John 5
1 - 18 Jesus Heals on the Sabbath
Jesus heals a man by who had been ill for 38 years by telling him to take up his mat and walk. One problem: it's the Sabbath and it is unlawful to carry the mat. When pressed, Jesus replies, "My Father is still working, and I also am working." This parable seems to me to be about the dangers of following the letter or the law rather than the spirit of the law.
19 - 30 The Authority of the Son
Jesus has the power of judgment. 24 "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life."
31 - 47 Witnesses to Jesus
Jesus offers John and the scriptures as testimony on his behalf. (My notes state that this passage is important because Jewish law did not accept individuals' testimony about themselves).
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Monday, August 28, 2006
John 4
John 4
1 - 45 Jesus and the Woman of Samaria
Jesus heads back to Galilee through Samaria. At Jacob's well, he meets a Samaritan woman, and he asks her for a drink. (My notes: "Though both Jews and Samaritans were descended from ancient Israel and practiced similar religions, there was a long standing hostility between them. Thus it was unusual for Jews to buy food from Samaritans). He tells her to get her husband, and she says she has none. Jesus tells her that she has had 5 husbands, and the one she has now is not her husband. (My notes: "Perhaps this subject is raised because in the OT, the meeting of a man and a woman at a well often led to marriage") She sees that Jesus is a prophet, and he said, "But the hour is coming, and is now hear, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (23-24)
The disciples come and are upset that he is speaking to a woman. They leave and Jesus refuses to eat, saying, "I have food to eat that you do not know about (32) . . . My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. (34)" They return to Galilee.
46 - 54 Jesus Heals an Official's Son
In Capernaum the son of a royal official is ill. Jesus tells him, "Go your son will live." He returns home and discovers that the kid's fever broke at the same hour he was speaking to Jesus.
1 - 45 Jesus and the Woman of Samaria
Jesus heads back to Galilee through Samaria. At Jacob's well, he meets a Samaritan woman, and he asks her for a drink. (My notes: "Though both Jews and Samaritans were descended from ancient Israel and practiced similar religions, there was a long standing hostility between them. Thus it was unusual for Jews to buy food from Samaritans). He tells her to get her husband, and she says she has none. Jesus tells her that she has had 5 husbands, and the one she has now is not her husband. (My notes: "Perhaps this subject is raised because in the OT, the meeting of a man and a woman at a well often led to marriage") She sees that Jesus is a prophet, and he said, "But the hour is coming, and is now hear, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (23-24)
The disciples come and are upset that he is speaking to a woman. They leave and Jesus refuses to eat, saying, "I have food to eat that you do not know about (32) . . . My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. (34)" They return to Galilee.
46 - 54 Jesus Heals an Official's Son
In Capernaum the son of a royal official is ill. Jesus tells him, "Go your son will live." He returns home and discovers that the kid's fever broke at the same hour he was speaking to Jesus.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
John 3
John 3
1 - 21 Nicodemus Visits Jesus
Nicodemus was a leader of the Jews. Jesus tells him that no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again (from water and the Spirit). Whoever believes in Jesus will be saved. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son (18)
22 - 36 John the Baptist's Testimony about Jesus
A "certain Jew" asks John the Baptist about Jesus who is also baptizing people. John testifies to Jesus' authenticity and reiterates that "whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him" (36)
1 - 21 Nicodemus Visits Jesus
Nicodemus was a leader of the Jews. Jesus tells him that no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again (from water and the Spirit). Whoever believes in Jesus will be saved. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son (18)
22 - 36 John the Baptist's Testimony about Jesus
A "certain Jew" asks John the Baptist about Jesus who is also baptizing people. John testifies to Jesus' authenticity and reiterates that "whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him" (36)
Thursday, August 24, 2006
John 2
John 2
1 - 12 The Wedding at Cana
In this miracle, found in John, Jesus changes water to wine - and it's good wine. The steward is amazed because people usually serve the best wine first.
13 - 25 Jesus Cleanses the Temple
This story of Jesus cleansing the temple at Passover is found at the end of the other gospels (which my notes say may be more historically correct, since it was one of the things that led to his arrest). Jesus said he will destroy the temple and raise it again in three days, but no one knew what he was talking about until after his resurrection.
1 - 12 The Wedding at Cana
In this miracle, found in John, Jesus changes water to wine - and it's good wine. The steward is amazed because people usually serve the best wine first.
13 - 25 Jesus Cleanses the Temple
This story of Jesus cleansing the temple at Passover is found at the end of the other gospels (which my notes say may be more historically correct, since it was one of the things that led to his arrest). Jesus said he will destroy the temple and raise it again in three days, but no one knew what he was talking about until after his resurrection.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
John 1
John 1
1 - 18 The Word Became Flesh
My notes: "The prologue introduces the central theme of this Gospel: the divine Savior has come into the world, has been rejected by many, but has given eternal life to those who accepted him."
Jesus was God's Word to men. The Word was with God from the beginning. Then Jesus lived among us. 16. From his fullness of grace we have all received, grace upon grace.
19 - 34 The Testimony of John the Baptist
Jesus denies to the priests and Levites that he is the Messiah. John the Baptist testifies that Jesus, "Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after to me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandle." (26-27) Later, he says, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!
35 - 51 The First Disciples of Jesus
The disciples recognize Jesus' divinity and follow him. It's amazing how they drop what they are doing and follow him. The Holy Spirit must have truly been at work.
1 - 18 The Word Became Flesh
My notes: "The prologue introduces the central theme of this Gospel: the divine Savior has come into the world, has been rejected by many, but has given eternal life to those who accepted him."
Jesus was God's Word to men. The Word was with God from the beginning. Then Jesus lived among us. 16. From his fullness of grace we have all received, grace upon grace.
19 - 34 The Testimony of John the Baptist
Jesus denies to the priests and Levites that he is the Messiah. John the Baptist testifies that Jesus, "Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after to me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandle." (26-27) Later, he says, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!
35 - 51 The First Disciples of Jesus
The disciples recognize Jesus' divinity and follow him. It's amazing how they drop what they are doing and follow him. The Holy Spirit must have truly been at work.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Numbers 36
Numbers 36
1 - 13 Marriage of Female Heirs
My notes say, "The complaint in this verse assumes that a wife's property became her husbands upon marriage. In such a case the solution in 27.7-8 might mean that ancestral land would be moved from one tribe to another, a possibilitty not considered in framing that earlier solution and one that was to be avoided.
1 - 13 Marriage of Female Heirs
My notes say, "The complaint in this verse assumes that a wife's property became her husbands upon marriage. In such a case the solution in 27.7-8 might mean that ancestral land would be moved from one tribe to another, a possibilitty not considered in framing that earlier solution and one that was to be avoided.
Numbers 35
Numbers 35
1 - 8 Cities for the Levites
The Lord tells Moses the dimensions of the towns. The Levites shall have six cities of refuge plus 42 towns to total 48.
9 - 15 Cities of Refuge
The cities of refuge are "so, there is a that a slayer who kills a person without intent may flee there." There will be six of them.
16 - 34 Concerning Murder and Blood Revenge
Anyone who strikes someone with an iron object is a murderer and shall be put to death. This also applies to one with a stone in the hand, a weapon of wood. Also on this list are if someone "pushes another in hatre, or hurls something at another", or strikes in emnity with the hand.
If he kills without emnity there is a process of retribution.
33-34. "You shall not pollute the land in which you live; for blood pollutes the land, and no expiation can be made for the land, for the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of the one who shed it. You shall not defile the land in which you live, in which I also dwell; for I the Lord dwell among the Israelites."
1 - 8 Cities for the Levites
The Lord tells Moses the dimensions of the towns. The Levites shall have six cities of refuge plus 42 towns to total 48.
9 - 15 Cities of Refuge
The cities of refuge are "so, there is a that a slayer who kills a person without intent may flee there." There will be six of them.
16 - 34 Concerning Murder and Blood Revenge
Anyone who strikes someone with an iron object is a murderer and shall be put to death. This also applies to one with a stone in the hand, a weapon of wood. Also on this list are if someone "pushes another in hatre, or hurls something at another", or strikes in emnity with the hand.
If he kills without emnity there is a process of retribution.
33-34. "You shall not pollute the land in which you live; for blood pollutes the land, and no expiation can be made for the land, for the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of the one who shed it. You shall not defile the land in which you live, in which I also dwell; for I the Lord dwell among the Israelites."
Numbers 34
Numbers 34
1 - 15 The Boundaries of the Land
God tells them where the boundaries of the land are (Dead Sea in East, the ascent of Akrabbim in the south, the Mediterranean in the west, etc.). My notes say "The boundaries of the promised land given here are ideal and do not correspond to Israel's actually boundaries at any time . . . They do, however, correspond to the territory "Canaan" as ruled by Egypt in the second half of the second millennium B.C.E."
16 - 29 Tribal Leaders
Here is the list of Tribal Leaders, of which my notes say only Caleb and Joshua have been mentioned before.
1 - 15 The Boundaries of the Land
God tells them where the boundaries of the land are (Dead Sea in East, the ascent of Akrabbim in the south, the Mediterranean in the west, etc.). My notes say "The boundaries of the promised land given here are ideal and do not correspond to Israel's actually boundaries at any time . . . They do, however, correspond to the territory "Canaan" as ruled by Egypt in the second half of the second millennium B.C.E."
16 - 29 Tribal Leaders
Here is the list of Tribal Leaders, of which my notes say only Caleb and Joshua have been mentioned before.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Numbers 33
Numbers 33
1 - 49 The Stages of Israel's Journey from Egypt
They set out from Rameses in the first month [. . . ] while they Egyptians were burying their firstborn, whom the Lord had struck down among them (4 - 5) The summary follows the Israelites from the Succoth to the wilderness of Sinai (6 - 15) and to the plains of Moab (16 - 49).
50 - 56 Directions for the Conquest of Canaan
In Moab (by the Jordan at Jericho) the Lord tells Moses to tell the Israelites to drive the Canaanites from their land and destroy their cast images, and then they can divide up the spoils
1 - 49 The Stages of Israel's Journey from Egypt
They set out from Rameses in the first month [. . . ] while they Egyptians were burying their firstborn, whom the Lord had struck down among them (4 - 5) The summary follows the Israelites from the Succoth to the wilderness of Sinai (6 - 15) and to the plains of Moab (16 - 49).
50 - 56 Directions for the Conquest of Canaan
In Moab (by the Jordan at Jericho) the Lord tells Moses to tell the Israelites to drive the Canaanites from their land and destroy their cast images, and then they can divide up the spoils
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Numbers 32
Numbers 32
1 - 42 Conquest and Division of Transjordan
My notes: The Gadites have cattle and the point out that Israel has already won good cattle land. Moses interprets their request as a fear of failure in war. They compromise: the Reubenites and Gadites both inherit the land they want and fight in the remaining battle for conquest on the west side of Jordan.
1 - 42 Conquest and Division of Transjordan
My notes: The Gadites have cattle and the point out that Israel has already won good cattle land. Moses interprets their request as a fear of failure in war. They compromise: the Reubenites and Gadites both inherit the land they want and fight in the remaining battle for conquest on the west side of Jordan.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Numbers 31
Numbers 31
1 - 12 War Against Midian
The Lord commands Moses to avenge the Israelites against Midian (1000 troops from each side). They battle and kill every male, including the kings of Midian. They bring all of the spoils of war to Moses, to Eleazar the priest and to the congregation of the Israelites (in Moab).
13 - 24 Return from the War
Moses gets mad with the officers because he allowed the women to live. He tells them to go back and kill the women and little baby boys (but it's okay to keep virgins for yourselves, wink wink). Eleazar tells how everything in the booty must be purified.
25 - 54 Disposition of Captives and Booty
The spoils are divided in two parts: between those who went to battle and the congregation (list follows).
1 - 12 War Against Midian
The Lord commands Moses to avenge the Israelites against Midian (1000 troops from each side). They battle and kill every male, including the kings of Midian. They bring all of the spoils of war to Moses, to Eleazar the priest and to the congregation of the Israelites (in Moab).
13 - 24 Return from the War
Moses gets mad with the officers because he allowed the women to live. He tells them to go back and kill the women and little baby boys (but it's okay to keep virgins for yourselves, wink wink). Eleazar tells how everything in the booty must be purified.
25 - 54 Disposition of Captives and Booty
The spoils are divided in two parts: between those who went to battle and the congregation (list follows).
Friday, August 11, 2006
Numbers 30
Numbers 30
1 - 16 Vows made by Women
When men make vows to the Lord, he shall not break his word. When a woman makes a vow, and is still under her father's authority, he must speak up if he disapproves. Similarly, a married woman's vow is subject to her husband's approval. (If he disagrees, he can nullify her vow).
1 - 16 Vows made by Women
When men make vows to the Lord, he shall not break his word. When a woman makes a vow, and is still under her father's authority, he must speak up if he disapproves. Similarly, a married woman's vow is subject to her husband's approval. (If he disagrees, he can nullify her vow).
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Numbers 29
Numbers 29
1 - 6 Offerings at the Festival of Trumpets
The Lord demands a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect, a grain offering of 3/10 of an ephah of fine flour and oil, one male goat as a sin offering, and the drink offering. (All of this makes a pleasing odor)
7 - 11 Offerings on the Day of Atonement
On the tenth day of the seventh month, theLord demands 1 young bull, 7 male lambs (a year old without blemish), grain offering, a male goat for sin offering, and the regular offerings.
12 - 40 Offerings at the Festival of Booths
Here is a list of what the Lord demands day by day for the 8 days of the festival. (I won't write it down - it's all there in Numbers 29!) Still, there's going to be a convocation and no working.
1 - 6 Offerings at the Festival of Trumpets
The Lord demands a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect, a grain offering of 3/10 of an ephah of fine flour and oil, one male goat as a sin offering, and the drink offering. (All of this makes a pleasing odor)
7 - 11 Offerings on the Day of Atonement
On the tenth day of the seventh month, theLord demands 1 young bull, 7 male lambs (a year old without blemish), grain offering, a male goat for sin offering, and the regular offerings.
12 - 40 Offerings at the Festival of Booths
Here is a list of what the Lord demands day by day for the 8 days of the festival. (I won't write it down - it's all there in Numbers 29!) Still, there's going to be a convocation and no working.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Numbers 28
Numbers 28
1 - 8 Daily Offerings
The Lord demands daily offerins 2 male lambs, a year old without blemish (one in the morning and one at night).
9 - 10 Sabbath Offerings
The Lord demands in addition to the lambs, two-tenths of an ephah of choice flour for a grain offering.
11 - 15 Monthly Offerings
The Lord demands 2 young bulls, 1 ram, 7 male lambs (a year old without blemish) and 3/10 an ephah of choice flour, (as well as drink offerings, etc.)
16 - 25 Offerings at Passover
On the 14th day of the first month, the Lord demands a holy convocation (no working!), and a burnt offering of 2 young bulls, 1 ram, 7 males lambs (year old no blemish), and the grain offerings. Plus a sin offering of a male goat.
26 - 31 Offerings at the Festival of Weeks
On the day of first fruits, the Lord demands a holy convocation (no working!), and a burnt offering of 2 young bulls, 1 ram, 7 males lambs (year old no blemish), and the grain offerings. Plus a sin offering of a male goat. Also a drink offering.
1 - 8 Daily Offerings
The Lord demands daily offerins 2 male lambs, a year old without blemish (one in the morning and one at night).
9 - 10 Sabbath Offerings
The Lord demands in addition to the lambs, two-tenths of an ephah of choice flour for a grain offering.
11 - 15 Monthly Offerings
The Lord demands 2 young bulls, 1 ram, 7 male lambs (a year old without blemish) and 3/10 an ephah of choice flour, (as well as drink offerings, etc.)
16 - 25 Offerings at Passover
On the 14th day of the first month, the Lord demands a holy convocation (no working!), and a burnt offering of 2 young bulls, 1 ram, 7 males lambs (year old no blemish), and the grain offerings. Plus a sin offering of a male goat.
26 - 31 Offerings at the Festival of Weeks
On the day of first fruits, the Lord demands a holy convocation (no working!), and a burnt offering of 2 young bulls, 1 ram, 7 males lambs (year old no blemish), and the grain offerings. Plus a sin offering of a male goat. Also a drink offering.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Numbers 27
Numbers 27
1 - 11 The Daughters of Zelophehad
They thought they were being treated unfairly and the Lord agreed. The rules were changed as follows: "If a man dies, and has no son, then you shall pass his inheritance on to his daughter (8)." If there's no daughter, then it goes to the brothers, and then to the nearest kinsman of the clan.
12 - 23 Joshua Appointed Moses' Successor
Joshua is "a man in whom is the spirit" (18). In order to transfer authority, Moses lays his hands on him (Presbyterians, at least, still do this at ordination).
1 - 11 The Daughters of Zelophehad
They thought they were being treated unfairly and the Lord agreed. The rules were changed as follows: "If a man dies, and has no son, then you shall pass his inheritance on to his daughter (8)." If there's no daughter, then it goes to the brothers, and then to the nearest kinsman of the clan.
12 - 23 Joshua Appointed Moses' Successor
Joshua is "a man in whom is the spirit" (18). In order to transfer authority, Moses lays his hands on him (Presbyterians, at least, still do this at ordination).
Monday, August 07, 2006
Numbers 26
Numbers 26
1 - 65 A Census of the New Generation
After the plague, Moses demands a census. (The census follows). Not one enrolled by Moses and Aaron in Sinai remain (except for Caleb) - For the Lord said of them, "They shall die in the wilderness."
1 - 65 A Census of the New Generation
After the plague, Moses demands a census. (The census follows). Not one enrolled by Moses and Aaron in Sinai remain (except for Caleb) - For the Lord said of them, "They shall die in the wilderness."
Friday, August 04, 2006
Numbers 25
Numbers 25
1 - 18 Worship of Baal of Peor and the Incident of the Midianite Woman
The Israelites begin to mix with the women of Moab and begin to take on their faith. The Lord tells Moses to take the chiefs of the people and impale them in the sun. Moses tells the judges to kill any people who have "yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor."
An Isrealite brings a Midianite woman into the family in front of everyone. Phinehas (descendant of Aaron) pierces them with a spear, stopping the plague (24,000 died). For this action, Phinehas gets a covenant of peace from the Lord. The Lord tells Moses to harass and defeat the Midianites for deceiving the Isrealites.
1 - 18 Worship of Baal of Peor and the Incident of the Midianite Woman
The Israelites begin to mix with the women of Moab and begin to take on their faith. The Lord tells Moses to take the chiefs of the people and impale them in the sun. Moses tells the judges to kill any people who have "yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor."
An Isrealite brings a Midianite woman into the family in front of everyone. Phinehas (descendant of Aaron) pierces them with a spear, stopping the plague (24,000 died). For this action, Phinehas gets a covenant of peace from the Lord. The Lord tells Moses to harass and defeat the Midianites for deceiving the Isrealites.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Numbers 24
Numbers 24
1 - 14 Balaam's Third Oracle
Balaam's third oracle again establishes God's support for Israel: "Blessed is everyone who blesses you, and cursed is everyone who curses you." (9) Balak doesn't like what he hears and tries to send him away, but there's one more oracle. . .
15 - 25 Balaam's Fourth Oracle
Balaam's fourth oracle predicts that Israel will rule over the land. When Balaam is finished, then he goes away.
1 - 14 Balaam's Third Oracle
Balaam's third oracle again establishes God's support for Israel: "Blessed is everyone who blesses you, and cursed is everyone who curses you." (9) Balak doesn't like what he hears and tries to send him away, but there's one more oracle. . .
15 - 25 Balaam's Fourth Oracle
Balaam's fourth oracle predicts that Israel will rule over the land. When Balaam is finished, then he goes away.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Numbers 23 / Psalm 50
Numbers 23
1 - 12 Balaam's First Oracle
Balaam tells Balak to build seven altars and prepare seven bulls and seven rams. Then the Lord speaks through him, saying that cursing Israel is wrong because God has blessed them. Balak's not happy with this because Balaam was under contractual obligation to curse his enemies.
13 - 50 Balaam's Second Oracle
So they try again. Again Israel is touted as God's people. "Look, a people rising up like a lioness, and rousing itself like a lion! It does not lies down until it has eaten the prey and drunk the blood of the slain." (24) I'm glad I'm not Lebanan right now.
Psalm 50
The Acceptable Sacrifice
This is like a lawsuit that states what God wants the sacrifice of praise followed by genuine obedience.
1 - 6 God summons the court.
7 - 15 God explains that he is God and doesn't "need" anything. What is required: "Offer praise as your sacrifice to God; fulfill your vows to the Most High. Then call on me in time of distress; I will rescue you, and you shall honor me." (14 - 15)
16 - 21 God rebukes the hypocritical whoshiper. I never want to hear this: "I accuse you, I lay the charge before you." (21)
22 - 23 A threat and a promise: "Understand this, you who forget God, lest I attack you with no one to rescue. Those who offer praise as a sacrifice honor me; to the obedient I will show salvation of God."
I don't think of sacrifice for God enough.
1 - 12 Balaam's First Oracle
Balaam tells Balak to build seven altars and prepare seven bulls and seven rams. Then the Lord speaks through him, saying that cursing Israel is wrong because God has blessed them. Balak's not happy with this because Balaam was under contractual obligation to curse his enemies.
13 - 50 Balaam's Second Oracle
So they try again. Again Israel is touted as God's people. "Look, a people rising up like a lioness, and rousing itself like a lion! It does not lies down until it has eaten the prey and drunk the blood of the slain." (24) I'm glad I'm not Lebanan right now.
Psalm 50
The Acceptable Sacrifice
This is like a lawsuit that states what God wants the sacrifice of praise followed by genuine obedience.
1 - 6 God summons the court.
7 - 15 God explains that he is God and doesn't "need" anything. What is required: "Offer praise as your sacrifice to God; fulfill your vows to the Most High. Then call on me in time of distress; I will rescue you, and you shall honor me." (14 - 15)
16 - 21 God rebukes the hypocritical whoshiper. I never want to hear this: "I accuse you, I lay the charge before you." (21)
22 - 23 A threat and a promise: "Understand this, you who forget God, lest I attack you with no one to rescue. Those who offer praise as a sacrifice honor me; to the obedient I will show salvation of God."
I don't think of sacrifice for God enough.
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