BIBLE STUDY -- THE SAVIOUR

A NEW VOICE

From Luke 1:1-4

“The story of Yeshua has been written by others, based on the information which we, His apostles, gave them. But we are the ones who saw these things happen, from the time He came to earth until the time He left. Since we are the ones who walked with Yeshua, it is necessary for us to write an accurate account of His life on earth. This will help you know what is true concerning Him.”

WHERE HE LIVED BEFORE BETHLEHEM

From John 1:1-14

Yeshua has always been alive, from the very beginning. He has not only lived with YHVH, but He is YHVH. Nothing was ever made without Him, for He is the Source of all life. He is so filled with Life that it radiates into our dark world to light our paths, but His light is never dimmed by the world’s darkness. YHVH sent a messenger named John the Baptist to proclaim this Light to the world. He never pretended to be the Light of the World himself, but lived for the sole purpose of telling others that Yeshua is the Light of the World. John wanted the world to see that Yeshua brought His truth to illuminate us all. Although Yeshua was the Creator of all things and lived here among His creations, men did not realize who He was. Even His own adopted land and people did not recognize that He was YHVH. But those who did accept Him, became YHVH’s children. These are the ones who believed that He was the Saviour, as His Name says. They were born into a new life, not through an earthly father and mother, but through YHVH’s Plan of Life. Yeshua lived on earth in a human body and entered into the daily affairs of people. We who are His apostles have seen YHVH’s glory in Him, for He was full to overflowing with YHVH’s Grace and Truth.

A BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT FOR JOHN THE BAPTIST

From Luke 1:5-25

At the time when Herod the Great was king of Judea, Zacharias served with other priests who ministered in the temple. He was a member of the group of Abijah, one of twenty-four such groups which took turns serving there. Both Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were descended from Aaron. They had the distinction of belonging to the priestly tribe of Israel. They were godly people, pleasing Adonai in all they did and serving Him faithfully. But Zacharias and Elizabeth had no children, a mark of dishonour in Israel. It now seemed hopeless that they would ever have children, for both of them were old. During the week when the Abijah group of priests was on duty in the temple, Zacharias had the added honour, chosen by lot, to burn incense to YHVH in The Holy Place. Outside, a crowd gathered to pray, as they usually did when a priest burned the incense. While Zacharias went about his work, an angel suddenly appeared to him and stood beside the altar where the incense was burned. This dramatic visit frightened Zacharias and caused him to be greatly disturbed. [Don’t be afraid,] the angel said to Zacharias. [I have good news that answers your prayers. You and Elizabeth will have a baby boy and you will name him John. His birth will bring joy not only to you, but to many others, also. He will be a great man of YHVH, abstaining from wine and liquor, and will be filled with Ruach HaKodesh, even before he is born. Because of his preaching, many of the people of Israel will turn to YHVH. His powerful preaching and his rugged appearance will remind people of Elijah. His purpose in life will be to prepare people for the coming of the Moshiach, the Son of YHVH and to show them how to come to YHVH in simple childlike faith.] [But how can I be certain that this will happen?] Zacharias asked. [My wife and I are both too old to have a baby.] [Don’t you realize who I am?] the angel said. [I am the Angel Gabriel, one who lives in the very presence of YHVH Himself! I have come directly from YHVH to tell you these things. But you have dared to question me! Because of your doubt, you will not talk again until the day your son is born. But you will see all this unfold on YHVH’s schedule.] Outside, the people grew restless waiting for Zacharias, wondering why he stayed so long in The Holy Place. When he finally came outside, he could tell them what had happened only by using gestures. Then the people realized that Zacharias had seen some strange, wonderful sight in The Holy Place. When his week of service at the temple was over, Zacharias went back home. Not long after that, Elizabeth learned the good news that she was going to have a baby. At that time, she stopped visiting with other people for five months, [Adonai has done a wonderful favour for me,] Elizabeth said, [for He has removed my shame of having no children.]

COMMENTARY --- HEROD THE GREAT -- WARRIOR AND BUILDER

Whatever his faults may have been, Herod the Great was an outstanding builder and military leader. As a warrior, he was rarely defeated. Throughout his life he was involved in many battles, most of which he won because of his talent at military strategy. Guessing his opponent’s next move in war also served him well in Roman politics, where he was a long-time survivor in an area famous for its rapid changes. In his first job as governor of Galilee, he almost immediately proved his ability at war by defeating the bands of robbers who were plundering the country. When this earned him the title of king, he had to conquer Jerusalem before he could claim the throne. Later, he was involved in territorial disputes with Arabia and with rebellions in Galilee. Herod also helped Caesar Augustus in his war against Egypt. If war was Herod’s job, then building was his hobby. He reshaped Jerusalem by rebuilding the temple and parts of the city walls. He also built a magnificent palace and fortified citadel from which he could keep close watch over the city. But Jerusalem was not the only city where Herod built palaces. There was a royal residence in Sepphoris, Ashkelon and several other places. His mountain fortresses were also equipped with palaces for the king and his household. Two of his building projects were truly massive for the time. In Samaria, which he renamed Sebaste, Herod built walls, towers, theatres, amphitheatres and aqueducts. At Caesarea, on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, he constructed a fortified harbour with a long dock and a large sea wall. Today, almost two thousand years later, the land of Israel is still marked by the remains of Herod’s many remarkable building projects.

Isaiah 2:11, “The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.” Matthew 7:21 — 23, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!” Read these passages again carefully, and answer this question — Who enters the kingdom, the arrogant or the ones who humble themselves to follow the Creator’s instructions?

"Be zealous therefore, and repent."

Re 3

Thought for Today Shabbat October 11

At least once in our lives we were hurt by other people’s words. Often – perhaps more often than we realise – what was said was simply spoken thoughtlessly or carelessly. But sometimes it was not; those words were meant to sting – and they did. Either way, when other criticise us or say something hurtful or insensitive, our first reaction should be to ask ourselves if there is any truth in what they say. If so, we need to be honest to ourselves and ask YHVH to help us correct it. But even if those words were spoken maliciously, we need to turn our hurt over to YHVH and ask Him to help us respond with forgiveness and grace.