people there.

The disciple Matthew notes that Jesus' work fulfills "what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah." Matthew then quotes the prophecy that Jesus fulfills:

“Look, this is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, in whom my heart is well pleased! I will put my Spirit on him, and he will judge the Gentiles.

Will give news. He will move forward, and will not roam around, and no one will hear his voice in the markets. He will not break the bruised reed, nor extinguish the blossoming ear, until he makes justice prevail. And the Gentiles will hope in his name.”-NW.

Of course, Jesus is the beloved servant whom God approves of. And Jesus makes clear what true justice is, which has been obscured by false religious traditions. Because they are misappropriating God's law, the Pharisees will not even come to the aid of a sick person on the Sabbath. By articulating God's justice, Jesus relieves people of the burden of unfair traditions, and for this, the religious leaders want to kill him.

What does it mean that 'he will neither quarrel nor create noise so that his voice can be heard in the markets?' When Jesus heals people, he 'strongly warns people not to reveal him.' He does not want there to be noisy advertising about Him on the streets or for people to spread false information about Him out of excitement.

At the same time, Jesus brings his comforting message to those who are symbolically like bruised reeds, bowed down and tripping underfoot. They are like a smoldering wick whose last spark of life is about to be extinguished. Jesus neither crushes the reeds nor extinguishes the flickering, smoking wick. But with tenderness and love, He skillfully lifts up the humble. Indeed, Jesus is the man upon whom the nations can place their hope. Matthew 12:15-21; Mark 3:7-12; Yajnavah 42:1-4.

• How does Jesus make justice clear without fighting, without creating noise in the markets?

• Who are like the bruised reed and the wick, and how does Jesus treat them?

choosing your apostles

B A year and a half has passed since John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the Lamb of God and Jesus began His general ministry. At that time, Andrew, Simon Peter, John, and probably James (brother of Johtra), as well as Philip and Nathanael (also called Bartholomew) had become his first disciples. As time passed, many people started becoming followers of Christ through their association.

Now Jesus is ready to choose his apostles. These will be his closest associates who will be given special training. But before choosing them, Jesus goes to a mountain and spends the whole night in prayer, presumably asking God for wisdom and blessings. When morning comes, he calls his disciples

and selects 12 of them. However, because they belong to Jesus, they are still called disciples.

The six apostles chosen by Jesus, whose names are given above, became his disciples. Matthew, who is called by Jesus from his toll booth. The other chosen five apostles are Judas (also known as Thaddeus) Iscariot, Simon the Canaanite, Thomas, and James, son of Alphaeus. He is also called James the Less, perhaps because he is shorter than the other James, either in physical height or Is younger in age.

By now these 12 apostles have spent some time with Jesus, and know them well. In fact, some of them are his own relatives. James and his brother John are apparently cousins of Jesus. And it is possible that Alphaeus was the brother of Joseph, Jesus' adoptive father. So the apostle James, son of Alphaeus, was a cousin of Jesus.

Of course, Jesus had no difficulty remembering the names of his apostles. But can you remember them? Well, just remember that there are two apostles named Simon, two named James, and two named Judas, and Simon's brother is Andrew, and James's brother is John. This is the key to remembering the eight apostles. The second four include the tax collector (Matthew), the hawk who later doubted (Thomas), the one who called from under the tree (Nathaniel).

and his friend Philip.

The eleven apostles are from Galilee, Jesus' home region. Nathanael is from Cana.

Philip, Peter, and Andrew are originally from Bethsaida, with Peter and Antipates later moving to Capernaum, where Matthew apparently lived. Paul and John were in the fishing business and probably lived in or near Capernaum. It appears that Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus, is the only apostle from Judea. 12-16. Mark 3:13-19,

• Which of the apostles might have been relatives of Jesus?

• Who are the apostles of Jesus? How else can you remember their names?

• From what areas did the apostles come?

The most famous sermon ever preached

This is one of the most memorable scenes in Bible history, with Jesus sitting on a mountainside, giving his famous Sermon on the Mount. This site is near the Sea of Galilee, possibly near Capernaum. After spending the whole night in prayer, Jesus has just chosen 12 of his disciples to be apostles. Then, with all of them, they come down to this flat spot on the mountain.

By now, you would think that Jesus would be very tired and want to sleep. But a great crowd has come, many of whom have come from Judea and Jerusalem, some 96 to 112 kilometers away. Others have come from the sea coast of Tire and Sidon located in the north. They have come to hear Jesus' words and be healed of their illnesses. There are also people who are afflicted by demons, the evil messengers of Satan.

As Bishu comes down, sick people come near to touch him, and he heals them all. After this, Jesus apparently ascends to a high place on the mountain. There he sits and starts teaching the crowd spread out on the flat ground in front of him. And just think. Now there is not a single person in the audience who is suffering from a serious illness.

People are eager to hear the words of the teacher who can perform these miracles. However, Jesus preaches primarily for the benefit of his disciples, who are presumably gathered around him. So that we too may benefit from it, both Matthew and Luke recorded it.

Matthew's account of this sermon is nearly four times longer than Luke's. Additionally, Luke presents some of the parts recorded by Matthew as

• is as it was said by Jesus at other times during His ministry, which we can see by comparing Matthew 6.9-13, Dos 11:1-4, and Matthew 6:25-34, Luke 1222-31 can see. Yet this should not be surprising. Jesus apparently taught the same things more than once, and Luke wanted to record some of these teachings in a different background.

Vishu's teachings are so valuable not only because of the spiritual contents.

depth but also the simplicity and clarity with which they present these truths.

We do. They refer to ordinary experiences and put those things into use.

bring people familiar with it, thus making their ideas available to everyone

which makes it easier to assimilate and lead a better life in the path of God.

Let's search.

Who is truly happy?

Everyone wants to be happy. Recognizing this, Jesus literally begins his Sermon on the Mount by describing hoofed people. As we can imagine, this immediately caught the attention of her huge audience. And yet many find his opening words contradictory.

Jesus begins by directing his comments to his disciples. “Happy are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Happy are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Happy are you who cry now, because you will laugh. When you are happy. , People will hate you… Be happy and jump for joy on that day, because, behold, your reward is great in heaven.”-NW.

This is Luke's account of the introduction to Jesus' sermon. But according to Matthew's record, Jesus says that the humble, kind, pure of heart, and peace-loving people are also happy. Jesus notes that these are happy, because they will inherit the earth, they will receive mercy, they will see God, and they will be called sons of God.

However, by being happy Jesus does not just mean being jovial or joyful, as when someone makes a joke. True happiness is deep, which is life

Shows the ideas of satisfaction, fulfillment and completion.

Therefore, Jesus shows that those who are truly happy are those who know their spiritual needs, are saddened by their sinful condition, and know and serve God. Then, even if they are hated or persecuted for doing God's will, they are still happy because they know that they are pleasing God and will be rewarded with eternal life.

However, like some people today, many of Jesus' listeners believe that being rich and enjoying luxuries is what makes a person happy. Jesus knows differently. In a distinction that will surely surprise his listeners, he says:

“Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your satisfaction. Woe to you who are now full, for you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you! But when all men speak well of you, for their fathers did the same to the false prophets."-NW.

What does Jesus mean by this? Why does being rich, laughingly pursuing pleasures, and being happy with the praise of men bring disaster? This happens because when a person has these things and holds them dear, service to God, which alone brings true happiness, is set aside from his life. At the same time, Jesus did not mean to say that merely being poor, hungry, and sorrowful makes a person happy. However, often such disadvantaged people can respond to the teachings of Jesus, and thus are blessed with true happiness.

Next, addressing his disciples, Jesus says. "You are the salt of the earth." Of course, they don't mean that they are literally salt.

Instead, salt is a preservative. A large pile of it was kept near the altar in Jehovah's temple, and the priests performing ceremonies there used it to salt the offerings.

Jesus' disciples are "salt of the earth" in the sense that they have a preserving influence on people. Surely, the message they convey will save the lives of all who respond accordingly! This will bring qualities of stability, loyalty, and faithfulness into the lives of such individuals, which will protect them from any kind of spiritual and moral decay.

“You are the light of the world,” Jesus tells his disciples. A lamp is not placed under a basket but on a lampstand, so Jesus would say. Is: "In the same way let your light shine before men." Jesus' disciples do this through their public witness, as well as by serving as a shining example of their conduct in harmony with Bible principles.

A higher standard for your followers

Religious leaders consider Jesus to be a violator of God's law and have recently conspired to kill him. So as Jesus continues in his Sermon on the Mount, he explains: "Do not think that I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to destroy, but to fulfill."

Jesus has deep respect for God's law and encourages others to do the same. In fact, He says: “Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others so, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven,” that is, such a person is not God.

Will not enter the kingdom in any way.

Far from disrespecting God's law, Jesus condemns attitudes that lead a person to break it. After noting that the Law says: "You shall not murder," Jesus adds "Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment." -NW.

Since being perpetually angry with one's partner is a very serious matter, perhaps even leading to murder, Jesus describes the lengths to which a person must go to find peace. He commands: “Therefore, if you bring your [sacrificial gift] to the altar, and there you remember that my brother has something against you, then leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go and offer it to your brother first. Make peace with him, and then come and present yourself."-NW.

Focusing on the seventh of the Ten Commandments, Jesus adds: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' However, Jesus also condemns the continued trend towards adultery. "I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."-NW.

Here Jesus is speaking not just about a momentary immoral thought, but about 'keeping on watching'.

Seeing this continuously arouses erotic lust.

Which, if given a chance, can reach the height of adultery. How can a person prevent this from happening? Jesus makes clear the drastic action that may be necessary, saying: “If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it from you… And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and take it to yourself. Throw it from close."

Often people are willing to sacrifice an actual body part to save their life. But according to Jesus, to avoid immoral thoughts and actions, it is more important to 'throw away' anything, even something as precious as an eye or a hand. Otherwise, Jesus explains, such people will be thrown into Gehenna (the burning garbage dump near Jerusalem), which portends eternal destruction.

Jesus also discusses how to deal with those who hurt and offend. “Don't face the bad,” is his advice. “But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Jesus does not mean to say that a person should not defend himself or his family if attacked. Slap

Not to physically hurt, but to disrespect. Therefore, Jesus is saying here that if someone tries to instigate a fight or argument by literally slapping the hand or by hurting with inappropriate insulting words, it would be wrong to retaliate.

After drawing attention to God's law of loving one another, Jesus explains: "But, I say to you. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Giving a solid reason for doing so, he adds: “By this you will be the children of your Father who is in heaven, for he makes his sun rise on both the good and the evil.”

Jesus concludes this portion of his sermon by reporting: "You must therefore be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." Jesus does not mean that people can be completely perfect. Rather, through imitating God, they can extend love to include even their enemies. A similar account in Luke records Jesus' words: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

Prayer, and trust in God

As Jesus continues his sermon, he condemns the hypocrisy of those who profess their so-called godliness. “When you give alms,” they say, “do not sound the trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do.

Vishu continues, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners, so that they can be seen.” Rather, they

Commands: "When you pray, go into your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret." Jesus himself prayed common prayers, so he is not condemning them. He is condemning prayers that are meant to impress the audience and receive their effusive praise.

Jesus further advises: "When you pray, do not repeat the same things over and over again, as the Gentiles do." (NW) Jesus does not mean that repetition in itself is wrong. Once he repeated "the same thing" in prayer. But he dislikes saying those memorized sentences "over and over again," as do those who repeat their prayers by heart with a rosary in their hand.

To help his listeners pray, Jesus teaches a model prayer that contains seven petitions. The first three properly recognize God's sovereignty and His purposes. They are petitions to sanctify God's name, for His kingdom to come, and for His will to be accomplished. The remaining four are personal prayers, namely, daily food, forgiveness of sins, not being tempted more than one can bear, and avoiding the wicked.

Next, Jesus addresses the trap of placing undue emphasis on material possessions. He emphasizes: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." Such riches are not only perishable but also earn no standing with God.

Therefore, Jesus says: "But, heaven for yourself

This is done by giving God's ministry the first place in one's life. No one can take away the quality or the wonderful reward of what is stored up with God. Then Jesus continues: "Wherever your treasure Your heart will also remain there."-NW.

Further addressing the trap of materialism, Jesus gives a parable: "The lamp of the body is the eye; therefore if your eye is single, your whole body will be light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be dark. " (NW) An eye that works properly is like a lamp to the body in a dark place. But to see properly, the eyes must be clear, that is, they must be focused on one thing. An eye that is out-of-focus can lead to a misjudgment, so much so that material things are placed ahead of God's ministry, resulting in "the whole body" being darkened.

Jesus brings this theme to a climax with a powerful parable: “No man can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. Cannot serve both.”-NW.

After giving this advice, Jesus assures his listeners that if they put serving God first they need not be concerned about their material needs. “Look at the birds of the air,” he says, “they neither sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns;

Your heavenly Father feeds them." Then he asks: "Why don't you value them more?"

Then, Jesus points to the wild lilies of the field and observes: "Not even Solomon, in all his glory, was clothed with armor like one of these." He continues, "If therefore God so clothes the grass of the field, how much more will He not also clothe you, you of little faith? So Jesus concludes: "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'We What will you eat,' or 'What will you drink,' or 'What will you wear?'... Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Therefore seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." -NW.

path to life

Following the teachings of Jesus is the way to life. But doing this is not easy. For example, the Pharisees judge others harshly, and probably many follow them. So as Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount he warns them: "Judge not, lest you be judged; for as you judge, you will be judged." -NW.

It is dangerous to follow the lead of the overly critical Pharisees. According to Luke's account, Jesus illustrates this danger by saying: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will not both of them fall into a pit?"

Being overly critical of others, exaggerating their faults, and hurting them is a serious crime. So Jesus asks: "How can you say to your brother, 'Come, let me take the speck out of your eye,' if there is a plank in your own eye?" O hypocrite, first remove the plank from your own eye, then you will be able to see clearly and remove the speck from your brother's eye."

This does not mean that Jesus' disciples are not to use their discretion in relation to other people, for he says: "Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not cast your pearls before swine." of God's word

Truths are sacred. They are like metaphorical pearls. But if some individuals, like dogs or pigs, do not show appreciation for these precious truths, then Jesus' disciples must leave such people and seek those who are more receptive.

Although Jesus has already discussed prayer in his Sermon on the Mount, he now emphasizes the need to persevere in it. “Keep on asking,” he exhorts, “and it will be given to you.” (NW) Illustrating God's readiness to answer prayers, Jesus asks: “What man of you is there that if his Son If he asks God for bread, will he give him a stone?… If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?”

Next, Jesus gives a famous rule of conduct, commonly called the Golden Rule. He says: "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do even so to them." Living according to this rule involves the positive act of doing good to others.

That the path to life is difficult is evident from Jesus' instruction: "Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and wide

The path that leads to destruction; And many others are there who take entry from there. Because narrow is the gate and narrow is the path that leads to life and few are those who find it.

The danger of falling into confusion is great, which is why Jesus warns. Beware of the prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Jesus notes that just as good trees and bad trees can be distinguished by their fruit, so false prophets Can be identified through behavior and teachings.

Next, Jesus explains that a person becomes His disciple not just by what he says, but by what he does. Some people claim that Jesus is their Lord, but if they do not do the will of His Father, He says: “I will declare to them that I never knew you, you people who practice lawlessness, depart from me. Go."

Finally, Jesus gives a memorable conclusion to his sermon. He says: "Whoever hears these words of mine and does them will be likened to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, but not Fell because its foundation was laid on rock." -N.W.

On the other hand, Jesus declares: "Whoever hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. And the rain came, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and The house was hit and fell into ruins."-NW.

When Jesus finishes his sermon, the crowd is amazed at the way he teaches, for he teaches as one in authority, not as religious leaders. Luke 6:12-23; Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:24-26; Matthew 5:13-48; 6:1-34; 26:36-45; 7:1-29; Luke 6:27-49.

• Where is Jesus when he gives his most memorable sermon, who is present, and the sermon

What happened just before giving? • Why is it not surprising that Luke recorded some of the teachings of the sermon in another environment??

• What makes Jesus' preaching so valuable?

• Who is truly happy, and why?

• Who suffers disaster, and why?

• How are Jesus' disciples “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”?

• How does Jesus show high respect for God's law?

• What does Jesus teach about rooting out the causes of murder and adultery?

• What does Jesus mean when he speaks of turning the other cheek?

• How can we be perfect as God is perfect?

• What prayer-related commands did Jesus give?

• Why are heavenly treasures superior, and how are they obtained?

• What illustrations are given to help one avoid materialism?

• Why did Jesus say there was no need to worry?

• What does Jesus say about judging others, yet how does He show that His disciples need to exercise discretion toward people?

• What does Jesus say next regarding prayer, and what rule of conduct does he give?

, • How does Jesus show that the path of life will not be easy and that there is danger of falling into confusion?

• How does Jesus conclude his sermon, and what effect does it have?

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