"I give you peace.."Jesus used the word "peace"; at some points in a confronting way. Today we celebrate the condition of "peace" in various ways.
Sunday 22 December 2019
Monday 16 December 2019
Friday 13 December 2019
Compassion
Nearby there is a new art installation which is proving controversial...
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| Our local Mayor said our City gave support to the artwork expressing compassion |
News, Good, THE
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| Yes, window local $2 shop - December 2019 - does it convey something? |
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| Fairly typical I think, even if creator misunderstands |
Jesus, the unknown messenger, went about telling his own people (his co-religionists) they needed to have a change of mind; to whole-heartedly heed what their Law and Prophets told them of God; to truly understand God and accept his message and to trust God's mercy. The opportunity was there to become children of God. Time for a new start; time for hope.
Not so long after that Jesus shocked some people by saying: For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me (John 6:38, CSV). Just who exactly did he think he was? Their incredulity could turn into rejection.
Way back on the day of Jesus' birth there had been a good news announcement to a small group of workers or small-holders, insignificant shepherds: And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”[d] Luke 2:8-14, ESV). God intended that people would be able to experience and know his goodwill. A life-changing unremarked happening in the "back-blocks" of Roman Judaea and, at that early stage, probably few heard the good news of great joy. Luke evidently researched the Jesus' birth events; perhaps Mary was his source. (And - there would be no way to collect authentic artefacts from the moment for later treasuring! That would divert from the point.)
Years later Paul summarised the heart of the event: But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[b] Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[c] Father.” (Galatians 4:4-6, NIV). The time was right; the consequences were eternal. In the same letter he made it very clear indeed that being adopted into God's family is open to all, not only those labouring under the iron rule of God's Law.
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| Japan 2019 - Aussie with fried chicken advertising mannekin |
Actually, God demonstrated his love and made mercy readily accessible to all: When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God (Romans 5:6-11, NLT). Paul, the Apostle, is very blunt there. God made it crystal clear in the Son.
Is it therein lies the significance which has ensured the prominence amongst us of the "Season"? So some like to say, or fondly imagine. (I am sceptical of that wishful thinking.)
The ancient testimony of John has Jesus' own explanation of the "why":
Then Jesus cried aloud: “Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, (John 12:44-48, NRSV). There is indeed a day coming, but Jesus came not to judge; to save from judgement.
Who? When we call him Saviour we call him by his name. He came that first time to connect persons in living relationship to God, to open our blind eyes and to save, to divert from our due consequence. Something to celebrate! More important - a timeless reality to accept, take in and trust.
Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
Scripture quotations marked (CSB) are from the Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission.
All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Note: I retain in the publishers' text where they occur the references to footnotes, but usually not the notes. You can check footnotes out by viewing the text on-line. Often they are replicated in different translations.
Bible passages accessed via BibleGateway.com
Images: self & personal correspondence
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission.
All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Note: I retain in the publishers' text where they occur the references to footnotes, but usually not the notes. You can check footnotes out by viewing the text on-line. Often they are replicated in different translations.
Bible passages accessed via BibleGateway.com
Images: self & personal correspondence
Sunday 21 April 2019
Messiah Lord
Friday 19 April 2019
Sunday 31 March 2019
Messiah Crucified
Following is a partial compilation of Jesus’ and the cross. This is a glimpse of how the Gospel writers reported the reality of his death.
Wednesday 20 March 2019
Died
Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died (Mark 15:44, NIV).
The above excepted, as far as the word “die” (died; dead) goes, our narrative sources, the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), do not say that Christ (Jesus) died. (Pilate said it; we do find the expression, "Christ died", in other parts of the New Testament [NT].)
What is the significance of the fact that the Gospel writers do not use the word of Jesus? They have the word, sure enough. Jesus used it. It is found in 45 other places in the text of the Gospels, mostly in John.
All four of the narratives do describe the end of life for Jesus of Nazareth. Here are the NIV translations:
he gave up his spirit (Matthew 27:50).
he bowed his head and gave up his spirit (John 19:30).
Jesus breathed his last (Mark 15:37).
he breathed his last (Luke 23:46).
The four have a lot more to say. They have different emphases and retain different detail. Their language is nevertheless sparing. The accounts do not dwell on the means but give the facts for all to see.
A final breath graphically conveys what they saw. Giving up his spirit says the same and something different. The expression echoes the kind of thing Jesus had been saying.
As the climax of the earthly life of Jesus was near there had been some very plain talking. There were groups showing a querulous or threatening atmosphere in Jerusalem. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” (John 12:32-34, ESV). They knew Jesus was talking about dying, and about dying on a Roman cross at that. They also knew, as must have been commonplace, that their nation would have a Christ (Messiah) who would not die (see for example, Ezekiel 37:25). Here was their proof then - no need to take Jesus seriously! He could not be their Christ.
Earlier on we find that kind of outlook amongst the close followers, the ones we call disciples and Apostles. On a momentous day Peter uttered the great words which must have thrilled them all, till Jesus threw them into confusion. Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah[a] sent from God!”
Jesus warned his disciples not to tell anyone who he was. “The Son of Man[b] must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead” (Luke 9:20-22, NLT). That was not what they expected, not at all! He spoke openly about this. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning around and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking about God’s concerns[a] but human concerns” (Mark 8:32-33, CSB). Now the contradictions were all too clear. The threat increased. (It would take a resurrection and its aftermath to resolve their struggle.)
Jesus was under no illusions about what awaited him in Jerusalem that last time. But I am going on my way today and tomorrow and the next day. After all, Jerusalem is the place where prophets are killed. Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Your people have killed the prophets and have stoned the messengers who were sent to you. I have often wanted to gather your people, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you wouldn’t let me. Now your temple will be deserted. You won’t see me again until the time when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord” (Luke 13:33-35, CEV). What might have been was not. Did they see him again? Some did.
The followers had grasped the fatal threat posed by Jerusalem, even if their understanding was far from complete
Thomas, who was called the Twin,[a] said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:16, NRSV) His followers did go and heard portentous words: The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Mark 14:21-22, NIV). His "body"! So much to take in during the meal they would never forget. In that setting, Jesus tried to damp down the overconfidence Peter vocalised: Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same (Mark 14:30-31, NRSV). They were unanimous in their allegiance which was stronger than death; they would be unanimous in their flight. It would be just a little longer before they knew that his body was in fact given for them; for all who believe.
Jesus had said it, plainly enough it seems to me (with the advantage of the NT).
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father” (John 10:14-18, CSB). Not even Roman power could take his life without divine assent. He was putting down his life. He gave his life on behalf of his sheep. No rescue from Rome. A different kind of rescue this. It was not a simple self-sacrifice, for he was able to take up his life. In what he did he would in fact make his love unmistakable: The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them (John 15:13, CEV).
Jesus, the Servant of the Lord, would give his life a ransom: For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, ESV) In that era it would be no surprise that a servant’s life should be given for the benefit of the served. That would be true, even if the servant was handed over as a ransom (not that a servant would count for much). In the NT “ransom” is used only here and in the parallel in Matthew; the word is used in the LXX for a substitutionary payment.) Jesus was not recorded as explaining the ransom being handed over.
Like a grain seed sown in the earth, he would give up his life but rise again: Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life (John 12:23-25, NRSV). The chapter has more in similar vein.
Jesus had prepared his followers for an immeasurably different situation: But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate[a] won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you (John 16:7, NLT). No doubt they could not yet imagine any advantage in not having their Teacher and Lord right in their gaze.
In passages such as the following, other NT writers repeat that “Christ Died”: Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful (Paul, Romans 5:6, CEV). Although the word "died" is not used in the Gospels of Jesus, except by Pilate, everyone agrees that Jesus did really die, if he existed at all. (The execution may be less well accepted. Jesus’ subsequent resurrection is debated and reinterpreted a lot!)
Incidentally, the word “Christ” gets emphasis in Paul’s sentence above. I also note it is the same noun which some versions translate as “Messiah” in the Gospels, but not in the rest of the NT. We could reasonably render, Messiah died for us….
The four do not apply the word "die", "died" or "dead" to Jesus (some of our translations use it). The narratives, without using the word, include clear Gospel statements that Jesus would die and did die. They are not using our circumlocution such as saying someone "passed" or is "gone". More, a lot more, is being conveyed here. Consider this:
“breathed his last” - the earthly career of Jesus of Nazareth had ended
“gave up his spirit” - no accident and no defeat - in the apparent defeat he was acting
“lifted up” (on the analogy of an Old Testament event when Moses put a brass snake on display).
“killed” - a deliberate action from external actors; he was under no illusion
“go” - not rushing away but certainly departing
“body” - Jesus gave them his body. Clearly he was standing speaking but the image of a body given to eat is confronting, personal, and unquestionably speaking of death!
“give” - what more could he have done?
“lay down his life” - in accordance with his own will he gave his all
“give his life a ransom” - the purpose of his coming
“falls into the earth and dies” - the change was profound, outside human experience; actually a beginning!
There is a moving song, Amazing Love, on Jesus dying by Graham Kendrick: https://youtu.be/RVgmdzQCl6U
The discussions about dying and death in John chapter 11 are moving and gripping, not least because Jesus tells that he obliterates death!
Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission. |
| First century Jerusalem wall with steps Jesus could have used at some point |
What is the significance of the fact that the Gospel writers do not use the word of Jesus? They have the word, sure enough. Jesus used it. It is found in 45 other places in the text of the Gospels, mostly in John.
All four of the narratives do describe the end of life for Jesus of Nazareth. Here are the NIV translations:
he gave up his spirit (Matthew 27:50).
he bowed his head and gave up his spirit (John 19:30).
Jesus breathed his last (Mark 15:37).
he breathed his last (Luke 23:46).
The four have a lot more to say. They have different emphases and retain different detail. Their language is nevertheless sparing. The accounts do not dwell on the means but give the facts for all to see.
A final breath graphically conveys what they saw. Giving up his spirit says the same and something different. The expression echoes the kind of thing Jesus had been saying.
As the climax of the earthly life of Jesus was near there had been some very plain talking. There were groups showing a querulous or threatening atmosphere in Jerusalem. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” (John 12:32-34, ESV). They knew Jesus was talking about dying, and about dying on a Roman cross at that. They also knew, as must have been commonplace, that their nation would have a Christ (Messiah) who would not die (see for example, Ezekiel 37:25). Here was their proof then - no need to take Jesus seriously! He could not be their Christ.
Earlier on we find that kind of outlook amongst the close followers, the ones we call disciples and Apostles. On a momentous day Peter uttered the great words which must have thrilled them all, till Jesus threw them into confusion. Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah[a] sent from God!”
Jesus warned his disciples not to tell anyone who he was. “The Son of Man[b] must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead” (Luke 9:20-22, NLT). That was not what they expected, not at all! He spoke openly about this. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning around and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking about God’s concerns[a] but human concerns” (Mark 8:32-33, CSB). Now the contradictions were all too clear. The threat increased. (It would take a resurrection and its aftermath to resolve their struggle.)
Jesus was under no illusions about what awaited him in Jerusalem that last time. But I am going on my way today and tomorrow and the next day. After all, Jerusalem is the place where prophets are killed. Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Your people have killed the prophets and have stoned the messengers who were sent to you. I have often wanted to gather your people, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you wouldn’t let me. Now your temple will be deserted. You won’t see me again until the time when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord” (Luke 13:33-35, CEV). What might have been was not. Did they see him again? Some did.
The followers had grasped the fatal threat posed by Jerusalem, even if their understanding was far from complete
Thomas, who was called the Twin,[a] said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:16, NRSV) His followers did go and heard portentous words: The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Mark 14:21-22, NIV). His "body"! So much to take in during the meal they would never forget. In that setting, Jesus tried to damp down the overconfidence Peter vocalised: Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same (Mark 14:30-31, NRSV). They were unanimous in their allegiance which was stronger than death; they would be unanimous in their flight. It would be just a little longer before they knew that his body was in fact given for them; for all who believe.
Jesus had said it, plainly enough it seems to me (with the advantage of the NT).
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father” (John 10:14-18, CSB). Not even Roman power could take his life without divine assent. He was putting down his life. He gave his life on behalf of his sheep. No rescue from Rome. A different kind of rescue this. It was not a simple self-sacrifice, for he was able to take up his life. In what he did he would in fact make his love unmistakable: The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them (John 15:13, CEV).
Jesus, the Servant of the Lord, would give his life a ransom: For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, ESV) In that era it would be no surprise that a servant’s life should be given for the benefit of the served. That would be true, even if the servant was handed over as a ransom (not that a servant would count for much). In the NT “ransom” is used only here and in the parallel in Matthew; the word is used in the LXX for a substitutionary payment.) Jesus was not recorded as explaining the ransom being handed over.
Like a grain seed sown in the earth, he would give up his life but rise again: Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life (John 12:23-25, NRSV). The chapter has more in similar vein.
Jesus had prepared his followers for an immeasurably different situation: But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate[a] won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you (John 16:7, NLT). No doubt they could not yet imagine any advantage in not having their Teacher and Lord right in their gaze.
In passages such as the following, other NT writers repeat that “Christ Died”: Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful (Paul, Romans 5:6, CEV). Although the word "died" is not used in the Gospels of Jesus, except by Pilate, everyone agrees that Jesus did really die, if he existed at all. (The execution may be less well accepted. Jesus’ subsequent resurrection is debated and reinterpreted a lot!)
Incidentally, the word “Christ” gets emphasis in Paul’s sentence above. I also note it is the same noun which some versions translate as “Messiah” in the Gospels, but not in the rest of the NT. We could reasonably render, Messiah died for us….
The four do not apply the word "die", "died" or "dead" to Jesus (some of our translations use it). The narratives, without using the word, include clear Gospel statements that Jesus would die and did die. They are not using our circumlocution such as saying someone "passed" or is "gone". More, a lot more, is being conveyed here. Consider this:
“breathed his last” - the earthly career of Jesus of Nazareth had ended
“gave up his spirit” - no accident and no defeat - in the apparent defeat he was acting
“lifted up” (on the analogy of an Old Testament event when Moses put a brass snake on display).
“killed” - a deliberate action from external actors; he was under no illusion
“go” - not rushing away but certainly departing
“body” - Jesus gave them his body. Clearly he was standing speaking but the image of a body given to eat is confronting, personal, and unquestionably speaking of death!
“give” - what more could he have done?
“lay down his life” - in accordance with his own will he gave his all
“give his life a ransom” - the purpose of his coming
“falls into the earth and dies” - the change was profound, outside human experience; actually a beginning!
There is a moving song, Amazing Love, on Jesus dying by Graham Kendrick: https://youtu.be/RVgmdzQCl6U
The discussions about dying and death in John chapter 11 are moving and gripping, not least because Jesus tells that he obliterates death!
Scripture quotations marked (CSB) are from the Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Note. I retain in the publishers' text where they occur the references to footnotes (eg, a., b.), but usually not the notes. You can check them out by viewing the text on-line. Often they are replicated in different translations.
Bible passages accessed though Biblegateway.com
Image courtesy of Holylandphotos.com
Sunday 6 January 2019
Three Whens
As far as the Jesus events are concerned, the date questions are of his birth, his death and his return.
Peace, Love, Joy
Jesus, or at least his birth, is often celebrated in terms of peace, joy and love.
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| Manger and hitching post, Meggido; about 3,700 years or more old - an aretfact from those times |
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