Re: The Gospel of Thomas Part One

Subject: The Gospel of Thomas Part One

Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thomas (TAHM uhs) twin.-one of the twelve apostles of Jesus; also called Didmus, the Greek word for "twin." Thomas is probably best known for his inability to believe that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. For that inability to believe, he forever earned the nickname 'doubting Thomas. According to tradition, Thomas spread the gospel in Parthia, and Persia, where he died. Later tradition places Thomas in India, where he was martyed. The Mar Thomas church in India traces its origins to Thomas. It is equally important to observe how different the "Gospel of Thomas" is from the gospel-form employed in the Christian church. In Thomas there is no attempt at providing a historical framework for the ministry of Jesus, there are no miracles; there is no compassion, there is no correlation with the old Testament prophecy. Indeed there is no action of any kind. This means that the final editor of Thomas understood the word "gospel" in the sense in which it sometimes occurs in Matthews, Mark to refer to the  message of Jesus about the kingdom of God..

Example: Saying number one. True interpreter is he  who does not cease from seeking until the finds. (Matthew 7:7-8; Luke 11:9-10) Saying (14) Jesus rejects fasting, prayer and alms-giving, and then saying"if you so into any land and wonder in the region, if  they receive you, eat what is set before you, heal the sick among them; for what goes into your mouth will not defile you, The "land and region" are Thomas substitute for city of Luke 10:8, a verse from which receiving and eating what is set before one are derived; heal the sick among them comes from Luke 10:9, though in Thomas it is quite irrelevant to the subject of dietary laws, with which the rest of the saying is concerned.

 

(1) And he said, "Whoever finds the interpretation of these saying will not experience death. "Whoever hears these words shall never taste death." John 8:51 Verily, verily, i say  unto you, if any one keeps my word, he shall never see death.'

 

(2) Jesus said:'Let him who seeks not cease until he finds, and when he finds he shall wonder; wondering he shall reign, and reigning shall rest."

(3) Jesus said, "If those who attract you say, "See, the Kingdom is in the sky; then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you,"It is under the earth; then the fish of the sea will precede you. Rather, the Kingdom of God is inside of you,and it is outside of you. Those who become acquainted with (themselves) will find it; and when you become acquainted with yourselves, you will understand that  it is you who who are sons of the living Father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty. Luke 17:21 "The kingdom of God is not is not coming with signs to be observed ; nor will they say, "Lo, here it is!" or "There! for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you!

 

(4) Jesus said, "The man old in days will not hesitate to ask a small child seven days old about the place of life, and he will live. For many who are first will become last, and they will become one and the same." (Greek) Jesus said "'Let the old man who is full of days not hesitate to ask the child of seven days about the place of life; then he will live . For many that are first will be last, and last first, and they will become a single one."

 

(5) Jesus said, "Recognize what is in your sight,and that which  is hidden from you will become plain to you. For there is nothing hidden which will not become manifest.' (G) Jesus said: "Recognize what is before your face and that which is hidden from you will be revealed to you. For there is nothing hidden which shall not be made manifest, nor buried which shall not be raised. (Matthew 10:26) "So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known." (Mark 4:22) For there is nothing hid, except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret, except to come to light." (Luke 12:3) Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known."

 

(6) His disciples asked him and said to him," How do you want to fast? And how shall we pray? And how shall we give alms? And what kind of diet shall we follow?" Jesus said,"Do not lie, and do not do what you hate, for all things are disclosed before truth. For there is nothing hidden which shall not be shown forth."

 

(7) and (8) Matthew 13:47 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind: 13:48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad."

 

(9) (Matthew 13:3) And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. (13:4) And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. (13:5) Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, (13:6) But when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. (13:7) Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. (13:8) Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (13:9) He who has ears, let him hear." (Mark 4:2) And he taught them many things in parables,and in his teaching he said to them: (4:3) "Behold! A sower went out to sow.(4:4) And as he sowed,some fell along the path,and birds came and devoured it.(4:5) Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it had not much soil, and immediately it sprang up,since it had no depth of soil; (4:6)  and when the sun rose it  was scorched, and since it had no root it withered away. (4:7) Other seed fell among thorns and the thorns grew up and choked it,a and it yielded no grain. And other seeds fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty fold and sixty fold and a hundredfold, And he said," He who has ears to hear,let him hears." (Luke 8:4) And when a great crowd came together and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable" A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path,and was trodden under foot,and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture, And some fell among thorns;and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." As he said this is, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

 

(10) Jesus said, "I have cast fire upon the world,and see, I am guarding it until it blazes." (Luke 12:49) "I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled!

 

(11), (12), (13), (14)

Luke 10:8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you,eat what is set before you; heal the sick. (Matthews 15:11) Not that what goes into the mouth defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man. (Mark 7:14) "Hear me, all of you,and understand: there is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of  man are what defile him." (Roman 14:14) I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for any one who thinks it unclean."

 

(15), (16)

Matthew 10:34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's foes will be those of his own household. (Luke 12:51) Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three, they will be divided,father, father against son and son against the father, mother against daughter and daughter against he mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

 

(17) Jesus said,"I shall give you what no eye has seen and what no ear has head and what no hand has touched and what has never occurred to the human mind." 1 Corinthians 2:9 But, as it is written, what no eye ha seen,  ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him."

 

(18) and (19), (20)

Matthew 13:31-32"'The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; it is  the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air  come and make nests in its branches. (Mark 4:30-32) And he said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? it is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the deeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and become the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." (Luke 13:18-19) He said therefore, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?  it is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the bird of the air made nests in its branches."

 

 (21) Mary said to Jesus,"Whom are your disciples?

(Matthews 24:43) But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. (Luke 12:39-40) But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an unexpected hour." (Mark 4:26-29) And he said, "The kingdom of God is  as if a man should scatter seed upon the ground, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he knows not how. The earth produces of itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."

 

(22)

(Matthews 18:3-5) and said, "Verily, I say unto you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child,he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 'Whoever receives one such in my name receives me;" (Luke 18:16-17) But Jesus called them to him, saying,"Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Verily, I say unto you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." (Mark 9:43-48) And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell.  And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell. Where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched."

 

(23) Jesus said, "I shall choose you, one of a thousand,a and two out of ten thousand, and they shall stand as a single one." (24) His disciples said to him, 'Show us the place where you are, since it is necessary for us to seek it." He said to them, 'Whoever has ears, let him hear. There is light within a man of light, and he lights up the whole world. If he does not shine, he is darkness." (Luke 11:34-35) Your eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is sound, your whole body is full of light; but when it is not sound, our body is full of darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright,as when a lamp with its rays gives you light."

 

(25) Jesus said, 'Love your brother like your soul, guard him like the pupil of your eye." (26) Jesus said, "You see he mote in your brother's eye, but you do not see the beam in your own eye. When you cast the beam out of your own eye, then you will see clearly to cast the mote from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:3-5) Why do you see the speck that is on your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye.? Or how can you say to your brother, let me take the speck out of your eye, when there is the log in your eye. You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye,and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." (Luke 6:41-42) Why do you see the speck that is in your brother eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, "brother,let me take out the speck that is in your eye, when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye,and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye."

 

(27) Jesus said,"if you do not fast as regards the world, you will not find the kingdom. if you do not observe the Sabbath as a Sabbath, you will not see the Father." Jesus said:'unless you fast to the world, you shall in no way find the Kingdom of God; and unless you sabbatize the Sabbath, you shall not see the Father. "Except you fast from the world and its evil ways, you will in no wise find the kingdom; and except you keep the Sabbath and cease your haste to gather riches, you will not see the Father in heaven.

 

(28) Jesus said, "I took my place in the midst of the world, and I appeared to them in flesh, I found all of them intoxicated;I found none of them thirsty, And my soul became afflicted for the sons of men, because they are blind in their hearts and do not have sight; for empty they came into the world, and empty too they seek to leave the world, But for the moment they are intoxicated. When they shale off their wine, then they will repent. "Jesus said,"I stood in the midst of the world, and in the flesh I was seen by them, and I found all drunken,  and none among them thirsty. And my soul grieved over the souls of men, because they are blind I their heart and see not."

 

(29)

Jesus said, "If the flesh came into being because of spirit, it is a wonder. But if spirit came into being because of the body, it is a wonder of wonders .Indeed, I am amazed at how this great wealth has made its home in this poverty." (30) Jesus said, "Where there are three gods, they are gods. Where there are two or one, I am with Him." Jesus said: "Where there are two, they are not without God,and when there is one alone, I am with him.' (Matthews 18:20) 'For where two or three are gathered I my name, there am I in the midst of them."

 

(31) Jesus said, 'No prophet is accepted in his own village; no physician heals those who know him. Jesus said: 'A prophet is not acceptable in his own country,neither does a physician work cures upon those that know him." (Matthew 13:57) And they took offense at him,But Jesus said to them,"A prophet is not without honor save in his own country and in his own house." (Mark 6:4) And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor,except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." (Luke 4:24)  And he said, "Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his own country." (John 4:43-44) After the two days he departed to Galilee. For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country."

 

 

Yours In Christ Jesus,

Andrew Blackman

 

 

Historical Jesus - Timing

 This is a subject that I have not seen mentioned in the "Historical Jesus" series that was offered on  this site. The subject of time. How did we measure time before we decided on the way we do now? Before we used the Gregorian Calendar that we use today, the Julian Calendar and Solar Calendars were in use. Before them, the Greeks measured time by Olympiads while Rome measured time by the reign of an Emperor. All of these methods were in operation during the gospel period. Too understand the terms for time in the new testament, one must learn about the Solar Calendar and the prophetic method taught by John the Baptist who followed the prophecies taught by Enoch and are revealed in the apocalypse of Enoch. The history of Jesus is a major one on the issue of time. It is the reason that we use the calendar that we do today. I have heard it said that it was based on Jesus birth. Herod the Great pursued Jesus after a two year period because of a calendar misunderstanding. This misunderstanding was given to Herod the Great by the Magi of the tribe of West Manesseh who sought to protect Jesus and recognize him as the legitimate heir to the throne of David. At his birth they bring him Frankensence and myrrh which is the incence of priests and they bring him the Gold. Every time that color is mentioned in scripture, it denotes a grade of priest. Purple is for the Bishop, Red is for the Cardinal, Scarlet is for the Arch Bishop. It is from this practice that missionaries are termed "Of the Cloth". Gold is for the Papacy. The Papacy existed long before the Christian party arose. Please note that the official flag of the vatican is Gold! The Magi knew that Herod was not trained in Calendar Science and deliberately misled him. Herod the Great died in 4 B.C. Jesus could not have been born in A.D.1.

 If Jesus was persued for two years before Herod the Great died, he would have to have been one year old in 6 B.C. This means that he was born in 7 B.C. Since we are told that he was six months younger than John the Baptist and that as the heir to the Zadokite high priesthood John was born in September (which was considered the holiest time of the year) we know that Jesus was born in March B.C.7 and John the Baptist in September of B.C.8. This removes the problem produced by Luke who mentions that Jesus was born in the year of the census 6 A.D. Jesus would have been 12 years old in 6 A.D. and would be at his Bar Mitzfa when he is being "born" as a man. It is important to note that in calculating years from B.C to A.D. a 1 is subtracted from the B.C. year because there is no zero between them.  When we are told that Jesus was aged 33 years, it means year 33 of the newly established calender. He was not 33 years old, he was 39 years old.

 

Something to think about huh?

 

Rev. James Thomas League

 

Book of John Part Two

Grace be unto you, peace from God the Father,and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Chapter Twelve

The home in Bethany was a place where Jesus loved to be. There He enjoyed sweet fellowship with Lazarus,Mary, and Martha. In coming to Bethany at this time,He was, humanly speaking, exposing Himself to danger because nearby Jerusalem was headquarters for all forces that were arrayed against Him. In spite of the many who were opposed to Jesus, there were still a few hearts which beat true to Him. Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with the Lord, and Martha served. Each time we meet Mary, she is at the feet of Jesus. Here she is wiping His feet. Needless to say, Mary herself would have carried the fragrance of the perfume for some time after this. Thus when Christ is worshiped, the worshiper themselves carry away something of the fragrance of that moment. No house is so filled with pleasant aroma as the house where Jesus is given His rightful place. Here the flesh is seen intruding into the most sacred of occasions. The one who was about to betray his lord could not stand to see precious oil used in this way. Judas did not consider Jesus to be worth three hundred denarii. He felt that the perfume should have been sold and given to the poor. but this was sheer hypocrisy.

That anyone could follow Christ as a disciple for three years, see all His miracles, hear all His teaching, receive al His hand repeated kindness, be counted an apostle,a and yet prove rotten at heart in the end, all this at first sight appears incredible and impossible! Yet the case of Judas shows plainly that the thing can be. Few things, perhaps are so little realized as the extent of the fall of man. Because of Lazarus, many of the Jews...believed i Jesus. Lazarus was therefore an enemy to the Jewish establishment, and he must be put  out the way. Those who  bring others to the Lord are always made the target for persecution and even martyrdom.

Palm branches are token of rest and peace after sorrow. The word Hosanna means save now, we pray you. Putting these thoughts together, it would seem as if the people were acknowledging Jesus to be the One sent from GOD to save them from the Roman cruelty and to give them rest and peace after the sorrow of their long years of Gentile oppression. If we refuse to be corn of wheat falling into the ground,and dying; if we will neither sacrifice prospects, nor risk character, and property,and health; nor when we are called, relinquish home,and break family ties, for Christ's sake; then we shall abide alone. But if we wish to be fruitful, we must follow our Blessed Lord Himself, by coming a corn of wheat, and dying, then we shall bring forth much fruit.

 

Again the Lord Jesus warned His listeners to believe on Him while there was still opportunity. By doing so, they would become sons of light. They would be assured of direction through life and into eternity. The purpose of Christ first coming was not to judge the world but to save. He did not sit in judgment on those who refused to hear His words or believe on Him. This does not mean that He will not condemn these unbelievers in a coming these but that but judgment was not the object of His first advent.

 

Seven distinct signs or miracles are recorded, each one illustrating an experience which result when a sinner puts his faith in Christ. Changing the water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. his pictures the sinner who is a stranger to divine joy being transformed by the power of Christ. Healing the nobleman's son. This picture the sinner as being sick and in need of spiritual health. Healing the cripple at the pool of Bethesda. The poor sinner is without strength, helpless,and unable to do a thing to remedy his own condition. Jesus cures him of his infirmity. Feeding the five thousand. The sinner is without food, hungry, and in need of that which imparts strength. The Lord provides food for his soul so that he never needs to hunger. Calming the Sea of Galilee. The sinner is seen in a place of danger. The Lord rescues him from the storm. Healing a man blind from birth. This man pictures the blindness of the human heart until it is touched by the power of Christ. Man cannot see his own sinfulness, or the beauties of the Savior, until enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Raising Lazarus from the dead. This, of course, reminds us that the sinner is dead in trespasses and in sins and needs life from above.

 

Chapter Thirteen

In chapter, the Upper Room Discourse begins. Jesus was no longer walking among the hostile Jews. He had retired with his disciples to an upper room in Jerusalem for the final time of fellowship with them before going forth to His trial and crucifixion. Washing the guests feet was always done by the humblest of the servants. It was considered menial task. Perhaps Jesus had waited for one of the disciples to perform this task, but they were evidently debating who should be the greatest. The purpose of the action was to set an example, not to establish and ordinance. He said, do as I have done to you, not do what I have done to you. It was a lesson on humility and service they sorely needed.

 

Wash one another feet: Jesus is merely setting an example, not establishing an ordinance. There is little evidence that the early church practiced foot-washing, except as a social custom. One of the disciples whom Jesus loved was JOHN. Peter beckoned him to ask Jesus to identify the betrayer. Peter was carrying a sword. Perhaps  he intended to use it on the culprit on this occasion. A host would often distinguish an honored guest by giving him  choice morsel dipped in the sauce and placing it on his tongue.  The Lord Jesus is about to engage the forces of darkness.

 

The badge of Christian discipleship is not a cross worn around the neck or on the lapel, or some distinctive type of clothing. Anyone could profess discipleship by these means. The  mark of a Christian is love for his fellow Christians. This requires divine power, and this power is only given to those indwelt by the Spirit. During His absence, they were to be governed by the commandment of love. This commandment was new in other ways.It was new because the Holy Spirit would empower believers the Holy Spirit would empower believers to obey it. It was new in that it was superior to the old. The old said love your enemies. It has been well said that the law of love to others is now explained with new clarity, enforced by new motives and obligations, illustrated by a new example, and obeyed in new way.

Chapter Fourteen

 The Father's house refers to heaven, where there are many dwelling places. There is room there for all the redeemed. If it was not so, the Lord would have told them; He would not have them build on false hopes. The Lord went to Calvary to prepare a place for His own. It is through His atoning death that believers are assured a place there. But also the Lord went went back to heaven to prepare a place. He was going to heaven, and they knew the way to heaven, for He told them many times. Apparently Thomas did not understand the meaning of the lord words. Like Peter, he may have been thinking of a journey to some place on the earth.

 

The Lord Jesus Christ is Himself the way to heaven. He does merely show the way: He is the way. Salvation is in a Person. Accept that Person as your own, and you have salvation. The Lord Jesus is not just one of many ways. He is the only way. No one comes to the Father except through Him. The way to God is not by the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rules, ordinances,church membership-it is through Christ and Christ alone. Today many say that it does not matter what you believe as long as you are sincere. They say that all religions have some good in them and that they all lead to heaven at last.

 

Lord Jesus predicted that those who believed on Him would perform miracles like He did,and even greater woks. Doubtless it was to the world-wide proclamation of the gospel, the salvation of so many souls, and the building of the church that the Lord referred to by the expression greater works, It is greater to save souls than to heal bodies. When the Lord returned to heaven, He was glorified,and the Holy Spirit was sent to earth. It was through the Spirit power that the apostles performed these greater miracles. The Lord would pray the Father to send another helper. he word helper (Paraclete) means one called to the side of another to help. It is also translated Advocate.The Lord Jesus is our Advocate or helper,and the Holy Spirit is another helper-not another of a different kind, but another of similar nature. He dwells within you, and will be in you. Before Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon men and dwelt with them. But since Pentecost, when a man believes on the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes up His abode in that man's life forever. The prayer of David, do not take Your Holy Spirit from me, would not be suitable today. The Holy Spirit is never taken from a believer, although He may be grieved, or quenched, or hindered.

 

The real proof of one's love to the Lord is obedience to His commandments. It is useless to talk about loving Him if we do not want to obey Him. In one sense, the Father loves all the world. But He has a special love for those who love His Son. Those are also loved by Christ, and He makes himself known to them in a special way. The more we love the Savior, the better we shall know Him. The Judas mentioned here had the misfortune to have name as the traitor.But the Spirit of God kindly distinguished him from Iscariot. He could not understand how the Lord could appear to the disciples without also being seen by the world.

 

Person who is about to die usually writes a last will and testament in which he leaves his possessions to his loved one. Here the Lord Jesus was doing that very thing. However, He did not bequeath material things but something that money could not buy- peace, inward peace of conscience that arises from a sense of pardon from sin and of reconciliation with God.

 

Chapter Fifteen

In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was depicted as a vine planted by God. But the nation proved unfaithful an unfruitful, so the Lord Jesus now presented Himself as the true vine, the perfect fulfillment of all the other types and shadows. God the Father is the vine dresser. The branch that bears fruit is the Christian who is growing more like the Lord Jesus. Even such vines need to be pruned or cleansed. Just as a real vine must be cleaned from insects, mildew, and fungus,so a Christian must be cleansed from worldly things that cling to him or her.

 

The cleansing agent is the word of the Lord. The disciples had originally been cleansed by the word at the time of their conversion. Just as the Savior had been talking to them, His Word had a purifying effect on their lives. Thus, this verse may refer to justification and sanctification. Their love should be of such a nature that they should be willing to die for one another People who are willing to do this do not fight with each other. The greatest example of human self-sacrifice was for a man to die for his friends. The disciples of Christ are called to this type of devotion, Some lay down their lives in  a literal sense; others spend their whole lives in  untiring service for the people of God. Servants are simply expected to do the works marked out for them, but friends are taken into one's confidence. To the friend we reveal our plans for the future.

 

Jesus predicts the world hatred. Men of the world love those who live as they do-those who use vile language and indulge in the lusts of the flesh, or people who are cultured but live only for themselves. Christians condemn them by their holy lives, therefore the world hates them. In hating Christ, they hated His Father also. The Two are One. They could not say that they loved the One God sent. They were not only responsible for having heard the teaching of Christ; they also saw His miracles. This added to their condemnation. The Lord compares all their sins to this one sin, and said that the former were as nothing when placed alongside the latter. Because they hated the Son, they hated his Father, and this was their terrible condemnation.

 

This Spirit would testify directly through the disciples. They had been with the LORD from the beginning of His public ministry and were especially qualified to tell of His  Person and work. If anyone could have found any imperfection in the Lord, those who had been with Him the most could have. But they never knew Him to commit a sin of any kind. They could testify to the fact that He was sinless Son of God.
 

Chapter Sixteen

The helper would not come until the Lord Jesus went back to heaven and was glorified. Of course, the Holy Spirit had been in the world before this, but he was coming in a new way-to convict the world of sin and to minister to the redeemed. The Holy Spirit would convict the world in respect of sin,and of righteousness, and of judgment. This is generally taken to mean that He creates and inward awareness of these things in the life of the individual sinner. The Holy Spirit condemns the world by the very fact that he is here. He should not be here, because the Lord Jesus should be here, reigning over the world. The Spirit convicts the world of the sin of failing to believe on Christ. He was worthy of belief. There was nothing about Him that made it impossible for men to believe on Him. But they refused. And the Holy Spirit' presence in the world is witness to their claim.

 

Sorrow turned to joy. His disciples were confused. The reason for their confusion was that the Savior had said, I go to My Father and you see Me no more. Now He said, a little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while and you will see Me. They could not reconcile these statement. They asked each other the meaning of the world"a little while." Strangely enough, we have the same problem. We do not know whether it refers to the three days before His resurrection, the forty days before Pentecost, or the more than 1900 years prior to His coming again. Their sorrow would be turned into joy,and it was-first by the resurrection,a and secondly of the Spirit. Then, for all disciples of all ages, grief will be turned to rejoicing when the Lord Jesus comes back again. Nothing is more remarkable than the speed with which a mother forgets the labor pains after her child is born. So it would be with the disciples. he sorrow connected with the absence of their Lord would be quickly forgotten when they would see him again.

 

The purpose of the discourse with the disciples was that they might have peace. When they would be hated, persecuted, falsely condemned,a and even and even tortured, they could have peace in him. He overcame the world at the cross of Calvary. In spite of their tribulations,they could rest assured that they were on the sinning side. Also, with the coming of the Holy Spirit, they could have new powers of endurance and new courage to face the foe.

 

Chapter Seventeen

The whole prayer is a beautiful illustration of our blessed Lord intercession at the right hand of God. Not a word against his people; no reference to their failing, or their shortcoming...No He speaks of them only as they were in the Father purpose, as in association with Himself with Himself, and as the recipients of the fullness He came down from heaven to bestow upon them. All the Lord's particular petitions for His people relate to spiritual things; all have reference to heavenly blessing. The Lord does not ask riches for them, or honors, or worldly influence, or great per ferments, but He does most earnestly pray that they may be kept from evil. separated from the world, qualified for duty,a and brought home safely to heaven. Soul prosperity is the best prosperity; it is the index of true prosperity.

 

he Lord explained why He was praying in the presence of His disciples. It was as if He said to them: these are intercessions which I shall never cease to make in heaven before God.But now I make them in the world, in your hearing, so you may more distinctly understand how I  am there to be employed in promoting your welfare,so that you may be made in large measure partakers of my joy. The Lord gave word God word to the disciples, and they received it. As a result, the world turned on them and hated them. They had the characteristics of the Lord Jesus,and so the world despised them. They did not fit in with the world scheme of things. 

 

Christians are not of the  world, just as Christ was not of the world. We should remember this when tempted to engage in some worldly pastime or enter into worldly associations where the name of Jesus is unwelcome. To sanctify means to set apart. he Word of God has a sanctifying effect on believers. As they read it and obey it, they are set apart as vessels suitable for the Master use.  That is exactly what the Lord Jesus was praying for here. The world failed to see God revealed inJesus.But a few disciples did, and they believed that God had sent Jesus. On the eve of His crucifixion, there were only a few faithful hearts in the whole  of mankind-and even those were about to forsake Him.

 

The love of God which, before the creation of the physical world, had its adequate object in the person of the Son, finds it, since the creation of the new spiritual world, in all those who are united with the Son. That God desired in sending His Son here on earth was precisely that He might form for Himself in the midst of humanity a family of children like Him.

 

Chapter Eighteen

Jesus left the city and walked eastward toward the Mount of Olives. In doing so,He crossed the Brook Kidron and came to the Garden of Gethsemane,which was on the western slopes of Olive. Judas knew that the Lord spent great deal of time praying in the garden, He knew that the most likely place to find the Lord was in the place of prayer. The detachment of troops was probably Roman soldiers; whereas the officers were Jewish officials, representing the chief priest and Pharisees. They came with lanterns, torches,and weapons. They came to seek the Light of the world with lanterns. The Lord went forward to meet them, without waiting for them to find Him. This demonstrated His willingness to go to the cross.The soldiers could have left their weapons at home; the Savoir would not resist! The question whom are you seeking? was designed to draw forth from their own lips the nature of their mission,

 

This was the man who was the accredited guardian of the nations' soul. He had been set apart to be the supreme interpreter and representatives of the Most HIGH. To him was committed the glorious privilege of entering once every year into the holy of the holies. Yet this was the man who condemned the Son of God.  History provides no more startling illustration of the truth that the best religious opportunity in the world and the most promising environment will not guarantee a man salvation or of themselves ennoble his soul.

 

O impious blindness! They would be defiled, forsooth, by a dwelling which was another, and not be defiled by a crime which was their own, They feared to be defiled by the praetorian of an alien judge,and feared not to be defiled by the blood of an innocent brother. Woe unto you priests,scribes,elders, hypocrite! Can there be any roof so unclean that of your own breast? Not Pilate' walls, but your own hearts,are impure. Is murder your errand,a and do you stop at a local infection? God shall smite you, ye white walls! Do you long to be stained with blood-with the blood of God? And do e fear to be defiled with the touch of Pilate's pavement? Does so small a gnat stick in your throats,while ye swallow such a camel of flagitious wickedness? Go out of Jerusalem, ye false disbelievers's, if ye would  not be unclean! Pilate had more cause to fear, lest his walls should be defiled with the presence of such prodigious monster of iniquity.

 

it was common among the Jews at the Passover to request the release of some Jewish prisoner for the Romans. Pilate seized upon this custom  in an effort to please the Jews and at the same time release Jesus. The scheme failed. The Jews did not want Jesus; they wanted Barabas. Barabas was  robber. The wicked heart of man preferred a bandit to the Creator. 

 

Chapter Nineteen

It was most unjust for Pilate to scourge an innocent Person. Perhaps he hoped that this punishment would satisfy the Jews and that they would not demand the death of Jesus. Scourging was a Roman form of punishment. The prisoner was beaten with a whip or a rod. The whip had pieces of metal or bone in it, and these cut deep gashes in the flesh. The soldiers mocked Jesus claim to be a King. A crown for the King! But it was a crown of thorns. This would have caused extreme pain as it was pressed onto His brow. Thorns are symbol of the curse which sin brought to mankind. Here we have a picture of the Lord Jesus bearing the curse of our sins, so that we might wear a crown of glory. The purple robe was also in mockery. Purple was the color of royalty.But again it reminds us of how our sins were placed on Jesus in order we might be clothed with the robe of God righteousness.

 

The self-control of the Lord Jesus was remarkable. He was more calm than Pilate. he answered quietly that whatever power Pilate possessed had been given to him by God. All governments are ordained by God, and all authority, whether civil or spiritual, is from GOD. The one who delivered me to you: may refer to Caiaphas, the high priest; Judas, the betrayer, or the Jewish people in general. The thought is that these Jews should have known better. They had Scriptures which predicted the coming of the Messiah. They should have recognized Him when He came. But they rejected Him and were even now crying out for His life. Pilate was guilty, but Caiaphas, and Judas,and all the wicked Jew were more guilty. Pilate could not afford to have the Jews accuse him of disloyalty to Caesar, and so he weakly submitted to the mob. He now brought Jesus out to a public area called the Pavement, where such matters were often handled.

 

The Preparation Day of the Passover means the preparation for the feast that followed it . About the sixth hour was probably 6 a.m. but there are unresolved problems concerning the methods of reckoning time of the Gospel. behold your King! Almost certainly, Pilate said this to annoy and provoke the Jews.He doubtless blamed them for trapping him into condemning Jesus. The place of  Skull may have received this name in one of two ways: the land itself may have resembled skull, especially if it was a hill with caves in the side of it. Such a site is "Gordon"s Calvary" in Israel today. It was the place where criminals were executed; perhaps skulls and bones were found in the area. though in light of the Mosaic Law on burial this is most unlikely.

 

In Hebrew, the sacred tongue of patriarch and seers. in Greek, the musical and golden tongue which gave a soul to the objects of sense and a body to the abstractions of philosophy. In Latin, the dialect of a people originally the strongest of all the sons of men. The three languages represents the three races and their ideas-revelation,art, literature; progress, war,and jurisprudence. Wherever these three desires of the human race exist, wherever annunciation can be made in human language, wherever there is a heart to sin, tongue to speak, an eye to read, the Cross has a message.

 

Seeing His mother, and John, the disciple, He introduced John to her as the one who would hereafter take the place of of son to her. In calling His mother "woman" the Lord did not show any lack of respect.But it is noticeable that He did not call her 'Mother". Does this have any lesson

 for those who might be tempted to exalt Mary to he place where she is adorned? Jesus here instructed John to care for Mary as if she were his own mother. John obeyed and took Mary  to his own house. They did not break His legs. We are not told why one of the soldiers pierced his side. Perhaps it was a final outburst of the wickedness of his heart.

 

Blood and water some take it as an indication that Jesus died of  ruptured heart-but we have already read that His death was a voluntary act. Blood speaks of cleansing from the guilt of sin; whereas water typifies cleansing form the defilement of sin through the Word. Let the water and the blood, from thy river side which flowed be of sin the double cure save me from it guilt and power. The body of Jesus was put in the tomb. The Jews were anxious to have the body out of the way because of their feast that began at sunset. But it was all a part of God'sdetermination that the body should be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. In that connection, it should be noted that in Jewish reckoning,any part of a day was counted as a day. So the fact that  the Lord was in the tomb for a part of three days was still a fulfillment of His prediction.

 

Chapter Twenty

The first two word are striking but Mary. Her again we have the love and devotion of a woman. She had been forgiven much; therefore, she loved much. She kept a lonely vigil outside the tomb, weeping because,as she thought, the body had been stolen, probably by the Lord enemy. The Savior of the world may be very near to men, and yet not recognized. He usually comes in lowly guise, however,and not as one of the great ones of the earth. In her answer,Mary did not name the Lord. Three times she referred to Jesus as Him. There was only one Person with whom she was concerned,and she felt it quite unnecessary to identify him further. Actually, she was still thinking of Him as the Great Teacher she had  known. She did not realize that He was now  more than her teacher. He was her Lord and Savior.

 

Then He told her to go to His brethren and tell them of the new order that had been ushered in. For the first time the Lord referred to the disciples as my brethren, They were to know  that His Father was their Father, and His God was their God. Not until now were believers' made "sons" and "heir of God." The Lord Jesus did not day, our Father, but My Father and your Father. The reason is that God is His Father in a different sense that He is ours. God is the Father of the Lord Jesus from all eternity. Mary Magdalene obeyed her commission and became what someone has called "the apostle of the apostle." Can we doubt that this great privilege was given to her as  a reward for her devotion to Christ?

 

But Thomas faith was not the kind that was most pleasing to the Lord.It was belief based on sight. More blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. The surest evidence is the Word of God. If God says a thing, we honor Him by believing it; but we dishonor Him by demanding additional evidence. We should believe simply because He said it and because

 He cannot lie or be mistaken. Not all the miracles performed by Jesus are recorded. The Holy Spirit selected those signs which would best serve Hispurpose. John object in writing the book, It was so that his readers may believe that Jesus is the true Messiah and the Son of God. Believing,they will have eternal life in His name.

 

Chapter Twenty One

Severn of the disciples were together at the time- Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel,James and John the son of Zebedee, and two others whose names we do not know. Peter decide to go fishing on the lake, and the others agreed to go with him. This seemed to be a most natural decision, though some Bible student feels that the trip was not in the will of God and that they went without first praying. That night they caught nothing. They illustrated the uselessness of human efforts apart from divine help, especially in the matter of fishing for souls.

 

A great load of fish. So many that they could not pull in the net! This shows that the LORD Jesus had perfect knowledge as to the location of the fish in the lake. It also teaches us that when the Lord directs our service, there are no more empty nets.He knows where there are souls ready to be saved,and He is willing to direct us to them-if we will let Him.  Just as Peter had denied the lord three times,so he was given three opportunities to confess him. This time Peter appealed to the fact that Jesus was God and therefore knew all tings. He said three time, You know that i am fond of you. And for the last time,he was told that he could demonstrate this by feeding Christ sheep.In this passage,the underlying lesson is that love for Christ is the acceptable motive for serving Him. When Peter was younger, e had great freedom of movement.He went where he wished.

 

Jesus predict Peter death. When Peter was younger, he had great freedom of movement, He went where he wished. But the Lord here told him that al the end of his life, he would be arrested, bound,and carried off to execution. Peter would glorify God by dying as a martyr. he who had denied the Lord would be given courage to lay down his life for Him. We can glorify God in death  as well as in life. Peter saw John, the thought probably crossed his mind. The Lord answered was that Peter should not be concerned about John latter days. Even if he were to survive until the Second Coming of Christ, this should not make any difference to Peter. Many failures in Christian service arise from disciples being more occupied with one another than with the Lord Himself.

 

Jesus is God and is therefore infinite. There is no limit to the meaning of His words or to the number of His works. While He was here on earth, He was still the Upholder of all things-the sun, moon,and the stars. Who could ever describe all that is involved in keeping the universe in motion? Even in His miracles on earth, we have only the barest description. In a simple act of healing, think of the nerves, muscles, blood corpuscles,a and other member that He controlled. Think of His direction of germs, fishes, animal life. Think of His guidance in the affairs of men. Think of His control over the atomic structure of every bit of matter in the universe.

 

 

 

Yours In Christ,

Andrew Blackman

Master of Religion essay

Master of Religion        What I have learned in studying these wonderful courses is that although there are many different religious denominations to be found within the Christian faith, all agree that there is only one true God, that being the Lord Jesus Christ. As children of God, we as Ministers have certain duties to fulfill within our Ministry, one such duty is being a Christian Counselor. Many are in need of receiving guidance and instruction from the teachings of God, and we as Ministers are certainly qualified to do so. Many seek guidance on such subjects as divorce and abortions and know not of what the bible says and of what is moral concerning these things. Divorce is acceptable, we are taught in the word of God, if ones spouse commits adultery. That is of course, to say, if ones spouse cheats on the other. While God wants only the best for us, we are not to do any harm to our body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we are not to use illegal drugs or to do anything which may be harmful to ourselves. This would most definitely include suicide as well.      Much like the family of the Holy Trinity, our own family should be regarded as sacred too. Our marriage should be served with reverence to the Lord, for he has commanded us to not only love one another, but to remain true and faithful to our spouse. Out of respect for the Lord, and also as he has commanded it so, we are to pay tithing. In the time of Christ people paid ten percent of their earnings toward the Minister for his services and out of respect for him as well. Tithing is not only a respectful thing to do, but it also shows our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as he has commanded us to do. We are told through the word of a God, that if we tithe, then the Heavens shall rain blessings down upon us for our continued faith in the Lord.      It doesn't matter where we come together to worship the Creator, merely that we are serving him and gathering in his name. Likewise, it matters not how we worship, as he accepts the worship of all, in whichever forms we feel we should worship him.  One of the ways which we pay tribute to a God and serve him is through our services of the Holy Sacraments and the Eucharist, commonly called communion amongst the Protestants. The Lord Jesus Christ set the example during his lifetime, in which how we are to serve him. One of which ways is through baptism, as he himself was baptized by John the baptist. I find this amazing for the Lord Jesus Christ to be so humble as to graciously allow a mere man, a mortal man, to baptize him. Though John the baptist was called by such, he was definitely a Minister by today's standards even though he may not have been referred to as such back then.    Though we have many different titles we give to our Ministers today, they are the Men of God and should be looked upon great respect, as they were chosen by God to not only serve, but to administer the Holy Sacraments to his people as they have need of it. So in conclusion I have found these courses to be tremendously enlightening and inspiring. I would recommend these courses to anyone seeking to further there knowledge of the Christian Faith. Thanks once again for these courses.

Master of Religion Essay by Rev. Jack Anderson

Master of Religion Essay

By Reverend Jack Anderson

 

The Bible is the sacred text of all Christians. Although there are differences between the bibles of some Christian denominations, essentially all Bibles are divided into two parts – the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament gives the history of the Israelites, God's chosen people. It's filled with myths, stories of love and hate, peace and war, adultery, murder, victory and loss. It also includes stories of Prophets, messengers of God, who came to remind the people of how God expected them to act, but more importantly to foretell the coming of a Messiah who would be a savior to the people. After years of compilation these stories and messages of prophets now make up the Old Testament.

The New Testament is the story of the growth of Christianity, and the coming of the long awaited Messiah. This covers the time shortly before this coming, the birth of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, as well as his life and the lessons he taught during his time on earth. The New Testament also recounts his death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. The rest of the New Testament tells how his followers dealt with his absence, how they carried on his work and spread his message, and waited for the promised "Second Coming" of the Lord.

The New Testament begins with four books called Gospels, which means "Good News". They are (in order as in the bible): Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John . Although all four gospels recount events of Jesus' life, the Gospel according to Mark is unique among these four. It is the shortest of all four gospels; however, one of its most important features is that (according to the Two-Source Hypothesis) it is thought that the gospels of Matthew and Luke took much of their information from Mark. There are large sections from these two gospels that are word-for-word exactly as the same as sections are in Mark. This is significant because Mark was believed to be written first, therefore, it is considered to be a "cornerstone" for which the other gospels were built. Although the book does not officially have an assigned author, and it is officially labeled the "Gospel According to Mark", the author is traditionally thought to be John Mark, a follower of Jesus some time after Jesus' death and resurrection (most likely between A.D. 55 and 70, since this is the date that the book is thought to be written). John Mark traveled with Jesus' apostles Peter as well as worked by his side in Rome. It is because of John Mark's relationship with the apostle Peter that the gospel of Mark is categorized as having apostolic origins, meaning that it was written by either an apostle of Jesus or someone who had a close connection with an apostle. John Mark is also mentioned in some of Paul's epistles, because he traveled with Paul and Barnabas (who was his cousin). Because of his close relationship with these influential figures in Christian history, particularly Peter the apostle, it is no wonder that the gospel of Mark is a narrative, and even a lot like a biography of Jesus, recounting very detailed events of his life and exact lessons that he taught. While working with Peter he must have been privy to all kinds of stories of the man whom he was so devoted to and for whom he and all other Christians sacrificed so much. He, of course, also heard many stories of Jesus' teachings, which he and other apostles, disciples, and missionaries were teaching others. One of those stories of Jesus' message, recounted in the Gospel According to Mark, 12: 28-34, is commonly referred to as "The First Commandment and Greatest Commandment".

In this narrative gospel of Mark, Jesus is preaching when a scribe ventured to ask him which commandment was the first, or in other words, which one was most important to follow. His response to "love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength" (Mk. 12:30) and to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mk. 12:31) is what this passage centers around. At hearing Jesus' response, the scribe who initially questioned him responded by stating that he knew these things were important above all other things, particularly, "burnt offerings and sacrifices required by the law" (Mk. 12:33). The importance that Jesus sees in understanding and abiding by these commandments is emphasized by the author, John Mark, by writing that when Jesus saw that the scribe understood he told him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God".

The location of this passage in the Bible is not surprising because it is surrounded by passages (particularly in chapters 11 and 12) which are similar in that Jesus' authority to teach and beliefs are being challenged by the authority figures in the Jewish faith, particularly those who run the Jewish Temple. It is important to notice that Jesus answered by stating not one, but two commandments, that had been given to Moses and the Israelites many years ago – found in Deuteronomy 6:5, as well as in Leviticus 19:18. These passages are in not only what Christians refer to as the Old Testament, but are in the Torah (the sacred scripture of the Jewish faith), which Jesus would have been very familiar with as a practicing Jew. Equally important, is the fact that these passages are based on the core idea of love. As a result of these two details which cannot be overlooked, I think that the message of "The First and Greatest Commandment" is to establish Jesus as the new lawgiver with the message to love God and to love others. We must know and understand these commandments, as well as apply them to our lives, and it is when we are able to do these things, that we may fully enter into the kingdom of God.

When reflecting on Jesus' answer to the scribe, one must notice that Jesus states two passages from the Old Testament. This may seem insignificant; however, it is highly significant. Also notice that in the surrounding passages, as well as in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, the books surrounding the Gospel of Mark, Jesus authority is constantly being questioned and he is being put to the test by Scribes and Pharisees. The Jewish leaders were uncomfortable with Jesus' practices because he did not follow the Mosaic Law, or Covenant (the set of rules and regulations that strictly guided the Jews "religious and community life and acted as their 'constitution", which also includes the Ten Commandments) as strictly as they believed he should. Jesus healed the sick on the Sabbath and ate with sinners and lepers, things that the scribes and Pharisees would never dream of doing. In quoting the sacred texts of the Jews, it was established that Jesus was a devoted, and practicing Jew, something the Scribes may have been confused by, because with his teachings Jesus made a statement to the Jews that he was the new covenant, the new lawgiver. The thought of something with more authority than the Mosaic Law of the Old Testament was highly disturbing to the Jewish leaders because they neither knew, nor wanted another way. The Old Testament can also be referred to as the "Law of Fear and Servitude" because it focuses primarily on rules, laws, and punishments. Jesus came to preach a very different message - one of hope and love, which he summed up in two sentences. That is why the New Testament is referred to as the New Law, or the "Law of Love and Liberty". As Sullivan explains, this is why St. Thomas Aquinas considered the New Law to be infused, to come from within. The Old Testament was about outwardly appearance, while the New Testament was about individual intimate relationships. Although Jesus certainly taught the importance of obedience to God, he taught that instead it is better to obey the Lord because of love, not fear of punishment. As a result of that love for the Lord, we are inclined from within ourselves to follow the law of God because we love him (thus, the title "Law of Liberty"). And with that same love, it is only logical that we would treat our neighbors with that same love, as we would want to be treated. Because the New Testament is a reflection on Jesus and his teachings, this passage in Mark is a perfect model of Jesus' different form of teaching, and how he established himself as the new lawgiver, or new covenant to the people with his message to love God and to love others.

As previously mentioned, the surrounding Gospels of Matthew and Luke also include this same passage; however, they differ greatly, as Agnes Norfleet notes in, Between Text and Sermon. In the other gospels, the environment in which Jesus is questioned is very tense, accusatory, and unreceptive. The individuals questioning (more so challenging) Jesus are not questioning in order to receive answers, they are searching for a way to catch Jesus saying something that could be taken in an offensive way to the Jewish faith and tradition, in hopes of convicting him on a charge of blasphemy or another related crime. After hearing Jesus' response his questioners are merely more aggravated and set on his conviction than before. The same passage, but in Mark, is a great contrast! The environment in Mark is pleasant and accepting.

More importantly, the scribe who questions Jesus reflects on the answer he is given and finds that he agrees. When he states he thinks these commandments must be "more important than the burnt offerings and sacrifices required by the law", he expresses understanding because he is able to apply Jesus' message to his own life. Unlike the Jewish leaders in the surrounding books and passages, he is able to see the big picture and look past the "Law of Fear and Punishment" and sees the message of "Love and Liberty" that Jesus preaches. This is exactly what Jesus wants all of his followers to do! He wants his followers to take his message and not merely accept it, but to judge for themselves and if in accord, to apply it to their lives! The importance Jesus places on this, as well as the desire he has for us to understand and act on his love is sealed when he tells the wise scribe, "You are not far from the kingdom of God".

The Gospel of Mark 12:2-34 can be interpreted and debated hundreds of ways, but I believe that the theological message of the passage was to establish Jesus as the new lawgiver, as well as to preach his message: to love God and to love others. Once able do this, his followers would be able to realize that they could live out his message by understanding and applying it to their everyday lives. When his followers could fully live out this "First and Greatest Commandment" they, like the scribe, would be in a place in which they longed to be, and Jesus longs for all of humanity to be, and that is "not far from the kingdom of God" (Mark 12:34).

 No discourse on religion in general would be complete without a glimpse into Christianity and Islam.

Historically Jesus & Mohammed are very important religious figures, and still remain important religious figures today. Jesus Christ (also known as Jesus of Nazareth) is the central figure of Christianity. Mohammed is considered to be the founder of Islam. Muslims regard Mohammed as the last and most important profit.

Christian views of Jesus are both diverse and complex. Most Christians believe that Jesus is simultaneously the Son of God and God made incarnate, sent to provide salvation and reconciliation with God by atoning for the sins of humanity. Nontrinitarian Christians adopt various other interpretations regarding the divinity of Jesus. Most Christians believe that Jesus was born from the virgin Mary, than later crucified and buried in a tomb. They also believe that he was resurrected on the third day of death, also know as Easter and ascended into Heaven where he resides with God the Father until the Second Coming. Most Christians also believe that Jesus performed miracles and fulfilled biblical prophecy. In Islam, Jesus is considered one of God's most beloved and important prophets, a bringer of divine scripture, and also the Messiah. Furthermore, the Virgin Birth of Jesus is an article of faith. Muslims, however, do not share the Christian belief in the crucifixion or divinity of Jesus. Islam teaches that Jesus was raised to heaven. Most Muslims believe that Jesus will return to the earth as Messiah in the company of the Mahdi once the earth has become full of sin and injustice.

This information shows just how important Jesus was and still is today. Many people still view Jesus in these same ways.

Mohammed was historically very important to his followers as well, According to Islam Pakistanway (2007)[The main sources of information on Muhammad's life are the Qur'an, and the traditional Muslim biographies of Muhammad and quotes attributed to him (the sira and hadith literature). These sources are part of the oral traditions, the compilation of the Qur'an was completed early after the death of Muhammad and while the earliest surviving written sira dates to 150 years after Muhammad, and the compilation and analysis of the hadith literature took place even later. Thus, historians as well as Islamic scholars (Ulema) have attached varying degrees of skepticism to these accounts. Most historians agree that Muhammad lived during the 7th century and adopted various monotheistic traditions in an effort to replace the common polytheistic religions of the Arabian Peninsula, eventually gaining wide acceptance as a prophet.]

Modern historians do not really accept the medieval western conception of Muhammad; they feel that he is an imposter. Academic scholars such as Montgomery Watt, Sprenger, Noldeke, Weil, Muir, Koelle, Grimme and Margoliouth agree that Muhammad was sincere and had a profound belief in himself and his mission as nothing else could explain Muhammad's readiness to endure hardship and persecution during the Meccan period when from the secular point of view there was no prospect of success. There are differing views as to whether he remained sincere later in the Medinian period. Several scholars hold that Muhammad's ideas developed gradually: Some traditions were taken from the Bible and included in the Qur'an in order to have followers from Christianity and Judaism convert to Islam.

The death of both Jesus and Mohammed had significant impact of their followers. The death and resurrection of Jesus are still the most important events in Christian history. This it's self is what formed the entire Christian religion. This showed that God himself has the power over life and death, also showing that he has the ability to give people eternal life. Most Christians accept the New Testament story as an historical account of the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is center of their faith. Some liberal Christians do not accept a literal bodily resurrection, seeing the story as richly symbolic and spiritually nourishing myth. Almost all non-Christians do not accept the bodily resurrection of Jesus. They therefore either deny the resurrection as a form of myth, or agree with liberal Christians that the resurrection was a devoutly held, powerful myth.

As we can see the death of Jesus split his followers. Some people believed the story of his death and resurrection; other passed it off as a myth or never believed he was human at all. Within a few decades after his death, his successors had united all of Arabia under an Islamic empire, which essentially became the successor to the Sassanid, Byzantine, and ultimately Roman empires. Islam today is the faith of 1.3-1.7 billion people all over the globe, and is now the second largest religion after Christianity by the number of adherents.]

The teachings of both Jesus and Mohammed are still carried out today in much the same ways they were before they died. The story of both Jesus and Mohammed is being taught by people all over the world to kids of the next generation. Jesus and Mohammed are both still being worshipped around the world. People still gather together to warship, pray, and listen to the teachings of both Jesus and Mohammed. Special days are set aside for the worship of both Jesus and Mohammed. Called Holidays, Christmas and Easter are days sent a side for Celebration of Jesus birthday and the day of his resurrection. Mohammed's followers have days sent aside as well.

In conclusion this glimpse at Islam and Christianity allow us as students to look at their parallels and make us better for them. Jesus and Mohammed were very important people in religion and still remain very important today. I have several friends who are of the Islamic faith and this prompted me to do this research.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this chance to reset my own basic tenets and re-establishing my belief system. I would not change anything in the course.

 

Bibliography

The International Student Bible for Catholics: New American Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1987.

The Zondervan NIV Bible, Zondervan Publishing, 2008
Norfleet, Agnes W. "Mark 12:28-34." Interpretation: Between Text and Sermon 51, no. 4 (October 1997): 403-406. ATLA

Arikah Encyclopedia (2007) Retrieved June, 2012 from
http://www.arikah.net/encyclopedia/Jesus

Islam Pakistanway (2007) Retrieved June, 2012 from
http://islam.pakistanway.com/ShowTopic.aspx?topicid=230&typeid=24

Life of Christ (2007) Retrieved June, 2012 From
http://www.lifeofchrist.com/life/lifescan/death.asp