# Harmony of the Gospels # Resources ##### Contemporary Fathers HE Metropolitan Youssef: - Gospel of John: [https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/sets/john-bible-study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/sets/john-bible-study) Fr Daoud Lamei: - Gospel of Matthew: [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvMAQ886ucevru0Ubq5aRKd0k5-y6YUiH](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvMAQ886ucevru0Ubq5aRKd0k5-y6YUiH) - Gospel of John: [https://soundcloud.com/frdaoudlamei/sets/john](https://soundcloud.com/frdaoudlamei/sets/john) Fr Tadros Yacoub Malaty: - Gospel of John: [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nmhxe7dk4qqueadfwx0pg/043\_John.pdf?rlkey=jw3qwioeldbg8ycx67paedpk8&dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nmhxe7dk4qqueadfwx0pg/043_John.pdf?rlkey=jw3qwioeldbg8ycx67paedpk8&dl=0) Fr Joseph Dawoud - Gospel of Luke: [https://www.youtube.com/@theway7721/playlists](https://www.youtube.com/@theway7721/playlists) ##### Patristic Fathers St John Chrysostom - [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/puswqprhtyo21ccemgfa7/033-St-John-Chrysostom-Commentary-on-St-John-Homilies-1-47.pdf?rlkey=498bmkkocwsqreodmtr269p76&dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/puswqprhtyo21ccemgfa7/033-St-John-Chrysostom-Commentary-on-St-John-Homilies-1-47.pdf?rlkey=498bmkkocwsqreodmtr269p76&dl=0) - [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/13k7l0j3tsx7d4x5u4e7f/041-St-John-Chrysostom-Commentary-on-St-John-Homiles-48-88.pdf?rlkey=mmchictsnvsyddgf1s3ugnzfz&dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/13k7l0j3tsx7d4x5u4e7f/041-St-John-Chrysostom-Commentary-on-St-John-Homiles-48-88.pdf?rlkey=mmchictsnvsyddgf1s3ugnzfz&dl=0) St Augustine - [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/j05jnnepigftp2n0rz9mz/078-St-Augustine-Tractates-on-the-Gospel-of-John-1-10.pdf?rlkey=vsv98m4m7jjigdr25t6zvr53b&dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/j05jnnepigftp2n0rz9mz/078-St-Augustine-Tractates-on-the-Gospel-of-John-1-10.pdf?rlkey=vsv98m4m7jjigdr25t6zvr53b&dl=0) - [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/27kx34dsxe2uksfoshyhs/079-St-Augustine-Tractates-on-the-Gospel-of-John-11-27.pdf?rlkey=3ygd51pbwkl7b3fk3bfzad8ps&dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/27kx34dsxe2uksfoshyhs/079-St-Augustine-Tractates-on-the-Gospel-of-John-11-27.pdf?rlkey=3ygd51pbwkl7b3fk3bfzad8ps&dl=0) - [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ui3rmfweccbp7gngrxtgh/088-St-Augustine-Tractates-on-the-Gospel-of-John-28-54.pdf?rlkey=1hmym5omstqoo51s21ujjp98p&dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ui3rmfweccbp7gngrxtgh/088-St-Augustine-Tractates-on-the-Gospel-of-John-28-54.pdf?rlkey=1hmym5omstqoo51s21ujjp98p&dl=0) - [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/m910txsv497prb3wmhswa/090-St-Augustine-Tractates-on-the-Gospel-of-John-55-111.pdf?rlkey=pfssg08e4l0n86yqtd5ock5fx&dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/m910txsv497prb3wmhswa/090-St-Augustine-Tractates-on-the-Gospel-of-John-55-111.pdf?rlkey=pfssg08e4l0n86yqtd5ock5fx&dl=0) - [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/i77004wpyp7d7f22xzev0/092-St-Augustine-Tractates-on-the-Gospel-of-John-112-24-Tractates-on-the-First-Epistle-of-John.pdf?rlkey=w127wi9iwtcpldr0aj8uh1sum&dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/i77004wpyp7d7f22xzev0/092-St-Augustine-Tractates-on-the-Gospel-of-John-112-24-Tractates-on-the-First-Epistle-of-John.pdf?rlkey=w127wi9iwtcpldr0aj8uh1sum&dl=0) Origen - [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3m7dloppiubsqtk329pjo/080-Origen-Commentary-on-the-Gospel-According-to-John-Books-1-10.pdf?rlkey=cz2q9eyjdbdwrbwohedpx7rit&dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3m7dloppiubsqtk329pjo/080-Origen-Commentary-on-the-Gospel-According-to-John-Books-1-10.pdf?rlkey=cz2q9eyjdbdwrbwohedpx7rit&dl=0) - [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/yfj6a9tqyvg2jy3be2oqt/089-Origen-Commentary-on-the-Gospel-of-John-13-32.pdf?rlkey=g7nki6x04c8w4ut7vcynqarv3&dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/yfj6a9tqyvg2jy3be2oqt/089-Origen-Commentary-on-the-Gospel-of-John-13-32.pdf?rlkey=g7nki6x04c8w4ut7vcynqarv3&dl=0) ##### Scholars/Academics Dr. Jeannie Constantinou: - [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/lugbto7etfzjuxtfavc3n/AEdxUl-qUEIdUWvulpvS4dM?rlkey=e6y0o0q2lperxeqpaessm2zd2&dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/lugbto7etfzjuxtfavc3n/AEdxUl-qUEIdUWvulpvS4dM?rlkey=e6y0o0q2lperxeqpaessm2zd2&dl=0) Fr Stephen De Young: - [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/fa0mcmuzbzm51hyxqk23c/AGGMbJZU4rANUrOGRz9e\_wU?rlkey=yitgxba230d2wawhhe1wgune1&dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/fa0mcmuzbzm51hyxqk23c/AGGMbJZU4rANUrOGRz9e_wU?rlkey=yitgxba230d2wawhhe1wgune1&dl=0) # Gospels Index # Gospel of St Matthew ##### Introduction - Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew ##### Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Christ (1-17) - Birth of Christ (18-25) ##### Matthew 2 - Wise Men (1-12) - Flight to Egypt (13-15) - Massacre of the Innocents (16-18) - Home in Nazareth (19-23) ##### Matthew 3 - John the Baptist (1-12) - Baptism of Christ (13-17) ##### Matthew 4 - Temptation (1-11) - Ministry in Galilee (12-22) - Calling of the Disciples (18-22) - Jesus Heals a Great Multitude (23-25) ##### Matthew 5 ##### Matthew 6 ##### Matthew 7 ##### Matthew 8 ##### Matthew 9 ##### Matthew 10 ##### Matthew 11 ##### Matthew 12 ##### Matthew 13 ##### Matthew 14 ##### Matthew 15 ##### Matthew 16 ##### Matthew 17 ##### Matthew 18 ##### Matthew 19 ##### Matthew 20 ##### Matthew 21 ##### Matthew 22 ##### Matthew 23 ##### Matthew 24 ##### Matthew 25 ##### Matthew 26 ##### Matthew 27 ##### Matthew 28 # Gospel of St Mark # Gospel of St Luke ##### Luke 1 - Preface - Annunciation of the Birth of John - Annunciation of the Birth of Christ - Visit of St Mary to St Elizabeth - Birth and Circumcision of John the Baptist ##### Luke 2 - Birth of Christ (1-20) - Circumcision of Jesus (21) - Presentation of the Lord in the Temple (22-39) - The Boy Jesus (40-52) ##### Luke 3 - John the Baptist (1-20) - Baptism of Christ (21-22) - Genealogy of Christ (23-38) ##### Luke 4 ##### Luke 5 ##### Luke 6 ##### Luke 7 ##### Luke 8 ##### Luke 9 - Sending out the Twelve (1-6) - Herod Seeks to See Jesus (7-9) - Feeding the Five Thousand (10-17) - Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ (18-20) - Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection (21-22) - Take Up the Cross and Follow Him (23-27) - The Transfiguration (28-36) - A Boy is Healed (37-42) - Jesus Again Predicts His Death (43-45) - Who is the Greatest? (46-48) - [Humility - HG Bishop Peter Sermon](https://notes.morcous.com/books/salvation-spiritual-life/page/humility-hg-bishop-peter-sermon "Humility - HG Bishop Peter Sermon") - Jesus Forbids Sectarianism (49-50) - A Samaritan Village Rejects the Savior (51-56) - The Cost of Discipleship (57-62) ##### Luke 10 ##### Luke 11 ##### Luke 12 ##### Luke 13 ##### Luke 14 ##### Luke 15 ##### Luke 16 ##### Luke 17 ##### Luke 18 ##### Luke 19 ##### Luke 20 ##### Luke 21 ##### Luke 22 ##### Luke 23 ##### Luke 24 # Gospel of St John 1. John 1 1. Prologue 2. John the Baptist 3. Philip and Nathanael 2. John 2 1. Wedding of Cana 2. Cleansing the Temple 3. John 3 1. Baptism & Nicodemus 2. John the Baptist Exalts Christ 4. John 4 1. Samaritan Woman 2. Galilee 3. Healing the Nobleman’s Son 5. John 5 1. Paralytic Man 2. … 6. John 6 1. Feeding the Multitude 2. I Am the Bread of Life 7. John 7 8. John 8 1. John 8:1-12 - [Woman Caught in Adultery](https://notes.morcous.com/books/harmony-of-the-gospels/page/john-753-811-woman-caught-in-adultery "Woman Caught in Adultery") 2. John 8: # Intro to the Gospels # Gospel of Matthew Introduction: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [MATTHEW - Intro & Ch 1 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/matthew-introduction-chapter-1-bible-study "MATTHEW - Intro & Ch 1 ~ Bible Study")
#### Introduction to the Gospel of St. Matthew 00:00-20:00 - The Gospel of St Matthew has always occupied a position of high esteem in the faith and life of the Early Church - Most of the Early Church Fathers frequently quoted the Gospel of St Matthew - Gospel of St Matthew was the most read gospel during the first two centuries of Christianity - Author: St. Matthew - All the Church Fathers agree that the author is St Matthew, himself - Matthew means "Gift of the Lord" - Also called Levi - He was a tax-collector before being called to be one of the disciples of Christ - One of the Lord's earliest disciples - Because he followed the Lord Jesus Christ so closely, his account is considered a first-hand eyewitness account (contrast with St Luke who depended on others to write his gospel) - Timing: - Irenaeus said it was written while St Peter and St Paul were preaching in Rome - Eusebius, the Church Historian, said it was written after St Matthew left Palestine and started to preach outside Palestine - Clement of Alexandria said that the first two gospels written were the Gospel of St Matthew and the Gospel of St Luke - Two Versions - Hebrew/Aramaic Version (39-42 AD) - All of the Church Fathers reference this, but this work is lost - Possibly lost when Jerusalem was destroyed; or destroyed by the Judaizers - Greek Version (60-67 AD) - The version that we are using now - There is no consensus among scholars as to whether the Greek version is a translation of the Hebrew/Aramaic version, or if it is a different gospel - Regardless, the Gospel was written by St Matthew - Audience: Jews who believed in Christ and became Christian - Gives details of Jewish Religious Observances - Uses Jewish style of argument - Starts with a Genealogy to show that Jesus is Son of Abraham and Son of David - Prophetic Formula - St Matthew Mentions many evidences that Christ rose from the dead - Purpose - St Matthew wants to prove to them that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messianic King of the Old Testament whom they are waiting for - He refers many times to prophecies from the Old Testament to prove that Jesus is the Messiah and in Him the prophecies are fulfilled - To make clear that the New Testament is a continuation of the Old Testament - - Christ came to fulfill the Law not to destroy it - To show that Christ was sent to the Jews (Matthew 15:24 - "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel") - Theme: Jesus is the King of the Jews - Sections - Matthew 1-4:11 - The Advent of the Messiah - Christ is the Son of David - Christ was born of a Virgin at Bethlehem - His way was prepared by John the Baptist - His Baptism - The Temptation on the Mountain - Matthew 4:12-16:12 - The Public Proclamation of the Messiah's Kingdom - He chose His first disciples and started His ministry in Galilee - Sermon on the Mount - Many miracles performed by Christ - Matthew 16:13-Matthew 23 - Distinct and Public Claim of the Messiahship - Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? - Account of the Transfiguration - Entering Jerusalem as the Son of David - Assuming Messianic Authority in the Temple - Matthew 24-27 - Sacrifice of the Messiah, the High Priest, on the Cross - Prepared His Disciples for His Sacrificial Death - The Crucifixion - Matthew 28 - Victory of the Messiah, the Savior and the King - The Resurrection - Numerology - In Scripture in general, numbers usually have more significance than just a quantity - e.g. 7 is a symbol of perfection - Gematria - Each letter has a corresponding number - So a name or a word has a number - D = 4 V = 6 DVD = 14 (in Hebrew, there aren't any vowels so the name David is DVD) - St Matthew uses numerology a lot - 14 = King David's Number - St Matthew wants to establish the link between Christ and King David - Three sets of 14 in the Genealogy in Ch 1 - Total 42 - 42 is 6x7 - 6 is the number of man (since man was made on the 6th day) - 7 is the number of God (perfect number) - So 42 is the conflict between man and God - Man rebelled against God - But God sent His Son to reconcile man with God - 7 is a perfect number - 7 Beautitudes (Matthew 5) - 7 Repetitions in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6) - 7 Parables (Matthew 13) - 7 Woes (Matthew 23) # The Beginning of the Gospel - Genealogy of Christ - The Birth of Christ - Infancy Narratives of Christ - John the Baptist - Baptism of Christ - Temptation on the Mount - Calling the Disciples # Luke 1a: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 1: 1 - 25 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-1-1-25-bible-study "LUKE 1: 1 - 25 ~ Bible Study")
#### Outline of the Chapter - 1-4: Prologue to the Gospel and Dedication to Theophilus - 5-25: Birth of St John the Baptist announced to Zecharias - 26-38: Annunciation to St. Mary - 39-45: Visit of St Mary to Elizabeth - 46-56: Magnificat - 56-58: Birth of St John the Baptist - 59-66: Circumcision of St John the Baptist - 67-80: Zacharias' Prophecy #### Prologue 1 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. - Exposition - St Luke is sending this gospel to a person named Theophilus and telling him that many people wrote narratives about the life of Christ, but this narrative is very known to me, personally. - It is known to him personally because he received it from eyewitnesses. Luke took upon himself the responsibility to understand perfectly the things that had happened since the very beginning and to write them accurately, so that Theophilus would know what was instructed - Prologue - Gospel of Luke is the only gospel to start with a prologue, and he followed the style of prologue that was common in the literature at the time - "Many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative" - St Luke seems to attest that other gospels exist in his time, which are not as accurate. - Some scholars estimate 30 or more gospels from the first two centuries. - The Church only ever accepted four gospels. - Origen testifies that from the very beginning, the Church only acknowledged four Gospels as being inspired by the Holy Spirit. - The beginning - "just as those who from the beginning were..." - The life of Christ started by the Annunciation of the Birth of John to Zacharias - Eyewitnesses and ministers of the word - Those who delivered these things to Luke and his contemporaries were eyewitnesses - Ministers of the word are the apostles - Perfect understanding of all things - St Luke is saying that he has traced the traditions to their very sources and will write them in their consecutive order, that Theophilus may be fully convinced in the truth he was instructed in. - Most Excellent Theophilus - "most excellent Felix" (Acts 24:3) - so "most excellent" must imply a high rank or public figure - Theophilus means "Lover of God" - Theophilus is a common name in Greek - no reason to assume that Theophilus wasn't the name of someone that Luke knew - Some theorize that Theophilus was a sponsor of St Luke who sponsored him to author Luke and Acts - Some theorize that Theophilus is a benefactor who wanted to stay anonymous, and so Luke called him "lover of God" - Some say that Theophilus is a noble of Antioch - Some suggest that Theophilus refers to all believers of Christ #### Annunciation of the Birth of John the Baptist 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife *was* of the daughters of Aaron, and her name *was* Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. - Setting the Stage - St. Luke sets the time period as being during the time of Herod - Herod, king of Judea - By the 1st Century, Judea was not a separate state, but was under Herod with Samaria, Galilee, Idumea, etc. - Zacharias - Name means "God Remembers" - Division of Abijah - Aaron, the High Priest, had four sons - Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithamar - Nadab and Abihu offered profane fire in Leviticus 10 and were consumed by fire - Eleazar and Ithamar would spring up 24 families: 16 from Eleazar and 8 from Ithamar - At the time of King David, the number of priests became too much... so King David divided them into 24 divisions and each would serve one week (1 Chronicles 24) - Abijah is the 8th Division - Elizabeth - Name means "The Oath of God" - Direct descendant of Aaron - this is a great honor to have both husband and wife as descendants of Aaron the High Priest - Righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. - Righteous before God: not just before men, but before God, who sees the heart - Walking in all the commandments and ordinances: this is the evidence of their righteousness - Commandments were known (like the 10 commandments) - Ordinances are duties ordained for us to follow and fulfill (fasting, prayer, etc.) - Blameless: Doesn't mean they are without sin, but that they are living a life of repentance - If I wash my clothes every day and someone sees me with clean clothes it doesn't mean the clothes were never dirty... it means that they've been cleaned. - Origen: "Our Lord Jesus referred to the Church in Ephesians 5:22 as 'glorious church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.' This does not mean that the son of the Church has never sinned, but rather he leads a life of repentance." - They had no child - A family without child was considered reproach because it cuts off all hope of having the Messiah from that family - The Lord deigned to bring St John the Baptist in this remarkable way overcoming the two obstacles: - Elizabeth is barren - Elizabeth and Zacharias are both advanced in years 8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw *him,* he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. - Offering of Incense - To offer incense was a great occasion in the life of a priest because it may never happen. With over 20,000 priests, the odds that it falls on any given one are low - Every evening, there was an evening incense - and the Levites would go into the holy place and they would prepare it (dump ashes from last time, trim the wicks of the candles, etc.) in preparation for the priest. Then they would go outside and pray until the priest came out of the Holy Place. There would be one priest at the altar of offering outside and one priest at the altar of incense. And once the priest outside offered the lamb on the altar, the priest inside would dump incense on the fire of the altar of incense. - This symbolizes many things: - the aroma going up at the same time as the death of the lamb symbolizes the death of Christ on the Cross as a sweet aroma to the Father - The raising of incense is a raising up of the prayers of all the people outside - The angel's appearance - It had been 400 years since the last Divine Communication... God went 400 years without any prophecies, angels, etc. But now that the Father is going to send His only-begotten Son, He sends an angelic messengers to announce His intention; the prepare the mind of the people to receive such great news. - The appearance of the angel was sudden and unexpected, so Zacharias was fearful - The angel stood on the right side of the altar of incense 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you d]" style="font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; vertical-align: text-top; top: auto; display: inline;">\[[d](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-24913d "See footnote d")\]these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” - Do not be afraid - When the angel says these words, there is a power associated with them to cast away any fear from the heart - Your prayer is heard - The prayer for offspring ("and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son") - John - Name means "God is gracious" - God made an oath/promise to Adam and Even ("Elizabeth" = Oath of God) and in the fullness of time ("Zacharias" = God Remembers), God fulfilled the promise by sending us Grace through His only-begotten Son ("John" = God is gracious) - "Many will rejoice at his brith" - Until now, we rejoice at his birth - "Great in the sight of the Lord" - All of us want to be great... for some it is to be rich, for some it is reputation and honor, for some it is prestige and position... but true Greatness is to be "Great in the Sight of the Lord" - Christ said about John that He is "the greatest among those born of women" - He shall drink neither wine nor strong drink - No lover of wine or strong drink can be great in the sight of the Lord - Filled with the Holy Spirit - John is filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb - Zacharias is filled with the Holy Spirit when John is born - Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit at the visit of St. Mary to her - He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God - John was an instrument to turn many of the Israelites who verbally worshipped Christ but denied Him in error, superstition, etc. - "those who turn many to righteousness \[shall shine\] like the stars forever and ever" (Daniel 12:3) - John and Elijah - John is granted the spirit of Elijah and resembles him - Celibacy - Dress: Camel hair cloak and leather loincloth - Mission: Sent by God to call the covenant people to repentance - John stood before King Herod as Elijah stood before King Ahab - The Jews believed (and still do) that Elijah would come before the Messiah. We believe that Elijah will come at the Second Coming of Christ - "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse." (Malachi 4:6) - Zacharias demands a sign - "How shall I know this" - Gabriel reminds him of who he is - "I am Gabriel" the second archangel! - Zacharias had the honor of being the first one to whom the news of salvation is announced, and the first one to whom the Lord spoke in hundreds of years... and yet he asks for a sign. - Asking for a sign shows spiritual weakness... doubt, lack of faith. - Especially as coming from an angel and coming to a priest - Archangel Gabriel - Name means "The hero of God" or "The might one of God" - One of the seven archangels who is responsible for being the messenger of good news - He came to Daniel to tell him about the restoration of Jerusalem - He came to Zacharias to declare the glorious office of St John the Baptist - He came to St Mary to announce the Birth of Christ 21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless. 23 So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. 24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on *me,* to take away my reproach among people.” - It happened before that some priests died while making their offerings (i.e. because of their sins), so they got worried when he didn't come out - Leviticus 10 - Numbers 16 - Numbers 40 - 2 Chronicles 26 - Days of his service = one week (Sabbath to Sabbath) - 2 Kings 11:5 - Elizabeth hid herself five months - Maybe she was amazed at the angelic announcement and went into isolation in order to meditate on the wonderful goodness of God and to praise God in rejoicing - Maybe she considered how she could best do her part to train this child and be the best mother - Maybe she kept herself hidden lest she exposes herself to ridicule before knowing for certain it was reality - Take away my reproach among people - In those days, having children was a blessing from God... the Messiah could come from these children! - Rachel, mother of Joseph, said "God has taken away my reproach" when she was barren and gave birth to Joseph # Luke 1b: HG Bishop Youssef ####
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 1: 26 - 38 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-1-26-38-bible-study "LUKE 1: 26 - 38 ~ Bible Study")
#### Annunciation of the Birth of Christ 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name *was* Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored *one,* the Lord *is* with you; blessed *are* you among women!” 29 But f]" style="font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; vertical-align: text-top; top: auto; display: inline;">\[[f](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-24923f "See footnote f")\]when she saw *him,* she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” - Sixth month - Sixth month of the pregnancy of Elizabeth (this sentence follows the one before it) - St John the Baptist is 6 months older than Christ - The Coptic Synxarion on Paone 29/30 (July 7) celebrates the Nativity of St John - Mary - In Hebrew it is Miriam - Nazareth - An insignificant village of lower Galilee - Not mentioned in the Old Testament - Not mentioned in any ancient text before the New Testament - Not mentioned in Josephus' writings - "A city of Galilee named Nazareth" - this kind of language indicates that St Luke is writing to people unfamiliar with Palestine - St Mary and St Joseph lived in Nazareth and Christ spent most of His life living in Nazareth - thus, He was called the Nazarene (Matthew 2:23, Mark 1:24) - Nazareth means "branch" - So when Matthew said "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, 'He shall be called a Nazarene'" he was talking about Isaiah 11:1 "There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots." - Virginity of St Mary - In Hebrew, the same word is used for "virgin" and "young girl." - In Greek, "Virgin" is Ⲡⲁⲣⲑⲉⲛⲟⲥ which is different from "young girl." - When Simeon the Elder was translating the book of Isaiah to Greek for the Septuagint, he read it in Hebrew and didn't know if he should use "virgin" or "young girl" - but upon a revelation from God, he used ⲡⲁⲣⲉⲑⲉⲛⲟⲥ ("virgin"). And the Evangelists used the same Greek word: ⲡⲁⲣⲑⲉⲛⲟⲥ. - Betrothed - Betrothal was a ceremony of great importance and usually took place a year before the marriage - It is like a civil marriage but without consummation - St Matthew calls her "his wife" and this is considered true because she was legally his wife - Although Mary was betrothed, she vowed her virginity. She had an agreement with her betrothed that she would remain a virgin... so the betrothal is simply to protect her civil rights. - Mary is related to Zacharias and Elizabeth - Mary has a link to the priestly bloodline because Elizabeth is a direct descendant of Aaron - And of course she has a link to the kingly bloodline being a descendant of King David - Greeting of Archangel Gabriel to St Mary - "Rejoice, highly favored *one,* the Lord *is* with you; blessed *are* you among women!" - The greeting of the angel to Mary is different from his greeting to Zacharias - she gets an honorary title "highly favored" and "full of grace" - She was troubled - The fact that she was troubled by his greeting is evidence of her humility - "who am I to receive such a greeting?" - Do not be afraid, Mary for you have found favor with God. - Calling her by name signifying that he knows her - Do not be afraid - these words carry power - The Divine Message - She will be a mother of a Son - The angel is reminding her of the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." - This Son will be called "Jesus" - Jesus (Joshua, Hosea) means "Savior" - He will be great - This is a fulfillment of the Prophecy by Isaiah - "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of *His* government and peace *There will be* no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6-7) - He will be called the Son of the Highest - "Highest" was one of the Titles of God the Father - Genesis 14:19 - Mark 5:7 - Psalm 92:1 - Psalm 83:18 - "Son of the Highest" is "Son of God" - Peter called Him "You are the Christ, the Son of God" - Centurion at the Cross said "this is truly the Son of God" - God called Jesus His Son - "You are My Son today I have begotten You" - "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased" - Only-begotten - We are all sons of God by adoption - But Christ is the only-begotten of the Father ⲟⲙⲟⲛⲟⲅⲉⲛⲏⲥ - The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. - Echoes the promises that God gave to King David (2 Samuel 7:9-16, 2 Samuel 23:5) - Even the temporal kingdom of Israel belonged to Christ by hereditary right - Promises - Abraham: The Messiah would be his Seed - Moses: Jesus will be the Prophet (deliver message from God to us... Hebrews 1:1) - David: Jesus will be the King and establish the Spiritual Kingdom on earth - Joachim, father of St Mary, was a descendant of King David Anna, mother of St Mary, was a descendant of Aaron - He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of His Kingdom, there will be no end - forever = spiritual kingdom - St Paul in 1 Cor 15 talks about the Kingdom of Christ - Christ is ruling now from the day of the Crucifixion, until the Second Coming when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “*The* Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. - Perpetual Virginity of St. Mary - St. Mary was a virgin before the annunciation - She was a virgin during the pregnancy - She was a virgin during the birth and labor - She continued in her virginity even until the day of her death - If she intended to marry, she wouldn't have said "How can this be?" but rather "When will this be?" - Why was Zacharias punished, but St Mary was not (although she asked 'How can this be?') - St Mary has a legitimate question - how can this be? I have not known a man, I have vowed my virginity... - If she was planning to get married, she wouldn't question because she would understand that this was all to take place after her marriage... - Never in the history of the world was it heard of that a virgin gave birth - Look at her attitude when she got the answer "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word" - Zacharias's question - by what sign? - This question came from doubt - It happened many times in the past that a barren woman gave birth (e.g. Hannah the mother of Samuel), and an elder couple had children (e.g. Abraham and Sarah had Isaac) - The Holy Spirit will come upon you - This conception will be done by the power of the Holy Spirit; it is a divine conception; it is above and beyond our understanding - The power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God - Again using "the Highest" to refer to God the Father - Again about "the Son of God" - Pregnancy of Elizabeth - Elizabeth's pregnancy was a deviation from nature because she was barren and old - With God nothing is impossible - Even for a Virgin to be pregnant - Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word - Many Church Fathers believe that at this moment, as soon as she said this word, she became pregnant - because it was not possible for the Incarnation without her will. God respects and sanctifies human freedom - Some attack titles that we give St Mary (especially in praises): - "The salvation of our father Adam" - If we assumed (for sake of discussion) that St Mary said to Gabriel "No, I cannot accept this." God will never impose Himself on a person refusing Him. God wants to give us the gift of salvation - a free gift. St Mary, by accepting the gift of salvation, we call her "the salvation of our father Adam." - If there is a very poor family and some godly person wanted to give them a gift of money... or wanted to offer a job. If the father of that family rejected that gift of money, or rejected that job, then the family would continue to be poor. But if the father of that family accepted the job that was offered freely to him, then the children can say to the father "you saved us from hunger and poverty" because he received the gift. - St. Mary did not actively save us, but she accepted the free gift of salvation by saying "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word" - "The new Eve" - Our mother Eve became disobedient to God, so the new Eve (St Mary), by her obedience and submission, undid the disobedience of our mother Eve. - The first Eve disobeyed God, the second Eve obeyed God # Luke 1c: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 1: 39 - 56 ~ Bible Study (English & Arabic - عربي)](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-1-39-56-bible-study-english-arabic "LUKE 1: 39 - 56 ~ Bible Study (English & Arabic - عربي)")
#### Visit of St. Mary to Elizabeth 39 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed *are* you among women, and blessed *is* the fruit of your womb! 43 But why *is* this *granted* to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed *is* she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” - Mary goes - Mary goes all the way to Judah from Nazareth - This was a journey of 7-8 days - The babe leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit - This is different from the regular motion of a baby in the womb - Elizabeth knew by the Holy Spirit that St Mary was pregnant. - St Ambrose: "Elizabeth was the first to hear St Mary's voice but John was the first to be affected by the blessing. Elizabeth knew of St Mary's coming, but John felt the presence of Christ in the womb of St Mary." - St Cyril of Jerusalem: "When John was filled with the Holy Spirit, he became sanctified while still in his mother's womb. Consecrated as priest to baptize the Lord." - Elizabeth spoke out with a loud voice - She used the same words to St Mary that the angel used: "Blessed are you among women" - The words she said to St Mary were not her own words but the words of the Holy Spirit on her mouth - "mother of my Lord" - doctrine of Theotokos - Why is this granted to me? - Who am I to deserve this? See the humility of Elizabeth - St. Mary is the Ark of Covenant - "How can the ark of the Lord come to me?" (2 Samuel 6:9) - King David "Why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" - Elizabeth - "The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months." (2 Samuel 6:11) "And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house." - The ark which carried the Rod, the Tablets and the Manna represents St. Mary who carried the Way, the Truth and the Life - St. John the Baptist leaped in the womb King David danced before the ark of covenant (2 Samuel 6:14) - Heresy of Nestorius - **Nestorius' HERESY:** Mary gave birth to a human being and then after he was born as a human, the divinity dwelt in this child. He was excommunicated for this belief. - The Ecumenical Council of Ephesus used the statement of Elizabeth in verse 33 to confirm that St Mary is Mother of God - Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord - The Holy Spirit works differently in all of us - St. Elizabeth was very old and yet she is speaking loudly and exclaiming and very excited and saying all of these words because of the Holy Spirit's work in her - St. Mary was the opposite, and the Holy Spirit worked in her meekness and inner peace. #### The Magnificat 46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy *is* His name. 50 And His mercy *is* on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered *the* proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from *their* thrones, And exalted *the* lowly. 53 He has filled *the* hungry with good things, And *the* rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of *His* mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house. - What was Mary's response to the praise Elizabeth gave her? - She magnified the Lord. She gave glory to the Lord. - Although there is a difference between the soul and spirit, many times in Scripture they are used interchangeably. - Here, she is using her whole body and her heart and her mind and understanding, she is magnifying the Lord. - Praising God with our lips only is of no consequence... yes I praise Him with my tongue, but my tongue is in conjunction with my heart - My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior - She knew herself to be a sinner born with original sin; she needed a Savior! - The Roman Catholics believe in "immaculate conception" that St Mary was born without original sin... but if that's the case, why does she need a Savior? - For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; - God chose St. Mary because of her humility - He regarded the lowly state. - St. Mary did not have an easy life and she went her whole life having made no choices: - She did not choose to be presented to the Temple - She did not choose Joseph to be her fiance - She did not choose to be pregnant with the Son of God - She did not choose to go to Egypt - She did not choose to live with John the Beloved - It is impossible for anyone to live this way if they are not humble. - For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. - Why? Because God chose her and she accepted the plan of God - Protestants who deny veneration for saints are missing this part where St Mary said that all generations will call her blessed... It is our obligation to honor and venerate St Mary - For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. - St Mary attributes all to God and ascribes nothing to herself or her own merits - And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. - Fear of God is not submissive fear like a servant to his master, but it is reverence and respect and recognition of God's sovereignty - God's mercy extends to all from generation to generation - It is not for a certain people - It is not for a certain time - St Mary first praises God for what He has done for her, personally, but now expands to what He has done for all people - He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. - "His arm" refers to the mighty power of God (like after He spread the Red Sea "the right hand of God has done wonders"; plagues, destruction of Pharaoh, etc) - God scatters the proud like chaff or straw - Scribes and Pharisees fell from their earthly glory because in their arrogance and pride, they rejected to accept the Lord Jesus Christ. - He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. - St Mary is speaking prophetically and alluding to the destruction of Satan - Those who are humble and rely on God will be exalted; those who trust in their own wisdom will be put down from their thrones. - He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. - Rich refers to those who trust in their own money, resources, abilities, etc. - Those who are poor in spirit, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness - they are rewarded. - He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. - Her joy in the fact that God has done great things for her rests on the fact that these great things are for all of Israel too - God remembered His mercy that He spoke to Abraham and the fathers - Jesus in her womb is the fulfillment of what God spoke to the fathers, to Abraham and to his seed - The seed of Abraham is not just the natural seed or according to the flesh (that's why Ishmael was not accepted)... but the children according to the Promise (Isaac). The spiritual children from the Gentiles which is all of us. # Luke 1d: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 1: 57 - 80 ~ Bible Study (Eng/Arabic - عربي)](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-1-57-80-bible-study-engarabic "LUKE 1: 57 - 80 ~ Bible Study (Eng/Arabic - عربي)")
#### Birth and Circumcision of John the Baptist 57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her. - The nine months are now complete and St Mary had stayed with her about three months. St. Mary leaves in order to avoid the company which will be at the delivery of the child. - Elizabeth conceiving and giving birth to John the Baptist was the fulfillment and first part of the angel's annunciation to Zacharias: "Do not be afraid Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son" - They rejoiced with her - They rejoiced because God granted her a boy despite two obstacles: her barrenness, her and Zacharias' old age. - They rejoiced because the angelic message and annunciation of John made them wonder... who could this be that an angel is announcing his birth? 59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. 60 His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” 62 So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue *loosed,* and he spoke, praising God. 65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard *them* kept *them* in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. - Since the time of Abraham, circumcision is a was the sign of entrance into the covenant with God and to be a part of the family of God. According to the covenant between God and Abraham every male child should be circumcised on the 8th day. - The custom was to invite all the relatives to attend the celebration and to be witnesses that the child is formally incorporated into the covenant - It was also the custom to name the child on the day of his circumcision - It was important for them to keep the tribes and the families within the tribes distinct because they were tracking the Messiah to see which tribe/family He would come from - In order to avoid any confusion, they would name kids in a tribe after their ancestors in that tribe - For example, St Paul's Jewish name was Saul because he was from the Tribe of Benjamin. So he is named after the first king of Israel, King Saul, who was from the tribe of Benjamin. - They wanted to name him Zacharias like his father, but Elizabeth said "No, he shall be called John" and they said "No one from your tribe or your family is called John!" So they went to Zacharias and made signs to him asking him what he would be called... Zacharias asked for a writing tablet and wrote John. - Tablet: Piece of wood covered with a coat of wax, and people would write with a thin instrument to kind of engrave into the wax - John means "The Compassion of God" - Youhanna - "Yahwah 7annan" - Zacharias "God Remembers"; Elizabeth "The Oath of God" - God remembered His oath to the forefathers and sent His Compassion - Psalm of 1st Sunday of Kiahk: "You will arise and have compassion on Zion; for the time of compassion, Yes, the set time, has come." (102:13) - Ezekiel 16:8 "When I passed by you again and looked upon you, indeed your time was the time of love" - Immediately his mouth was loosed - He has been mute for nine months - Everyone probably thought that he would never speak again... but at the birth of John, his mouth was open - The people witness another miracle (first, the miracle of the birth, now the miracle of the loosing of his tongue) - The first thing Zacharias did when his mouth was opened is to praise God - All the people feared God - this doesn't mean they were scared, but rather great reverence to God - What kind of child will this be? - They expect that this child will be involved with the work of God #### Zacharias' Prophecy 67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: - This whole family was filled with the Holy Spirit: - John from his mother's womb - Elizabeth when Mary visited her (Christ in her womb) - Zacharias here when his tongue was loosed - He is filled here with the Spirit of Prophecy and he will prophesy 68 “Blessed *is* the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who *have been* since the world began, 71 That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, 72 To perform the mercy *promised* to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. - This song is an answer to the question "what kind of child will this be" - Before this part, we view Zacharias in a negative way - he doubted God, he was punished by being mute, etc. but in a period of 9 months of silence, he contemplated so much and spent time with his thoughts, and now he's completely different and has a prophetic spirit starting with blessing God - This song focuses on the Messiah who is coming to redeem His people, and how John will prepare the way for the Messiah who is coming to redeem His people, and this is the visitation of God to His people (spoken of in Ezekiel and the Psalms) - God has visited and redeemed His people and has raised up a horn of salvation in the house of David - He starts with "God has visited and redeemed His people" and then that John will be part of the visitation of God and the economy of redemption. - Redemption and Salvation is the grand theme of the Holy Scripture - Redeem means "to buy back for himself" - that which was stolen from Him and sold into slavery and bondage ("whereby we were bound and sold on account of our sins") - He is the Son of God before all ages, but in the fullness of time, He became man from the seed of David through St Mary - "Horn" is a symbol of strength and power - Deuteronomy 33:17 - Psalm 75:10 - As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began that we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us - Many prophecies in the Old Testament about how the Messiah will come and save them from their enemies - The work of salvation is deliverance from enemies (another theme in Scripture) - This hope and longing was since the world began - since the time of Adam and Eve in the garden - The Seed of the woman will crush the head of the serpent Christ will crush the head of Satan - As God delivered Israel from the hand of Egypt, so He will deliver us from our enemies... - Who are our enemies? - Unfortunately, in the mind of the Jews, even until the Crucifixion of Christ, they perceived the enemies to be their temporal enemies... human beings (the Romans). This is not the intent of the Scripture - All of the prophecies about "enemies" are about our spiritual enemies... who hates us? Satan and his armies. - To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant. The oath which He swore to our father Abraham - This salvation is not because we are worthy or because we earned it. - It is a free gift because God loves us... because He chose to have mercy and compassion on us - The merciful deliverance was promised to all our forefathers in Israel - Holy Covenant - Zacharias has a certain covenant in mind... the covenant with Abraham - Genesis 12:1-3 - Genesis 17:7 - Genesis 22:16-18 - God will bless Abraham, Abraham will be a blessing, in the Seed of Abraham **all the tribes of the world will be blessed** - God gave Abraham a land of his own (the Promised Land) like a down-payment for the fulfillment of His promise. In the mind of Israel, God will deliver them from Roman occupation and they will have their own kingdom and restore the Kingdom of David! - That's why on the day of Palm Sunday, they said "Hosanna to the Son of David" and "This is the King of Israel" - and even until now, Israel wants the land restored to them. - But the blessing to Abraham was not only to Abraham and his descendants, but for all the earth. - How are we to understand the covenant with Abraham? - God will bless Abraham - He is blessed because the Messiah will come from his seed - Abraham will be a blessing - Through the Seed of Abraham, all of us will be blessed - All the tribes of the world - Both Jews and Gentiles are blessed by the Seed of Abraham - To grant us that we, being delivered from the hands of our enemies, might serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life - We will worship God without fear - Biggest fear for anyone is death and what's after death. - Atheists say there is nothing after death, but in their heart, there is no true evidence or valid evidence that there is nothing after death. So they fear. - Those who believe in an afterlife is "what will be my destiny?" - "Am I going to heaven? - Through the redemption and salvation, we will be serving and worshipping Him without this fear. - "Do not be afraid little flock, for it is Your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" - "Now we have boldness to enter into the holy of the holies through Jesus and through the way He consecrated to us" - If we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are not afraid or fearful - We will worship and serve God in holiness - I am not a slave of Satan anymore. I choose to be holy and I can live a holy life. - We receive the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us - Even when I sin, I have repentance, confession and the Eucharist to wash me and make me holy and pure again - We will worship God in righteousness - Righteousness is to do what's right - When someone is baptized, they are dressed in white clothes - the righteousness of God that was given to them as a free gift. And it is received through the blood of Christ (hence the red ribbon) - Christ came and fulfilled all the requirements of righteousness that no single person on earth was able to fulfill, so through Him we receive this righteousness freely 76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; 79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” 80 So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel. - John will fulfill the Jewish prophecies and will be called "prophet of the Highest" - He will be the greatest prophet (as Christ said "Among those born of women there is none greater than John the Baptist") - The Angel Gabriel told Zacharias that John will prepare the way of the Lord - This is why we call him the forerunner - Two tasks: - Prepare the way of the Lord - Give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins - John came and preached "Repent! The Kingdom of God is at hand" - He gave the people the true information about the deliverance of the Messiah - The Ministry of the Messiah was preceded by the Ministry of the Forerunner because the concept of salvation was distorted and falsified in Israel. So he came to correct this concept and give them the knowledge of Salvation - Not carnal or moral, but spiritual salvation from the condemnation that happened at the Fall of Adam and Eve by the removal of this corruption and condemnation from us through forgiveness of sins - So St John the Baptist came preaching salvation by remission of sins - Why are we granted this salvation? - Not of our own merit, but through the tender mercy of our God - the Dayspring from on high has visited us - Dayspring is the Lord Jesus Christ (see capital letter) because He is the agent of God the Father of redemption - Dayspring means a "new beginning" or a "new era" - There is some disagreement as to how to translate this word. Some translate this word to English as the "Dawn" or the "East" or the "Sunrise" or the "New Day" - Clearly we are talking about a new era here which is the New Testament - Jesus will bring the mercy of God when He visits and enlightens those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death to guide our feet into the way of peace. - We are sitting in darkness of ignorance and sin - We are in the shadow of death because we are under the sentence of death - To guide our feet into the way which will bring us to eternal peace, at last and spiritual peace in our life (fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, PEACE) - This passage mirrors Isaiah 9:1-6 - So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel. - Bodily, Mental, Spiritual development of John the Baptist - Where did God prepare John for his ministry? In the desert, a place of solitude - like Moses and Elijah - John the Baptist - "A voice of one crying in the wilderness" so God prepared him in the wilderness # Matthew 1: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [MATTHEW - Intro & Ch 1 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/matthew-introduction-chapter-1-bible-study "MATTHEW - Intro & Ch 1 ~ Bible Study")
#### Genealogy of Christ 20:00-33:40 1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: 2 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. 4 Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. 5 Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, 6 and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her *who had been the wife* of Uriah. 7 Solomon begot Rehoboam, Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa. 8 Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah. 9 Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah. 10 Hezekiah begot Manasseh, Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah. 11 Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon. 12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel. 13 Zerubbabel begot Abiud, Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor. 14 Azor begot Zadok, Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud. 15 Eliud begot Eleazar, Eleazar begot Matthan, and Matthan begot Jacob. 16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David *are* fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon *are* fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ *are* fourteen generations. - Son of David, Son of Abraham - St Matthew opens the Gospel with these words - He wants to tell them that the long-awaited Messiah who was promised by the prophets to restore the Kingdom of David, is Jesus of Nazareth - St Matthew traces the royal lineage (Jesus is the descendant of King David). This is one of the first things required to convince a Jewish audience that Jesus is qualified to be the Messiah - Although Abraham came before David, and is the father of all Israelites, he mentions David first because in the Jewish mind, the Messiah is the Son of David. - Three sets of 14 Names - In Scripture in general, numbers usually have more significance than just a quantity (e.g. 7 is a symbol of perfection) - Gematria - Each letter has a corresponding number - So a name or a word has a number - D = 4 V = 6 DVD = 14 (in Hebrew, there aren't any vowels so the name David is DVD) - 14 = King David's Number - St Matthew wants to establish the link between Christ and King David - Three sets of 14 in the Genealogy in Ch 1 - Total 42 - 42 is 6x7 - 6 is the number of man (since man was made on the 6th day) - 7 is the number of God (perfect number) - So 42 is the conflict between man and God - Man rebelled against God - But God sent His Son to reconcile man with God - He only mentions the names of people who are ancestors of Christ - He doesn't mention Ishmael, Esau, the twelve sons of Jacob, etc. - Four women mentioned - Three by name - Tamar - Genesis 38 - Rahab - Prostitute of Jericho - Joshua 2 - Ruth - Moabitess - Book of Ruth - They are named for their remarkable history - The fourth is "her who had been the wife of Uriah" - Uriah was a Hittite (i.e. a Gentile) so his wife was also likely a Gentile - All of them are Gentile women - in order to show that Christ came from and for both the Jews and Gentiles - Omitted names - Between Joram and Uzziah, three names are intentionally omitted - 1 Chronicles 3:11-12 - Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah - It was common to omit less important names in Genealogies - In this case, St Matthew wanted to preserve the number 14 in each of the three sets - Between Josiah and Jeconiah, one name is intentionally omitted - After Zerubabbel, the name Abiud does not appear in 1 Chronicles - Some say that it was skipped - Others say that it was just another name - End of the Genealogy - Jews carefully kept public and family records of genealogy because everyone wanted to know where the Messiah would come from. - St Matthew must have gotten the end of this genealogy from some of those records - Joseph - Although Joseph is not the biological father of Jesus, he is the legal father of Jesus (because he is the legal husband of St Mary because of the betrothal) - This lineage that has a long chain of kings ends with a poor carpenter - Genealogy of St Luke - Comparing the two genealogies, they are different in many areas (especially between David and Joseph) - St Matthew gives the line of St Joseph - the legal line - This is acceptable to the Jews. They would not recognize this genealogy as a fulfillment of prophecies if St Matthew had used the line of St Mary. - St Luke gives the line of St Mary - the biological line - St Luke, being a Gentile and writing to a Gentile (Theophilus), he is more interested in proving that Christ is Son of David biologically. - Jesus is the Son of David through the legal line AND the biological line #### Nativity of Christ 33:40-44:15 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just *man,* and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. - Joseph her husband, being a just man - St Mary was betrothed to St Joseph - Betrothal was considered a civil (legal) marriage. There was a formal ceremony and it was a binding obligation. The time of betrothal was usually 1 year before the marriage. - Any unfaithfulness after betrothal is considered adultery - He found her with child, and assumed that she had committed sin. - As a righteous man, he didn't want to ruin her reputation. He didn't want her to be stoned. He decided to divorce her in secret. This shows his righteousness. - Angel of the Lord - Most likely, this was Archangel Gabriel who appeared to St Mary and Zacharias - "Joseph, son of David" - emphasis here by St Matthew on King David - The angel is preparing him for this marvelous announcement that the Son in St Mary's womb is God incarnate, the Messiah - "Do not be afraid" - You are not offending God - You are not bringing upon yourself any scandal - This conception is from the Holy Spirit - Jesus - Joshua - Hosea - Josiah are synonymous meaning "Savior" from the verb "to save" (like Hosanna) - Jesus is our Savior to save us from the curse of sin, condemnation and banishment - "He will save His people from their sins" - Prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 - St Matthew supports this with a prophecy from Isaiah - St Matthew uses this prophecy to prove to the Jews that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah and King of the Jews that they are waiting for - Immanuel - "God with us" - God, who is above us, became man and came and lived among us - Joseph does not delay - After the angel assures him, as soon as he wakes up, he immediately took Mary back and did not take any action - "did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son" - "know her" means to have relationship as husband and wife. - There are two words that arouse questions: "till" and "firstborn" - "till" - Does not necessarily reply that they lived differently afterward - "The LORD said to my Lord, 'Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool" (Psalm 110) - Does this mean that the Lord will sit at the right hand, but once He makes His enemies His footstool, He will tell Him "don't sit here anymore"? Of course not - "David did not know Michal his wife until the day she died" - Does this mean that after she died, he knew her? Of course not - "firstborn" - Called for the firstborn child whether there are other children or no other children - Using the word "firstborn" does not indicate whether there are other children or not, but of course we believe in the perpetual virginity of St Mary - "brothers of the Lord" that we read about in the Gospels are His cousins (as St Jerome explains in detail) # Luke 2a: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 2: 1 - 24 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-2-1-24-bible-study "LUKE 2: 1 - 24 ~ Bible Study")
#### Outline of the Chapter - 1-7: Birth of Christ - 8-20: Praise of the Angels and Visit of the Shepherds - 21: Circumcision of Christ - 22-24: Presentation in the Temple - 25-38: Simeon and Anna - 39-40: Holy Family Returns to Nazareth - 41-50: Boy Jesus Amazes Scholars - 51-52: Jesus Advances in Wisdom and Favor #### Birth of Christ 1And it came to pass in those days *that* a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. - St Luke begins the story of the birth of Christ with "in those days" - which days? - The days mentioned in the previous chapter... around the time of the Annunciation of John and Annunciation of Christ and the birth of St John - St Luke's Gospel uses "in those days" a lot - Luke sets the historical time for the birth of Christ - During the reign of Caesar Augustus as Roman Emperor (31 BC - 14 AD) - During the time of Quirinius as governor of Syria - Census of Quirinius - The rules of a census are that each person goes back to the land of their family/tribe and where they were born. The census was used by to appropriately tax each everyone in the empire - The journey from Nazareth in Galilee (north) to Bethlehem in Judea (south) is approximately 80 miles - Nothing happens haphazardly but all by the economy of God in order to fulfill the prophecy of Micah: - "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2) - Joseph's going to Bethlehem publicly declared that both him and Mary, his wife, are from the tribe of Judah and the lineage of King David - Mary, his betrothed wife - Jewish tradition had three steps in a marriage: - Proposal/Engagement - Betrothal - Civil marriage. The legal aspects - he provides for her and she provides for him - Marriage - Consummation of the relationship - St Mary and St Joseph's marriage was not consummated, but St Mary was perpetually in her virginity - Obedience of Authority - St Joseph and St Mary teach us to obey the authority in their obedience of the census rules - "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." (Romans 13:1-2) - We ought to obey the authority of the law and government unless it contradicts God - "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29) - Firstborn - Title of rank and birth order of first male child, whether there are other children or not - Firstborn was to be dedicated to the Lord (Exodus 13, Numbers 3) - St Mary's Virginity remained sealed - “This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, because the Lord God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut." (Ezekiel 44:2) - St Augustine describes it as Light passing through Glass - Swaddling & Manger - When a child was born they were washed and then swaddled - in this, Christ was treated like any ordinary Hebrew child - However, he was placed in a manger - Manger is a feeding trough for animals. It was filled with hay. So St Mary placed Him in there so He would be warm. - There is a beautiful meaning here which is that He is the Bread of Life, and He was placed in a feeding trough when He was born - We see their poverty in that they were not regarded by anyone and could not even find a place to sleep #### Praise of the Angels and Visit of the Shepherds 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And c]" style="font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; vertical-align: text-top; top: auto; display: inline;">\[[c](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-24983c "See footnote c")\]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this *will be* the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen *Him,* they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard *it* marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered *them* in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. - Shepherds - God chose the shepherds to be the first on earth to hear the glorious news of the birth of the Savior of the world - Why? - As a practical example of how God "resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6) - In those days, shepherds were the lowest rank - they could not even give testimony in court. - St Mary in the Magnificat talked about how God has "exalted the lowly" - Christianity is not about prestige, power, money, or fame, but about humility and the lowly in heart - Because Christ is the Good Shepherd, the Chief and True Shepherd - Not just any shepherds, but these are the ones who were faithful to their sheep, watchful in the night, not idle - These specific shepherds in the country of Judea were the ones who cared for the lambs that would be used in daily sacrifice in the Temple... not just any sheep. - The Angel - The Scripture did not reveal to us who the angel is or which angel - The shepherds saw an appearance that was extraordinary and unusual, so they were afraid - They were likely considering "who are we that the glory of God manifests in front of us" - The Angel's Address - There is power in the word from the angel when he says "Do not be afraid" - Do not be afraid because I bring good news - The great joy is for all people: Both Jews and Gentiles - The Angel gives three titles for Christ: - Savior - The Savior Whom God appointed from the beginning of time, and Who was promised even from the time of Adam and Eve - People expected a Savior and Salvation - Salvation from sin, from Satan; Restoration of our fellowship with God that was lost in the Garden of Eden - Christ - Chrismated One, Anointed One, Messiah, El messi7 - This Babe is the fulfillment of all Old Testament Prophecies: - The Anointed One - The Seed of Eve - The Prophet spoken of by Moses - The Suffering Servant of Isaiah - The Messiah - The Promised Son of David - Lord - Hebrew Jehovah - Lord of all creatures - Lord of lords - The angel gives a sign - "You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths" - This is not the sign - this could refer to any Hebrew child - "lying in a manger" - This is the sign - this is the unusual part - This is the third sign so far in this gospel - Multitude of Heavenly Hosts - Thousands of thousands and ten thousands times ten thousands of heavenly hosts; angels, archangels, etc. - Some Church Fathers say that ALL of the angels were present at the birth of Christ to glorify and adore Him - "But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: 'Let all the angels of God worship Him.'" (Hebrews 1:6) - Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! - Zacharias' praise in Luke 1 prophesied that the Messiah would lead the people to the peace of God, and now the angels are echoing his prophecy - What is goodwill toward men? - It is the goodwill of God to send the Messiah to introduce peace on earth and to remove and abolish the enmity that sin has raised between us and God and restore a peaceful communication between us and God - If we are at peace with God, all peace will result from this. Peace is the foundation of goodwill. - Some translations: "And on earth peace towards men of goodwill" - Men of goodwill, who are willing to be reconciled with God - The Shepherds did not doubt - Not for a moment - They did not say "Let's see if it's true" or make any discussions - This is another reason God sent the angel to them - they have a spirit of faith - They went with haste - Many times God gives us opportunities, but we have to accept them quickly because in delaying we may lose them - They were the first to proclaim the good news - Following these events is the narrative in Matthew 1-2 with the Magi - All who heard it marveled - They all marveled, but none of them came to see... none of them came to worship Him. This is the attitude of many today who hear great news and marvel and wonder... but that's it. - When St Mary appeared in Zeitoun in the 1960s, she was seen first by the non-believers... and the news of her appearance spread around the world. For three years she was appearing on and off for long periods of time. Everyone who saw it marveled... but not all of them worshipped God. Not all of them repented. Not all of them changed their lives. - St Mary kept and pondered - Kept - She kept detailed records of all of these events (everything in Luke 1 and 2). - No doubt she shared these records with St Luke (maybe while he painted her portrait) - Pondered - She continually meditated and reflected on these things - St Luke is calling us here to do the same: to reflect on these events and on their meaning in MY Life - Christ the Savior came to save ME Personally - Christ the King is MY King which means I am loyal to Him and abide by His law - Christ the Lord is MY Lord that I worship and that I love - The Shepherds glorify God - Because everything the angel said came to pass - Because they counted themselves unworthy to be first to witness His birth #### Circumcision of Christ 21 And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. - The Jews had a tradition of naming the child on the day of his circumcision since that was the day he becomes dedicated to the covenant with Abraham and part of the community of believers - Jesus was named on the day of His Circumcision - He is called Jesus which means "Savior" - the name given by the angel - See the obedience of St Mary and St Joseph to the angel - Did Jesus need Circumcision? - Since He is the Law-Giver, He is not bound to the Law - But He was incarnate and born under the Law - "But when the fulness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law." (Galatians 4:4) - He came to fulfill all righteousness and do the things that those under the law should have been doing - By Circumcision He declares to us that He is the son of Abraham according to the flesh - God made a covenant with Abraham and his seed - Christ came, as a son of Abraham according to the flesh, so that we can be sons of Abraham according to the spirit - Children of Abraham are those who walk according to the faith of Abraham #### Presentation of Christ in the Temple 22 Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present *Him* to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” - Two Practices here: - Purification of St Mary - Presentation of the Lord in the Temple - Purification of St Mary - Laws of Ritual Confinement are found in Leviticus 12:1-6 - 40 days or 80 days confinement to witness to the fact that every child born in this world is born with the corrupted nature inherited after the sin of Adam and Eve - The waiting was unnecessary for St Mary because Christ was not born with corrupted nature or sin. Absolutely not. - Out of obedience to the Law, she performed it - Many people argue about it now, yet St Mary, the one who didn't have to do it, did it in obedience - The offering was a lamb and a pigeon... but there was an alternative for the poor: two doves and two young pigeons. - Presentation of the Lord in the Temple - Firstborn sons had to be redeemed according to the Law - When God struck the firstborns of Egypt (10th plague), God said to Moses that all the firstborn children who He saved from this plague, are His, so they have to be redeemed. # Luke 2b: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 2: 25 - 40 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-2-25-40-bible-study "LUKE 2: 25 - 40 ~ Bible Study")
#### Simeon's Praises 25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name *was* Simeon, and this man *was* just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: 29 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 A light to *bring* revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” 33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this *Child* is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” - Simeon - His name means "The Listener" - He was a devout Jew waiting for the fulfillment of the prophecies - Holy Tradition tells us that Simeon was one of the Seventy Jewish Elders asked by Ptolemy to translate the Hebrew Old Testament into the Greek Language (Septuagint) - The Septuagint is the official translation of the Orthodox Church - All the New Testament writings when they quote the OT are quoting the Septuagint - When Simeon was translating Isaiah "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." - The Hebrew word can be translated to "young girl" or "virgin" (two different words in Greek). - Simeon decided to translate to the Greek word "young girl." - In a vision, he was told to use the word for "virgin" (Ⲡⲁⲣⲑⲉⲛⲟⲥ) and he was assured that he would not die until he sees this Babe who is born of a Virgin - Matthew's Gospel used ⲡⲁⲣⲑⲉⲛⲟⲥ (Virgin) when quoting Isaiah - Simeon was moved by the Holy Spirit to go to the Temple right now - Just and devout - Just means he is observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless - Devout means he is observing the Law faithfully - Considered a Prophet because he prophesied about St Mary and the Lord Jesus Christ - Tradition says he was about 360 years old - now he is eager to be released from this world after he witnessed the salvation of the whole world in Christ - Blessing of Simeon - The Holy Spirit granted to him to witness the prophecy that he translated - Those who are led by the Holy Spirit and come to the Church to worship will undoubtedly meet with God - Simeon identified this Babe as the Messiah and Savior of all people - Now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word - Now I know for sure that this prophecy was "Virgin" - Now I have peace because I have witnessed the assurance of salvation for the world. - He is talking here about his death - but we know that because of Christ and the Cross, death lost its sting. Death even lost its name - as we say now "there is no death for Your servants but a departure" and Simeon uses this word. - For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples - - A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles - The Gentiles were sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death because they did not know God - Those who are separated from God, until now, are sitting in darkness and ignorance - "light of the Gentiles" is also mentioned throughout the Old Testament - Isaiah 49:6 - Isaiah 42:6 - And the glory of Your people Israel - He came to Israel first (He came to His own and His own did not receive Him) - Israel here does not refer to the nation of Israel, but refers to the people of God... we, Christians, are the new Israel and God is our glory. - Clearly, St Mary memorized this prayer and kept it in her heart and mentioned it to St Luke for him to record it for us. - Simeon Blessed Them - Them refers to Mary and Joseph only - In Arabic it says "barekhoma" which means "Blessed them (two)" as opposed to "barekhom" which means "Blessed them (plural)" - Simeon realized by the Holy Spirit that he cannot bless Jesus - Simeon Addresses Mary - This is unusual because in the Jewish culture it would be more typical to address the father/man - This child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel - Fall is because Israel rejected the Messiah; but in the last days, before the Second Coming, many of Israel will believe in Christ (Romans 11:26) and this is the Rising - Fall and Rising refers to many who might accept Christ and many who don't - A sign which will be spoken against - The sign of the Cross: to the Jews a stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness (1 Cor 1:23) - Christians will carry this sign and will be persecuted for their beliefs - Sword will pierce through St Mary's soul - Anguish and wound of her heart when she stood by the Cross and witnessed her Son's brutal death - The thoughts of many hearts may be revealed - In times of persecution, it is revealed and clear who is Christian. Who accepts Christ and who rejects. Who is on His side and who is against Him #### Anna Bears Witness 36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman *was* a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served *God* with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. - Anna was probably around 105 years old - Seems to come from a very well-known family in the tribe of Asher - She devoted her life to the temple despite her husband dying very young - she did not consider re-marrying - The Holy Spirit guided her to come in that moment - She declared the good news to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem #### The Holy Family Returns to Nazareth 39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their *own* city, Nazareth. 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. - According to the Law of the Lord: St Mary and St Joseph were obedient to the word of God - When did Christ go to Egypt? - Between the Presentation in the Temple and the return to Nazareth, the events of the Gospel of Matthew happened - They remained in Jerusalem, the wise men visited, Herod sent to kill the children in Bethlehem, they fled to Egypt, they returned to Nazareth - St Luke in these words understands and confirms the true Humanity of the Lord Christ. Christ is perfectly divine and perfectly human, and these two natures are united together without mingling, without confusion and without alteration. - The body that Christ took from St Mary is perfectly human - Human Body, Human Soul, Human Spirit. - Filled with wisdom - He is speaking about how Christ grew little by little in wisdom despite having perfect understanding and perfect and complete wisdom. - The grace of God was upon Him: He knew no sin. He lived a pure life. In the same way, if any of us live a life of repentance (i.e. a pure life), then the grace of God will be upon us. - Why don't we have more stories about Christ's childhood? - The Evangelists intended to give an account of Jesus' public ministry, not His private life or His childhood - We don't know anything except what we read in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2 - Christ set a perfect example for all children of all ages - He is obedient to His parents, living a life without sin. # Luke 2c: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 2: 41 - 52 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-2-41-52-bible-study "LUKE 2: 41 - 52 ~ Bible Study")
#### The Boy Jesus Amazes the Scholars 41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know *it;* 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among *their* relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was *that* after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” 49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. - Going to Jerusalem - The Law of Moses required the attendance of all males at three major feasts (Exodus 23:17, Deuteronomy 16:16): - Passover - Pentecost - Feast of Tabernacles - By the First Century, this is also applicable to females - The scattering of the Jews relaxed the obligation for those who lived in Diaspora - Jewish Boys' Spiritual Growth - 3 Years Old - Receives his tassle garment - 5 Years Old - Starts to learn some of the Law (Ten Commandments, etc.) - 12 Years Old - Becomes a Student of the Law - Modern Day Childhood Development teaches that kids go through three stages of childhood - Infancy-6 Years Old: What - There is something called prayer, fasting, confession, etc. - 6-12: How - They should start to do these things - 12-18: Why - They should learn why they are doing those things - This seems to approximately match what the Jews were doing - This may be the first time that they took Jesus with them to Jerusalem for the Feast now that He is 12 years old to show that He is now responsible for fulfilling all the Law - Feast of Passover - Seven Days for the Feast of Unleavened Bread ("when they had finished the days") - They are traveling in large groups with their relatives and friends, so they thought that he was with the other children - It was not intentional that Christ lingered behind - but maybe He missed the departure journey, or maybe He was used to going to the Temple every day that week and He went another week to learn from the scholars - Many of us continue in our life journey thinking that Christ is in my company, but He is not - Christ in the Temple was listening and asking questions - when we come to the Church, let us keep this attitude - He wants to increase in wisdom. Although He is God, the Source of All Wisdom, He emptied Himself (Philippians 2:7). So He grew in wisdom as any young boy would. - Take the example of Christ, who spent His time sitting among elders and scholars trying to grow in wisdom and learn... instead of spending hours and hours on social media polluting your mind with lies, come and search for the truth in the Church of God among Godly teachers and Godly scholars. - Christ is missing for three days in Jerusalem as He was missed for three days between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. Finding Him on the third day prefigures the Resurrection. - St Mary, has a mother, gently reproaches Him but St Joseph stood away - St Augustine comments on "Your father and I" - "though she obtained all this honor having God's Word in her womb, yet she behaved in spiritual modesty toward St Joseph by presenting him first then herself to follow" - Even though she knows for sure that Jesus is her Son only, born without seed of man, and Joseph is not His biological father... her humble spirit and modesty made her to say "Your father and I" - Christ's Response - The first words of Christ recorded to us in the Scripture - Christ is reminding them here that He came down from heaven and had a Higher Father (Higher than the earthly parents) and even in the earthly life, He should be engaged in the work that His Heavenly Father gave Him to do. Christ repeats these words many times throughout His ministry. - Luke included this episode in order to highlight this verse - that even from the age of 12 (the legal age to be responsible for the Law) - He said that He is here to fulfill the work that God the Father appointed for Him - How did they not understand? They know all of the visions they got and all that happened at His birth... - Maybe they were dulled after 12 years of a regular childhood - "My Father's Business" cannot be understood completely at their time before the Ministry and Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ #### Jesus Advances in Wisdom and Favor 51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. - Subject to them - Obedient to the commandment of honoring His earthly parents - Although He is the Creator and He created them, in His Incarnation, He was submissive to them - Many times we forget to honor our parents, or try to talk to them as equals, or even in a condescending way. But the Creator of the whole world... God, Himself, was submissive to His parents. - St Mary's Contemplation - She is reflecting on these events, keeping in mind what Archangel Gabriel told her, keeping in mind what the Prophets taught, etc. - Jesus Increased and Matured: - Mentally (Wisdom) - Physically (Stature) - Spiritually (Favor with God) - Socially (Favor with men) - Maturity is a very important issue in our life - Many ask "when is the best age for someone to start serving in the Church?" - Mature Mentally - intellectually - Mature Physically - at least 16 or so - Mature Socially - he needs to know how to communicate - Mature Spiritually - Of course - Or "when should I get married?" - Mature Mentally - Mature Physically - Mature Socially - Mature Spiritually - Eutychus said Jesus was not a perfect human, and His humanity was fake... this is a heresy and Eutychus was excommunicated. So if you get asked "How did the eternal wisdom of the Father and God increase in wisdom?" The answer is that He emptied Himself - St Luke knew the stories of Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 from St Mary directly since he had a relationship with her when he painted her portrait. This conclusion of the Church Fathers is obligatory because no one else could have given St Luke these details. # Matthew 2: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [MATTHEW 2 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/mathew-2-bible-study "MATTHEW 2 ~ Bible Study")
#### Wise Men from the East 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard *this,* he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. - St Luke recorded in detail the events related to the day of the birth of Christ. But St Matthew did not mention those details. - St Matthew was writing to the Jews and wanted to tell them that Jesus is the King of Israel and Messiah that they are waiting for. So he didn't go into the details of the birth but chose certain events to prove to the Jews that Jesus is King - Wise men who followed the star to find the infant and worship Him - Bethlehem - Means "house of Bread" like bet la7m in Arabic - John 6:35 Christ refers to Himself ad the Bread of Life who descended from heaven. So it's befitting that Christ is born in Bethlehem since He is the Bread of Life. - This Bethlehem is the one mentioned in Judges 17:7 belonging to Judah different from Joshua 19:15 Bethlehem belonging to Zebulun. - Jesus was born in time of King Herod, Edomite, on of Antipater who was made king by the Romans - Wise Men - Proper word is Magi - priests and philosophers from Persia and Media. These were dedicated to the study of the stars as astrologers and magicians. We read about them in the book of Daniel. They lived in Iran around the region of the Euphrates. - Most icons and pictures portray three wise men as three. There is no biblical documentation for that assumption. We usually assume they are more than three - but because of the three gifts we usually think of them as three. It's unlikely that only three people would make that trip from Iran. -
These wise men discovered an unusual luminous star.
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Maybe they were originally Jewish and were familiar with Prophecies and how He is called the Star by Balaam (Numbers 24:17)
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They did not comprehend that Jesus is a heavenly king, not an earthly king. So they went to the palace to find this king.
- Why would King Herod be troubled? - This means a threat and danger to his throne - Although most rejoiced at the birth of Christ (shepherds, angels, etc) some were troubled (Herod and his friends "all Jerusalem") 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, *in* the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” - He inquired of the chief priests and scribes - The chief priests were the 24 heads or chiefs of the priests (King David has decided the priests into 24 groups and each one had a chief) - 1 Chronicles 23, 24, Ezra 8 - Scribes are the successors of Ezra. Ezra used to transcribe the scripture and the Scribes were the ones who transcribed it. So they knew scripture by heart since they were always transcribing and copying it. They are the Theologians. - Herod did well by calling these two groups because they are the right ones to answer it. - His question to them implies three things - The Jews expected the Messiah - The Scripture foretold His coming - The very place of His birth is foretold - They answered without hesitation they knew exactly where He would be born and quoted Micah 5:2 - They said Bethlehem of Judah to differentiate from Bethlehem in Zebulun - In that prophecy, the place of his birth and the Character of the Messiah are made clear: He is a ruler and a shepherd. Though he is a ruler, he will rule with compassion as a shepherd - He wanted to know when the star appeared because in his mind the appearance of the star indicated when Jesus was born exactly. - He said he wanted to worship Him but this is a plain lie. Hypocrisy. He wants to know where the child was born in order to kill him. - God, who searches the minds, knew Herod's plan which is why He redirected the wise men - He instructed the wise men to go and come back with his authority as King 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found *Him,* bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. - They departed immediately after talking to Herod - St John Chrysostom said this star is not a regular star - You cannot follow a star and walk behind it... So this star must have been very low - The star was moving from the East to Jerusalem and this is against the natural movement of stars - This star stood in place to point out where the child was born - So this star must have been a heavenly or angelic power appearing in the form of a star to guide the wise men. The star reminds us of the pillar of fire that guided Israel - They rejoiced when they saw the star because it confirmed to them that their journey was not in vain, but it must be a true revelation about where the king is to be born. Any vision or revelation from God is cause for rejoicing as the Lord said to us "I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." (John 16:22) 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. - It was the custom of the people of the East when they visit kings to present gifts to them. - Frankincense to represent his priesthood - Expensive fragrant gum from a tree in Arabia - Gold to represent his kingship and Kingdom - Myrrh represents his suffering. - It's an aromatic gum from a thorn bush in Arabia and Ethiopia that has a sweet aroma. It represents the words of the Prophets because their words are like a sweet aroma. - God uses the magi in a prophetic way to tell us about the role of Christ. - Prophet because he told us about the Father. No one has seen the Father but the only begotten Son who is in the bosom of the Father has revealed Him to us. Hebrews 1 "God who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son" - King, but His kingdom is not of this world. He is a Heavenly King who came to restore and re-establish the Kingdom of God that was destroyed by Satan - The High Priest who offered Himself as the Sacrifice. - The three gifts prophetically represent the three roles of Christ as the Messiah: King, High-Priest, Prophet - At Theophany, the Holy Spirit came down and anointed Christ. Anointed as King of kings, prophet, High Priest 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. - Divine Intervention - Sometimes we are afraid because of threats of persecution or someone wants revenge on us or someone wants to attack us, but we forget that while we are afraid God has His own plan for our protection. - He destroyed the plan of Herod and warned the wise men in a dream, and warned Joseph in a dream. - Either way, if God allowed us to be killed, it's for our benefit and if He allowed us to live it's for our benefit - "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21) #### The Flight into Egypt 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” - Hosea 11:1 - "Spoken by the Lord" is accurate because whatever is written in the Scripture are not the words of Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc. but the words of God, Himself. The prophets were merely a channel. - This prophecy can be interpreted in two ways: - Looking back to the calling Israel out of Egypt - Prophecy about calling the Lord Christ out of Egypt after the death of Herod - ⲉⲕⲕⲗⲏⲥⲓⲁ - Church - literally means "called out" - As God called His people out of Egypt, and called His Son out of Egypt, so He is calling us out of the world - The Church is "not of this world" - "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." (John 15:19) - The Church is the Assembly of Believers which are those who are called out of this world. - Why Egypt? - Egypt has an intimate connection with Biblical History - Some scholars say the most frequent country named in Scripture after Israel is Egypt - In the 1st Century, it was the closest Roman province independent of King Herod - Many Jews there with their synagogues - It is close to Jerusalem - It is considered a place of refuge to many prophets - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and his sons, Jeremiah, etc. - We can call Egypt a Holy Land because Christ lived there for 3.5 years - Children start speaking at the end of their 1st year, during their 2nd year - We can assume that Christ's first words were uttered in Egypt - Many scholars assume that Christ probably spoke Coptic when He was young - Joseph obeyed the vision immediately - This should be our attitude when God asks us to do something... sometimes we have a whisper in our ears. We remember to pray before sleeping or eating, or to read the Bible when we wake up... this is the Holy Spirit speaking to us. And we ignore it. 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping *for* her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.” - Massacre of the Innocents - The harshness of the heart of King Herod - Regardless of how hardened your heart is, when you see a little child, your heart becomes soft. To kill children two years and under reflects how hard his heart was. - When we become so attached to the pleasures, mind, prestige of the world, it hardens our heart. All of this was done lest he lose his power and his throne - He became so angry feeling a mockery of his authority - Herod died just a little while later - Some confuse the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation with the children of Bethlehem. - Of course, they are not the same. - Bethlehem is a small town with few people - By slaughtering the infants at Bethlehem, the prophecy in Jeremiah 31:15 is fulfilled - Jeremiah is speaking back about the desolation of Israel by Nebuchadnezzar and the survivors of the Israelites were gathered at Ramah and the voice of their lamentation was heard... mothers leaving their offspring. Rachel being the mother of three great tribes: Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin - Jeremiah is prophesying about the slaughter of the children in Bethlehem. Rachel is buried in Bethlehem #### The Home in Nazareth 19 Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” 21 Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” - Herod left three sons and the Kingdom was divided at his death into three parts - Herod Archelaus: Judea, Idumea, Samaria - Herod Philip: Batanaea and Trachonitis - Herod Antipas: Galilee and Perea - These three are referred to frequently in the New Testament - Death of Herod the Great was a signal to Joseph to go back to Israel - The angel appeared to Joseph - He gave him freedom to choose any place in the land of Israel - he didn't tell him to go back to Bethlehem - "Those who sought the young Child's life are dead" - it wasn't just Herod who wanted to kill the Lord - Joseph goes to Galilee - Herod Archelaus was said to be harsher than his father Herod the Great - Galilee was under Herod Antipas who was much more mild - Joseph went to a small village called Nazareth - Nazareth - Was a despised village and the people of Nazareth were despised - And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46) - This fulfills a prophecy: "Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him." (Isaiah 53:1-2) - He shall be called a Nazarene - There is no prophecy in the Old Testament that says this - Nazarene means "a branch" in Hebrew - "There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots" (Isaiah 11:1) - St Matthew may be using word-play in Hebrew - St Jerome has another opinion: That Nazarene refers to the Nazirite - people who separated and consecrated themselves to God. St Matthew says "spoken by the prophets" instead of "prophet" which he said in the previous prophecies. So he may just be referring to a general theme in the Old Testament that the Lord will be dedicated to the ministry of the Lord. # Sermon on the Mount # Miracles # Parables # The Lamb of God Teachings of Christ in the Gospel of John # John 6:22-71 — I am the Bread of Life "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:44) - Father draws him? Does that mean predestination? - Need to look at the verse in the context of the rest of the Scripture - Scripture interprets Scripture... taking the verse by itself may connote predestination, but if you read the WHOLE Bible, you cannot come to that conclusion - e.g. "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all *peoples* to Myself.” (John 12:32) - Seems to nullify... - This is in John 7 part 1 of Search the Scriptures Live # John 7-8 — Controversies about Jesus ##### The Trial Motif - Christ never got a real trial - St John is giving Him the Trial He deserved throughout His Gospel - Prologue - "This man came for a **witness**, to **bear witness** of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to **bear witness** of that Light." (John 1:7-8) - "John **bore witness** of Him" (John 1:15) - "And John **bore witness**, saying,..." (John 1:32) - "He **confessed**, and **did not deny**, but **confessed**, 'I am not the Christ.'" (John 1:20) - Nicodemus - "Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and **testify what We have seen**, and you do not receive **Our witness**." (John 3:11) - The Fourfold witness - “If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. 33 You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. 35 He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 37 And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life." (John 5:31-40) - John the Baptist - The works which the Father has given Me to finish - The Father Himself - The Scriptures ##### Jesus' Brothers Disbelieve 1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. 2 Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. 3 His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” 9 When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee. 10 But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. 11 Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, “Where is He?” - Jews want to kill Him - This section starts (John 7:1) with them wanting to kill Him because He said He is the Bread of Life and to eat His Flesh and drink His Blood (John 6) and ends with them picking up stones to kill Him (John 8:59) - Feast of Tabernacles - Harvest festival - late summer, early fall - Festival that remembers their wandering in the desert - Manna - Water from the Rock - Light (Pillar of Fire) - Today, Jews will try to spend as much time outdoors as possible - Maybe just in the backyard - In Biblical Times, there were elaborate celebrations at Jerusalem - The Lord gave them water from a Rock - Drawing water from the Pool of Siloam - Jesus will say "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink." (John 7:37) - The Lord gave them light as a pillar of fire - At night, they would have celebrations with light - a huge candelabra that burned all night long (e.g. Olympic Flame) - Jesus will say "I am the Light of the World." (John 8:12) - His brothers did not believe in Him - They are telling Him to go to Judea because everyone was there for the feast - They know that He lost many disciples in John 6 - Who are the brothers? Relatives - cousins - Not His brothers... or He would not have given St Mary to St John - Also, the way they speak to Him is like a "younger brother" - speaking with authority over Him. Very Jewish-ism - They send for Him (Mark 3:31-32) - Some say they are older sons of Joseph from His departed wife - Did they not believe Him entirely? - They believe in His signs, but they don't believe in Him like the disciples - Disciples believe He is the Christ... - Disciples believed He is the Son of God... - Disciples believed Hs is the King of Israel... - The brothers see Him more familiarly ("we saw Him grow up!") - My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready... My time has not yet fully come - Time/Hour are themes in this gospel - show that there is a plan of salvation - Compare with John 2 - Wedding of Cana "My time has not yet come" - but for His mother, it's okay - Jesus goes up privately - He is going according to the will of the Father - He is not lying or tricking the brothers - Privately... - Most people still did not recognize Him (this Gospel is more early ministry) - If He had gone with the brothers, it would have been a large group - Rather, He goes by Himself, and He is able to hear what the Jews are saying about Him - The Jews - Different groups - but John just says Jews ##### Criticism #1: He Deceives the People 12 And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, “He is good”; others said, “No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.” 13 However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews. - Crowd is divided about Him - "He is good" - "He deceives the people" (He leads the people astray) - Deuteronomy 13 - Punishment of death ##### Criticism #2: He Has Not Studied 14 Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. 15 And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” 16 Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or *whether* I speak on My own *authority.* 18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?” - Scribes would teach by Rabbinic Authority - they would give a teaching and quote a Rabbi (e.g. Rabbi Hillel) - Christ would teach with His own authority - He is uneducated - He has no authority - He has no education - He doesn't know what He's talking about - These criticisms would have come from the elite, those who are educated - Especially that they see the signs and the signs/miracles witness to His legitimacy - it shows that He has a kind of authority from God, but not the authority that they have ##### Criticism #3: He Has a Demon 20 The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?” ##### Criticism #4: He Breaks the Law of Moses 21 Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel. 22 Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? 24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” - I did one work - the healing of the paralytic in John 5 - It's not that He did this work only, but that this one was on the Sabbath - But they also made exceptions for the Sabbath... circumcision! Routinely!!! And it's not even life or death ##### Criticism #5: We Know Where He is From 25 Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? 26 But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? 27 However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.” 28 Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. 29 But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me.” 30 Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. 31 And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this *Man* has done?” 32 The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. 33 Then Jesus said to them, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and *then* I go to Him who sent Me. 34 You will seek Me and not find *Me,* and where I am you cannot come.” 35 Then the Jews said among themselves, “Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What is this thing that He said, ‘You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come’?” 37 On the last day, that great *day* of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet *given,* because Jesus was not yet glorified. - Folk belief had developed among the Jews that the Messiah would spring up all of a sudden and no one would know where he came from, and he would only be revealed if Elijah came and revealed him - John the Baptist - He is Elijah who came and the testified of Him - Of course it's true that they don't know where He is from because He is from heaven ##### Criticism #6: He is not from Bethlehem 40 Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” 43 So there was a division among the people because of Him. 44 Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him. - Generally speaking, people were not born in one place and moved elsewhere... they lived where they were born - We know that He was born in Bethlehem ##### He Bears Witness of Himself 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” 13 The Pharisees therefore said to Him, “You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true.” 14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16 And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I *am* with the Father who sent Me. 17 It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.” 19 Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.” 20 These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come. - I judge no one - Yet! - But if I did, My judgment would be true! - Two Witnesses - Your Law states we need two witnesses... - I am One and the Father who set Me is the Other - So they say... okay well where/Who is Your Father? 21 Then Jesus said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.” 22 So the Jews said, “Will He kill Himself, because He says, ‘Where I go you cannot come’?” 23 And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am *He,* you will die in your sins.” 25 Then they said to Him, “Who are You?” And Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.” 27 They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father. 28 Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am *He,* and *that* I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” 30 As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. - You will seek Me and will die in your sin - Sin is unbelief - They will seek Him because they will recognize Who He is but it will be too late 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How *can* You say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, *but* a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. 37 “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.” 39 They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41 You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of *your* father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own *resources,* for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” ##### Criticism #7: You are a Samaritan 48 Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 And I do not seek My *own* glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51 Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” 52 Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ 53 Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. 55 Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw *it* and was glad.” 57 Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” - Samaritan - They believed that heresy comes from the Samaritans (e.g. Simon Magus) - Theme in Gospel of John is that the Lord is speaking about something spiritual (eternal life) and they interpret it literally - If anyone keeps My word, he shall never see death..." - "Abraham and the prophets all died!!!" - Theme in Gospel of John - Christ distinguishes Himself from the Father, and at the same time reveals His unity with the Father - Theme in Gospel of John - Christ knows the Father uniquely - Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad - The Jews understood that Abraham saw the future in some way (e.g. Genesis 15) but for Christ to imply that HE is the one Abraham saw, is shocking. ##### Criticism #8: He Makes Himself to be God 58 Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” 59 Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. - Very clear, that He is making Himself to be God - so they want to stone Him. - "Before Abraham was, I AM" - I AM is the name of God - Jesus escapes from them because His time had not yet come # John 7:53-8:11 — Woman Caught in Adultery ##### John 7:53-8:11 And everyone went to his own house. But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” ##### Authenticity of the Passage to the Gospel of John - Manuscript Witness - Earliest Greek manuscripts do NOT include the story - These verses are present in over 900 manuscripts of John - Some place it in its place John 7:53-8 :11 - Some place the story after John 7:36 - Some place it after John 21:25 (end of Gospel) - Some place it in Luke after Luke 21:38 (right before the Passion) - Some place it in Luke after 24:53 (end of Gospel) - Liturgical Witness - These verses are not read liturgically at any point in the year - neither in the Coptic Orthodox Church, neither in the Eastern Orthodox Church - Patristic Witness - Most Greek Fathers do NOT mention this story - Irenaeus, Tertullian, Cyprian - Cyril of Alexandria - John Chrysostom (Homily 52 on John (John 7:45-8:19) does not have ANY mention) - Latin Fathers DO mention this story - St Jerome included it in the Vulgate in John 8, which probably solidified its inclusion - St Augustine (Tractate 33) - St Ambrose - St Didymus the Blind - Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 223 - We find therefore in some gospels: a woman, he says, was condemned by the Jews for a sin and was being sent to be stoned in the place where this was accustomed to happen. The savior, he says, having seen her and having observed that they were ready to stone her, said to those who were about to cast stones at her: "Whoever has not sinned, let him take a stone and cast it himself." If anyone is conscious in himself of not having sinned, let him take a stone and strike her. And no one dared; having checked themselves and known that they themselves were also liable for certain things, they did not dare to condemn that woman. - Syriac Didascalia Apostolorum - Preserves a similar story about the Lord - Arguments Against Johannine Authorship - Breaks the flow of John's Narrative - John 7-8 is a Trial for the Lord - All the arguments made against the Lord - He's speaking about the Feast of Tabernacles... water, light, etc. - John 7:37-39 - Living Water - John 8:12 - Light of the World - "And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst." - they are alone... and then the next verse "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world.'" - Hapax Legomena (words that appear only once) - John never refers to "the scribes" anywhere else in his Gospel (usually "the Jews") - 13 other words in this section that are not found anywhere else in John's Gospel - Evidence for Lukan Authorship - Forgiveness Theme - Prodigal Son, Zacchaeus, Sinful Woman at Simon's House, Thief on the Cross - "Scribes and Pharisees" - Christ in the Temple usually is standing and proclaiming, not sitting and teaching - "in the midst" - Used in Synoptics and also used in Acts 4 - Did it actually happen? - Absolutely! - Question of how the death sentence should be carried out was a highly debated topic (i.e. Stoning vs Strangling) - The Person of Christ here is not unusual or strange - Why might it be missing from the Gospels? - Not everything the Lord did was written down - Some believe it was originally part of John or Luke and it was taken out for being scandalous (i.e. looks like Jesus was being soft on adultery) ##### Adultery - What is adultery? - Violation of a marriage - Different from fornication (porneia) - A married man could have relations with a woman who was not an Israelite, or who was not married to an Israelite, because that would not be an offense to **his neighbor** - Woman is considered to be the property of her husband - It is not a matter of morality for her - But a matter of property for the husband - Double standard for men and women - Christ changes all of that - He makes it adultery if the husband has relations with anyone (not just the wife) - Christianity uplifts women to a status of equality with men - Husbands are required to be faithful - St Paul says the wife has authority over the husband's body, and the husband over the wife's - Christ says if a man remarries after divorcing his wife, he has committed adultery - To be caught breaking the Law of Moses... - Two eyewitnesses with the same details, witnessing the same thing at the same time - Witnesses need to warn someone in advance if they are about to break the Law of Moses - Husband cannot be witness against his wife - What are the chances this happens in adultery? For this reason, adultery was almost NEVER prosecuted. - Never happens in front of eyewitnesses - Never has advance warning ##### Interpretation - Did she commit adultery? - Where is the man? (It takes two to commit adultery) - Maybe the husband set this up - Wives cannot divorce husbands, but husbands could divorce wives. If he divorced her, he had to give her back the dowry - Maybe he doesn't have the dowry anymore, or lost it - Maybe the man got away - Maybe the man paid for his freedom (to the husband) - Was stoning required? - The Law required adulterers be put to death, but not necessarily by stoning - "What do you say?" - This is a test for Christ - If He says to stone her (or kill her), then He will be seen by the people as not compassionate or merciful - If He says not to stone her, then He is going against the Law of Moses - He stoops down and writes with His finger on the ground, while they keep asking Him "what do you say?" - St Augustine - " - Writing with the Finger - Lots of references to the arm in the Bible, but not many to the finger - Writing of the Law - Deuteronomy 9:10 - "Then the Lord delivered to me two tablets of stone written with the finger of God, and on them *were* all the words which the Lord had spoken to you on the mountain from the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly." - Exodus 31:18 "He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God." - Casting out demons - Exodus 8:19 - "Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This *is* the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the Lord had said." - Luke 11:20 - "But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you." - Many commentators say that Christ was writing the Law - He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first. - ἀναμάρτητος (anamartitos) - "He who is without sin" - Some argue it means "if you are not guilty of adultery..." but it is highly unlikely that ALL of the people standing there were guilty of adultery - It is a call for recognition that we are ALL guilty of SOMETHING - If you brought the accusation of a capital crime, you were required to throw the first stone. This was a way the Jewish Law tried to make sure accusers told the truth and were careful not to bring charges rashly or falsely. If you falsely accused someone, you would receive the same punishment you were prepared to give that person (e.g. Susanna) - Christ reversed the whole situation on them - They brought her to him in order to trap her and to trap Him - But now, it is the accusers who are trapped: - The Law requires us to stone her!! Now they have to decide if they're going to throw the stone or not - If they don't throw the stone, then they violate the Law of Moses - If they throw the stone, they are saying they are without sin - They went out one by one, beginning with the oldest, even to the last - Has no one condemned you? - κατακρίνω - Christ's Leniency - "Sin no more" - Implies that she was guilty of *something* # John 13:31-16:33 — Farewell Discourse - "Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him" - "Little children" - Very affectionate - The love between Jesus and the disciples - "A new commandment" - Love is not an ENTIRELY new commandment - There was "Love God" and "Love your neighbor" - Matthew, Mark and Luke talked about the New Covenant - John talks about the New Commandment - The old standard was love your neighbor as yourself - The new standard is to love one another as I have loved you - Love of Christ is not doing something because I owe it to them or there is some debt... - Christ's love is a FREE GIFT of love (Grace) - Anselm's satisfaction theory of atonement is so foreign... that Christ died for us in order to pay a debt... God the Father DEMANDED Blood... that removes the VOLUNTARY aspect; the LOVE aspect - Repetitiveness of John 14-15-16 is a "chiasm" - Statement 1 - Statement 2 - Statement 3 - Main Point - Statement 3 - Statement 2 - Statement 1 - # The Passion & Crucifixion - Raising of Lazarus - Entry into Jerusalem - Last Week of Christ's Life - Last Supper - Gethsemane - Arrest & Trials - Crucifixion & Death - Resurrection - Ascension # Sources HG Bishop Pavly - First Trial (Annas): [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U915gZQwgMQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U915gZQwgMQ) - Second and Third Trials (Caiaphas, Sanhedrin): [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoWBJc-0ieI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoWBJc-0ieI) - Fourth Trial (Pilate): [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn8PMyXKdLE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn8PMyXKdLE) - Fifth Trial (Herod): [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCxtB-t\_RjA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCxtB-t_RjA) - Sixth Trial (Pilate): # The Arrest of Jesus ##### Arrest of Christ - “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me?" - He wants to tell them - I am going of My own will! Why did you bring swords and clubs? And He delivers Himself into their hands - They arrested Him and bound Him... and He remained silent. - "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth." (Isaiah 53) - Why did He accept this? - When they would bring a lamb to sacrifice, they would bring it bound and tied - "God *is* the Lord, And He has given us light; Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar." (Psalm 118:27) - In doing this, He fulfilled the prophecy ##### He Does Not Resist "You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you." (James 5:6) - When He was brought to trials, He didn't resist or utter harsh words - When we suffer, that's when whatever is inside us comes out; but the Holy One, Grace pours out. Christ was tried six times - three religious (Jewish) trials and three civil (Roman) trials - Jewish Trials: Annas (John), Caiaphas (Matthew and Mark), Sanhedrin (Luke) - Roman Trials: Pilate, Herod, Pilate # First Jewish Trial: Annas ##### Who is Annas? - Annas has a dark history - He was High Priest from 6AD to 15AD - He had a good relationship with the government and gave them whatever they wanted - Talmud - "Woe to the house of Annas! Woe to their serpent's hiss! They are High Priests; their sons are keepers of the treasury; their sons-in-law are guardians of the Temple; and their servants beat the people with staves." (Pesachim 57a) - He established the buying and selling in the Temple - Pilgrims coming to offer sacrifices in Jerusalem needed animals - He opened four shops where they sell the sacrifices (sheep, bulls, pigeons, etc.) outside of Jerusalem, at the Mount of Olives - Booths of the Sons of Annas - This story seems to have originated in the 1800s in a book that references "Rabbinic History" but its references don't include that language... needs more research/backing - Through these, they had a monopoly on the sale of sacrificial animals, and exchanging money into temple coins for offerings. So they were able to: - Charge exorbitant prices - Reject people's own animals (since they are run by the High Priest) in favor of their own animals - Became a very rich family - He would buy politicians with money - He was deposed by the Romans in 15 AD - Annas and Christ - Christ presented a threat to Annas' business, profits and livelihood - Annas is a Sadducee - No angels - No resurrection ("Let us eat, and drink, for tomorrow we die.") - Gospel of John - It is said that John and his family knew Annas ##### The First Trial - John 18:12-14, 19-24 12 Then the detachment *of troops* and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. ... 19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. 21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.” 22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?” 24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. - Why did Annas ask Jesus about His disciples? - Caiaphas and Annas are in agreement that Jesus needs to die... but when He dies, His disciples may take over for Him! So he asks Him who His disciples are! - He wants to know who His followers are - Any of the powerful or wealthy figures? (e.g. Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea) - He wants to know who is funding His ministry - Christ's ministry was funded in a way that is different from the world... the women who were funding the ministry were SERVING Him; not controlling or dominating Him - Their offerings were a form of worship to Him - "Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve *were* with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance." (Luke 8:1-3) - Christ refuses to answer about the disciples - If Christ had answered about the disciples, they would have gone and got them... Peter and John are in the courtyard! - The disciples are still young - they would not be able to bear it - Peter will go before Annas, Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin in Acts 4, but he will have power from the Holy Spirit and he will be ready! But right now, he is not ready - He protects them - "Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition" (John 17:12) - "Jesus answered, 'I have told you that I am *He.* Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,' that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, 'Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.'" (John 18:8-9) - Christ did this elsewhere as well - "Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon;" (John 8:48-49) - He didn't answer about "You are a Samaritan" - of course, He is not a Samaritan; He was born of St Mary - a Jew... but lest a Samaritan listening (or reading) would think that salvation is not for them. He refrained from answering. By refraining, He protected. - Christ answers about His doctrine - Annas and the chief priests and Pharisees had heard His teachings before - John 7:45-53 - They had sent spies/officers to try and take Him, and the officers came back and reported the teachings - "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said." - He spoke with courage - And He teaches us to speak with courage - He is our fortress. When we are asked, the Holy Spirit will give us a mouth and wisdom - He was not intimidated with the luxurious home (palace) of Annas - Courage without insult, without cursing, etc. - Why do you strike Me? - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBidx7CHWVs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBidx7CHWVs) - Why did He ask this question, although He would be beaten and striped for the next several hours? - Lest the one who struck him, actually think or believe that Christ made a mistake - Because if He is struck and remains silent, then he will think that Christ actually made a mistake against the High Priest! # Second Jewish Trial: Caiaphas # Third Jewish Trial: Sanhedrin # First Roman Trial: Pontius Pilate # The Resurrection # Order of the Appearances ##### The Resurrection of Christ The Resurrection of Christ was as follows: > And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead *men."* **(Matthew 28:2-4)** ##### The Women Go To The Tomb Mary Magdalene and the women carrying the spices go to the tomb at sunrise; they are anxious about the heavy stone, but know nothing of the official guard of the sepulcher. Mary Magdalene, when she saw the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, she ran to Simon Peter to tell him. The other women stayed at the tomb. > "Now after the Sabbath, as the first *day* of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb." **(Matthew 28:1)** > "Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary *the mother* of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first *day* of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large." **(Mark 16:1-4)** > "Now on the first *day* of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain *other women* with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb." **(Luke 24:1-2)** > "Now the first *day* of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw *that* the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” **(John 20:1-2)** Meanwhile, the women entered the tomb and saw two angels, who announced to them the Resurrection. > But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word." **(Matthew 28:5-8)** > And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid." **(Mark 16:5-8)** > "Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed *their* faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ” And they remembered His words. Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. **(Luke 24:3-9)** The women left the tomb, and the two disciples (Peter and John) arrived at the tomb, having run. John saw and believed as soon as he saw the linen cloths. > Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying *there;* yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying *there,* and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again to their own homes. **(John 20:3-9)** ##### First Appearance: St Mary Magdalene St Mary Magdalene stayed by the tomb, weeping. The Lord appeared to her and she thought He was the gardener. He asked her "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" and when He said her name "Mary!" she recognized Him. He told her to "go to My brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God." > Now when *He* rose early on the first *day* of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe." **(Mark 16:9-11)** > "But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened." **(Luke 24:12)** > But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down *and looked* into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing *there,* and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and *to* My God and your God.’ ” Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and *that* He had spoken these things to her." **(John 20:11-18)** ##### Second Appearance: Women Meanwhile, the women were returning to the disciples to announce to them, and the Lord appeared to them. > "And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go *and* tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.” **(Matthew 28:9-10)** > "It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary *the mother* of James, and the other *women* with them, who told these things to the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them." **(Luke 24:10-11)** ##### Third Appearance: To Simon (Cephas) Third, He appeared to Simon around noon - this event is not documented except by St Paul in 1 Corinthians, and by the announcement of the two disciples of Emmaus to the other disciples (We have seen the Lord and He also appeared to Simon). > For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas" **(1 Corinthians 15:3-5)** > “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” **(Luke 24:34)** ##### Fourth Appearance: Disciples of Emmaus After the Lord appeared to Simon, He appeared to two disciples walking on the way to Emmaus. He expounded to them all that the Scriptures said about Him and broke bread with them. They did not recognize Him until He had broken bread. Then, they went and told the other disciples... and the disciples did not believe them. > "After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. And they went and told *it* to the rest, *but* they did not believe them either." **(Mark 16:12-13)** > "Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. And He said to them, “What kind of conversation *is* this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. And certain of those *who were* with us went to the tomb and found *it* just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.” Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke *it,* and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those *who were* with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” And they told about the things *that had happened* on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread." **(Luke 24:13-35)** ##### Fifth Appearance: The Ten Disciples On the same day at evening, the Lord appeared to the disciples in a locked room. Thomas was not with them. > Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” > > When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took *it* and ate in their presence. > > Then He said to them, “These *are* the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and *the* Prophets and *the* Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. > > Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” **(Luke 24:36-49)** > Then, the same day at evening, being the first *day* of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace *be* with you.” When He had said this, He showed them *His* hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. > > So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on *them,* and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the *sins* of any, they are retained.” > > Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” > > So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” **(John 20:19-25)** ##### Sixth Appearance: The Eleven Disciples On the eighth day, the Lord appears again to the disciples - this time with Thomas - to confirm Thomas' faith. > And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand *here,* and put *it* into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” > > And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” > > Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed *are* those who have not seen and *yet* have believed.” **(John 20:26-29)** ##### Seventh Appearance: Sea of Tiberias John 21 ##### Eighth Appearance: Galilee - the Great Commission > Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, *even* to the end of the age.” Amen. **(Matthew 28:16-20)** > Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” **(Mark 16:14-18)** ##### Ninth Appearance: 500 Brethren > "After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep." **(1 Corinthians 15:6)** ##### Tenth Appearance: St James This appearance is only mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15 and only in a few words. This James is the "brother of the Lord" - the cousin of the Lord Jesus Christ, "James the Less" who became Bishop of Jerusalem. > "After that He was seen by James" **(1 Corinthians 15:7)** ##### Eleventh Appearance: The Apostles This reference in 1 Corinthians 15 might be to the Ascension (when "all the apostles" were gathered), or to the Great Commission in Galilee, or to one of the other appearances. > "then by all the apostles" **(1 Corinthians 15:7)** ##### Twelfth Appearance: Ascension > So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with *them* and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen." **(Mark 16:19-20)** > "And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen." **(Luke 25:50-53)** > "And being assembled together with *them,* He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” *He said,* “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” > > Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This *same* Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” **(Acts 1:4-11)** ##### Appearance to St Paul # TODO: Chapters # Luke 3a: HG Bishop Youssef ####
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 3: 1 - 20 ~ Bible Study (Eng/Arabic - عربي)](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-3-1-20-bible-study-engarabic "LUKE 3: 1 - 20 ~ Bible Study (Eng/Arabic - عربي)")
#### Outline of the Chapter 00:00-00:54 - 1-6: St John the Baptist Prepares the Way - 7-20: St John the Baptist Preaches to the People - 21-22: St John the Baptist Baptizes the Lord Jesus Christ - 23-28: Genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ #### St John the Baptist Prepares the Way 00:55-22:35 1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, - Historical Context - Characteristic of St Luke's writing - He is giving the historical context of the ministry of St John the Baptist - He did the same in Chapter 2 when he spoke about the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ - He mentions the names of the rulers of any regions that are affected directly or indirectly by the events he narrates - He mentions five political leaders and two religious leaders - Tiberius Caesar - Succeeded Augustus Caesar in 14AD - This means John the Baptist's ministry started approximately 29 AD. - Pontius Pilate - Entered office in 26AD and was the Roman Commander of Judea, Samaria and Idumea - He was in office from 26AD-36AD - Herod and Philip - Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great (the one who killed the innocent children of Bethlehem) - Philip, the son of Herod the Great - Herod Antipas is the one who beheaded St John the Baptist - Pontius Pilate sent the Lord Jesus Christ to Herod Antipas when he knew that He was from Galilee (because Herod was tetrarch of Galilee) - Tetrarch means ruler over 1/4 of a country - Lysanias - Tetrarch of Abilene - Annas and Caiaphas - Annas and his son-in-law Joseph Caiaphas - These are the two high priests that Jesus was tried before in the Crucifixion trials - In the Wilderness - St John was brought up and lived in the wilderness (Luke 1:80) - He lived a solitary life and did not learn his doctrine from men: but His ministry, mission, baptism, etc. he learned all from heaven. - The reputation of John the Baptist preceded the divine calling - He was the son of a very well-known family - The marvelous circumstances around his birth - He was long looked upon by the people as set apart for a great work - His ultimate calling is to be the Forerunner of the Messiah - Baptism of Repentance - There was nothing strange about baptism - purification through water was normal. - What was strange was that the Jews submitted to baptism... it was a common ritual for Gentiles who wanted to become Jews! For a Jew to submit to baptism was like saying "I am as bad as a heathen Gentile who worships idols." - So baptism by John was a true mark of humble repentance, and a radical rededication to the Lord - The message of St John was a call to repentance - What is repentance? - Some people think it's about "feeling" sorry about your sin - Repentance is an action word, not just a feeling - It is a change of mind and change or purpose - ⲙⲉⲧⲁⲛⲟⲓⲁ - ⲙⲉⲧⲁ = change - ⲛⲟⲓⲁ = mind - All the region around the Jordan - This is not a small area... the district alluded to here is 150 miles long - The Jordan is convenient for baptism 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough ways smooth; 6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ” - Forerunner - Isaiah 40:3-5 - John's Ministry is to proclaim repentance and baptism in preparation for the Messiah - This prophecy was fulfilled in the person of St John the Baptist - The same prophecy is quoted in all four gospels, but only St Luke records the whole thing - Forerunner: The one running before Christ to prepare the way for Him - John is the voice of Christ before Christ came - Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight - The imagery here is like an unpaved road. It has bumps and ditches, ups and downs... how do you make the road straight? - Valleys (i.e. ditches) shall be filled - Mountains and hills (i.e. bumps) are brought law - Crooked places shall be made straight - Rough ways made smooth - Who are these? - Who are the valleys? The humble people that God will lift up - Who are the mountains and hills? The prideful that God will bring them low - Who are the crooked? Those who are sneaky like serpents, whose hearts God will change - Who are the rough? Those who are harsh in their attitude, God will smoothen their heart - So every person will be ready for the coming of the Messiah - The image here is very simple, and is very well-understood in the East and especially in those days - When great kings are coming, they usually have people coming before them (i.e. pioneers) to pave the roads for them - If the roads are good, no pioneers or forerunners are needed... - Jesus the Messiah and the King is coming very soon (Jesus starts His ministry six months after John the Baptist) and a forerunner is needed because the state of the Jews at the time was corrupt above measure, confusion like a wilderness - John the Baptist is awakening the sleeping conscience of the people - At least, the crowds who followed Jesus #### St John the Baptist Preaches to the People 22:36-53:08 7 Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as *our* father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10 So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” 11 He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” 12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” 14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” 15 Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ *or* not, 16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fan *is* in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other exhortations he preached to the people. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, being rebuked by him concerning Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, 20 also added this, above all, that he shut John up in prison. - Brood of vipers! - John the Baptist was not interested in quantity, but in quality - He didn't want to preach a soft message or an easy message or to satisfy "itching ears" - He compares them to the worst of all serpents - Vipers harm the people and are fatal... so he is saying to them that their behavior is harming others. He is referring to their hypocrisy, which turned religion itself into an evil - Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? - The Jews had been taught by prophecy that the Advent of their Deliverer should be preceded by a time of anguish, which they call "the woes of the Messiah" - “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He *is* like a refiner’s fire And like launderers’ soap." (Malachi 3:2) - These kinds of prophecies' primary fulfillment happened at the Destruction of Jerusalem, - Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance - True Repentance always bears fruit - the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) - We have Abraham as our father - The Jews were prideful, considering themselves greater than any other nations - The Jews believed that none of them would be lost because they were the children of Abraham - St John the Baptist is teaching here - don't trust in being a member of the church or in having the title of servant, or in attending lots of Sunday School... God wants your repentance and your heart. No matter what titles you have or how often you go to church, repentance is what is needed. - Who are the children of Abraham? - Those who live like Abraham - Who have the faith and works of Abraham - The Jews did not behave like children of Abraham - God can create from these stones, children for Abraham - Stones signifies the Gentiles who had a stony heart - Now the ax is laid to the root of the trees - Any tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire - The patience of God is very near to come to an end (with respect to the Jews) - The judgment of God is at hand - What shall we do then? - The words of St John touched the hearts of the people who replied: "What shall we do then?" - After every sermon, Bible Study, lesson, ask yourself this question: "What shall I do?" - John told them to bring forth fruits appropriate to repentance and lead a life that shows their repentance is genuine - This question is asked by several groups and answered differently, but the common denominator is mercy - People: - Sharing, be merciful, don't be selfish for it is the root of all evil! - Practical teaching: - If you have two tunics and your brother has none, give him one - If you have more food, give some to your brother - Tax Collectors: - Romans wanted to collect taxes from the people. They would hold an auction for the tax-collectors. The person who bids the most is given permission to go and collect taxes from the people. They were hated by all the people because they were violent, took money by any means, and supported by the government. - St John did not see tax-collecting as evil in itself, so he did not tell them to leave the occupation... but to be honest in their jobs. Collect no more than what is appointed to you. - Soldiers: - They were probably Jews who were paid by the Romans to serve as soldiers in Jewish places. - The temptation of the soldier is to terrify the poor by violence and authority, or to undermine the rich by acting as informants or false accusations. - St John, again does not ask them to abandon their jobs, but gives them three instructions: - Restraint: Do not intimidate anyone - Truthfulness: Do not accuse falsely - Contentment: Be content with your wages - Is this the Messiah? - John's call to repentance was through water purification - He warned the people of divine judgment - These reminded the people of prophecies about the Messiah (Ezekiel 36:25-28, Malachi 3:2-5) - The widespread extraordinary success of his preaching is partially explained by this idea that many wondered whether he was the Messiah - The Pharisees even sent a delegation to see if he is the Messiah (John 1:19-27) - St John wanted to invalidate this growing conviction that he is the Messiah - He told the people plainly that Another far greater than he was coming - He compared the baptism by water with the baptism by Fire and Holy Spirit - He humbled himself in saying that he was not worthy to loose His sandal strap (considered to be the most humiliating task that a master could not even ask his servant to do) - He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and Fire - This is fulfilled at Pentecost - Fulfills the prophecies of the characteristics of the Messiah in Ezekiel 36:25-28 and Malachi 3:2-5 as Purifying and Refining - Winnowing Fan - At the threshing floor after a harvest of wheat, they would need to separate the good wheat from the uneatable chaff - They would use a winnowing fan which was like a big fork and it would help separate the wheat grains from the chaff - The wheat was thrown into the air with the winnowing fork as a breeze blew away the chaff, so the good wheat grains fell to the ground. Then the chaff was burned with fire. - This was well-known imagery in those days - It is the image of the final judgment and the separation of the righteous from the wicked, with the wicked going into the everlasting fire - Job 21:17-18; Isaiah 41:16; Jeremiah 15:7; Wisdom 5:14, 23; Matthew 3:12, Matthew 13:30, 40, 42, 50; Luke 3:17; John 15:6 - Many other exhortations and preaching to the people - The Person and Office of the Messiah - The Nature of the Kingdom of God - The Gospel - Faith in God - The Gospel - Imprisonment of John - Luke is not pausing to giving us the story of the death of John the Baptist, but giving us an idea of the wickedness of Herod Antipas - the adultery with his brother's wife, the rebuke of St John, the imprisonment of John. - Later on, Herod would behead John the Baptist # Luke 3b: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 3: 21 - 38 ~ Bible Study (Eng/Arabic - عربي)](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-3-21-38-bible-study-engarabic "LUKE 3: 21 - 38 ~ Bible Study (Eng/Arabic - عربي)")
#### Baptism of Christ 00:00-11:13 21 When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. 22 And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” - Shortest account in the Synoptics of the baptism of Christ - St Luke mentions two things that are not mentioned in the other gospels: - Christ was praying - Christ waited until all the people were baptized, and then He was baptized - When people came to be baptized by John, they came confessing their sins... but Jesus did not have sins to confess. He is God. He prayed, keeping up communion with His Father in heaven. So the Father in Heaven testified about the Son "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased" - Theophany means "Manifestation of God" - We call the Feast of the Baptism of Christ the Theophany because God, the Trinity, was manifested - By baptizing the Lord Jesus Christ, John the Baptist revealed to the people that Jesus is the Messiah - "He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’" (John 1:33) - Messiah - "Anointed One" - "Christ" - "Al Masee7" - Here, the Lord is Anointed as King, High Priest, Prophet - At the baptism, according to St Matthew, Christ said: “Permit *it to be so* now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” - Righteousness of the Law is by keeping all the requirements of the Law... and no one could do that. Jesus came and took our humanity, and in our humanity, He fulfilled all the righteousness and requirements of the Law. When I abide in Him, in Him I also fulfill all the righteousness of the Law - My prayer in itself is weak... but when I am in Him, abiding in Him, one with Him, then when I pray, I pray "in Jesus" so I will have access to God the Father ("no one can come to the Father except through Me") - When I fast, my fasting in itself is nothing... but when Jesus fasting, in Him when I fast, my fast fulfills the righteousness of the Law - That's why all the Old Testament fathers went to Hades... if their own righteousness was able to save them, they wouldn't have gone to Hades. But the fact that they went to Hades and waited until Christ was crucified and died and went to Hades to restore them, shows that none of us can fulfill the righteousness of the Law except through Christ. - The Lord Jesus Christ accepted His mission as the "suffering servant" by allowing Himself to be counted among the sinners! - He stood among the sinners who came to be baptized by John the Baptist - He was counted among the sinners on the Cross, and crucified between two thieves - By accepting the baptism of John, it is in anticipation of another baptism - the baptism of Blood on the altar of Cross for the remission of our sins. - Thus, we who believe in Him and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, need to be joined to His baptism of death - "We are buried with Him in Baptism" (Colossians 2:12) - If we die with Him, we will rise with Him - Baptism is essential for our salvation so that we can participate in His Resurrection and His glory. #### Genealogy of Christ 11:14-24:40 23 Now Jesus Himself began *His ministry at* about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) *the* son of Joseph, *the son* of Heli, 24 *the son* of Matthat, *the son* of Levi, *the son* of Melchi, *the son* of Janna, *the son* of Joseph, 25 *the son* of Mattathiah, *the son* of Amos, *the son* of Nahum, *the son* of Esli, *the son* of Naggai, 26 *the son* of Maath, *the son* of Mattathiah, *the son* of Semei, *the son* of Joseph, *the son* of Judah, 27 *the son* of Joannas, *the son* of Rhesa, *the son* of Zerubbabel, *the son* of Shealtiel, *the son* of Neri, 28 *the son* of Melchi, *the son* of Addi, *the son* of Cosam, *the son* of Elmodam, *the son* of Er, 29 *the son* of Jose, *the son* of Eliezer, *the son* of Jorim, *the son* of Matthat, *the son* of Levi, 30 *the son* of Simeon, *the son* of Judah, *the son* of Joseph, *the son* of Jonan, *the son* of Eliakim, 31 *the son* of Melea, *the son* of Menan, *the son* of Mattathah, *the son* of Nathan, *the son* of David, 32 *the son* of Jesse, *the son* of Obed, *the son* of Boaz, *the son* of Salmon, *the son* of Nahshon, 33 *the son* of Amminadab, *the son* of Ram, *the son* of Hezron, *the son* of Perez, *the son* of Judah, 34 *the son* of Jacob, *the son* of Isaac, *the son* of Abraham, *the son* of Terah, *the son* of Nahor, 35 *the son* of Serug, *the son* of Reu, *the son* of Peleg, *the son* of Eber, *the son* of Shelah, 36 *the son* of Cainan, *the son* of Arphaxad, *the son* of Shem, *the son* of Noah, *the son* of Lamech, 37 *the son* of Methuselah, *the son* of Enoch, *the son* of Jared, *the son* of Mahalalel, *the son* of Cainan, 38 *the son* of Enosh, *the son* of Seth, *the son* of Adam, *the son* of God. - 30 Years of age - This is when the Levites and Priests would begin their service - At that age, it was lawful for the Scribes to teach - In general, 30 years was looked upon as the time of life when manhood has reached its full development - As was supposed the son of Joseph - People thought that Jesus is the son of Joseph, but he was not the biological son of Joseph - St Luke makes it clear that Joseph has no physical or biological connection whatsoever with Jesus. He is not His biological father, but rather, Jesus was born in a miraculous way from the Virgin Mary - Son of Heli - Matthew 1:15 has Joseph's father as "Jacob" - St Luke is giving the Biological Genealogy through St Mary - Heli = Heliachim = Joachim - This can be read as Jesus as was supposed the son of Joseph, Jesus was the son of Mary the daughter of Heli - Differences in the Genealogies - Matthew is descending, Luke is ascending - Matthew's genealogy is representing a movement through three periods of time... - the first period is the period of the patriarchs (head-father - arch + patri) - the second period is the period of the kings - the last period is a period of regular people - Matthew's intention was not to give a strict record, but rather to give a historical progression... first by highlighting the family origin, then the rise to power through David's throne, and eventually the decline from royalty of the kings to the humble birth of the Promised Messiah from a regular human - Matthew starts from Abraham, Luke starts from Adam - Matthew's list shows that Christ is the Son of Abraham (In your seed all the nations will be blessed) and the Son of David (Messiah); - Luke's list shows that Christ is the Son of Adam and Eve - the woman who would crush the head of the serpent - Matthew lists according to Joseph, Luke lists according to Heliachim the father of St Mary - Matthew includes five noteworthy women - Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bethsheba, St Mary - St Jerome suggested that four of these women were included because they were sinners, foreshadowing Jesus as the Savior of sinful humans - Others thought they were included because these four women were Gentiles, showing that Christ did not just come for His own people, Israel, but for everyone in the world. - Matthew's is at the start, Luke's is after the Baptism of Christ - St Ambrosius says that Luke wished to show that God is the Father of us all by means of Baptism. That in baptism, we are adopted and become children of God. - Christ was both the son of Adam (according to the flesh) and the Son of God (before all ages) and in the fullness of time took flesh and became a son of Adam. - Because He is son of Adam and Son of God, He is the only one that can be mediator between us and the Father. - St Athanasius says: "God became the Son of Man in order to make man the son of God" # Luke 4a: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 4: 1 - 22 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-4-1-22-bible-study "LUKE 4: 1 - 22 ~ Bible Study")
#### Outline of the Chapter 00:00-02:28 - 1-13: Temptation of the Lord - 14-15: The Lord Starts His Ministry in Galilee - 16-30: The Lord preaches in Nazareth - 31-37: The Lord casts out unclean spirits - 38-39: Healing of St Peter's Mother in Law - 40-41: Many are healed after the Sabbath Sunset - 42-44: The Lord continues His ministry and teaching in Galilee #### Temptation of the Lord 02:29-43:03 1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry. - The Lord was anointed by the Spirit in baptism, when the Spirit descended upon Him like a dove - Messiah means "the anointed one" and He was anointed, Chrismated, Consecrated - to be our High Priest, King of kings and the Prophet. - After His consecration, He went to the wilderness where Satan tempted Him for forty days - Following this tradition, a new priest spends forty days fasting in the monastery after his ordination - Wilderness - Most likely the wilderness of Judea near the Jordan - Some scholars say that He went to the desert of Horeb or Sinai where the Israelites were tried for forty years and Moses/Elijah fasted forty days - The Lord began His ministry immediately after His baptism - not by going to Jerusalem to preach, but by retiring to the wilderness - We need to prepare ourselves for any ministry by spending some time with God - Before I teach in Sunday School or do visitations, I need personal time with God - In Egypt, all the servants would meet half an hour before the beginning of Sunday School to pray and prepare themselves before Sunday School started. Before going to visitations, the servants going to visitations would meet at the church and pray together before going to visitations. - This is important because it means I am relying on God for the work of ministry, not relying on myself. - The Lord prepared Himself for ministry by fasting, prayer, meditation and resisting temptation - This is why His journey to the wilderness is said to be "driven by the Spirit" (Mark 1) or "led by the Spirit" (Luke 4, Matthew 4) - Order of Temptations - Matthew: - Three Temptations Mentioned - Bread - Pinnacle of the Temple (Throw Yourself down) - High Mountain (Kingdoms of the world) - After the 40 Days - Luke: - Three Temptations Mentioned - Bread - High Mountain (Kingdoms of the world) - Pinnacle of the Temple (Throw Yourself down) - After the 40 Days - Mark: - Brief mention without details - During the 40 Days - Fasting 40 Days - Moses fasted 40 days twice (Deuteronomy 9:9-25, 10:10) - Elijah fasted 40 days (1 Kings 19) - Humanity of the Lord - The Lord was hungry after 40 days - a sign of His Humanity - "For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2:18) - Through our unity with the Lord Jesus Christ, we can get support from the Holy Spirit in His name in times of trouble, suffering, temptation - Contrast with the Temptation of Adam and Eve - Three Temptations - "Good for food" - "Turn this stone into bread" - The Lust of the flesh - "Pleasant to the eyes" - "All these kingdoms I will give to you" - The Lust of the eyes - "You will be like God" - "Throw yourself and the angels will catch you" - The Pride of life - "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that *is* in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:15-17) 3 And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ” - If You are the Son of God - This question was very important for Satan, to know whether Jesus is the Son of God or not - Satan continues to ask this question throughout the gospels (see Luke 4:40 when Satan cries out "You are the Christ, the Son of God" and the Lord rebukes them - Satan was not sure until the Lord died on the Cross and when he came to capture His soul as he did with all human beings, the Lord bound him and Satan realized that Jesus is, indeed, the incarnated Son of God - Temptation of Food - Adam, the son of God (Luke 3:38), is tempted with food - Israel, whom God called His firstborn, is tempted in the wilderness with the desire to eat meat - the temptation of food. - Christ, the second Adam (1 Cor 15:21-22), is tempted by food also - Satan was expecting that the second Adam, Jesus, would do the same as the first Adam - Am I tempted by food? - Many times when fasting, Satan makes us feel that we have a headache, we are drowsy, we need some food, we just need a drink of water... and many times we take the easy way and break our fast - Respond with Scripture - Christ responded by quoting Scripture: "Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Deuteronomy 8:3) - Christ is showing the devil His faith in the Scripture - Christ is showing the devil that He has faith in God and not in food - Christ is laying down the Old Testament Scripture as authoritative and the route to Himself - We should respond to temptation with Scripture... but to do that, we must know the Scripture - Rejection of Evil Spirits - Christ did not yield to the temptation even though He was hungry. - Do not accept anything from Satan - Even when Satan said to Christ "You are the Christ, the Son of God", the Lord rebukes him and doesn't accept it from him - "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1) - Not every thought that comes to your mind is from God. Examine and test it and if it's from Satan, reject it completely. - Miracles were done for the confirming of faith - The Lord did miracles for the approval of His doctrine, so until He began preaching, He did not do miracles - "But that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." (Matthew 9:6) - The devil had no faith to be confirmed, so there is no reason for the Lord to do a miracle here - He would not do miracles for Himself or for His own supply - He would rather turn water into wine for the credit and convenience of His mother and His friends, than stones into bread for His own needs - He would rather be rebuked by Satan with being weak and not able to do it, than to be persuaded by Satan to do so - He chose not to save Himself from the Cross, in order to save all of us 5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for *this* has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” 8 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” - St Matthew lists this as the third temptation, but St Luke as the second - Perhaps St Luke saw the third temptation, about pride, as stronger and more intense than the temporal ambition - St Luke is using the order that happened with Adam and Eve - Satan is a liar - He never had authority over the kingdoms of the world - Genesis 1:26 - God has given authority over the world to man, and not to angels or fallen angels - Job 1 - Why would he have to ask to attack Job? - He could not even enter the swine without permission from the Lord Jesus Christ - Satan demands from all of us to worship him, and he dared to demand it of the Lord Jesus Christ - An angel would never allow someone to worship them - Revelation 19:10 - St John fell at the feet of an angel and the angel said "See that you do not do that" and directed him to worship God only - Fallen angels seek to be worshipped by men, but also wants the Son of God, Himself, who is worshipped by all the heavenly hosts, to worship him - This is why Satan fell from his rank as archangel - because he assumed deity and sought the divine to worship him. And Satan grows worse and worse in this sin. - The Lord's Assertiveness - The Lord rejected without any rage and with all assertiveness! There is no compromise. There is no discussion. - Such a temptation should not be reasoned with - He responds again with Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:13) 9 Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,’ 11 and, ‘In *their* hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” 12 And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ” - St Matthew lists this as the second temptation, but St Luke as the third - Satan deceives by quoting the Scripture - Satan is challenging Him now - do you trust God? Do you trust those words of Scripture? Show me if You really trust God. - Through the deceit of Satan, the very means we use to repel one temptation may be used by him as the groundwork for another - The devil can place us in temptation, but can never make us sin. - St Augustine: "The devil's part is to suggest, it is ours not to consent." - The Lord's Response - Deuteronomy 6:16 - You shall not tempt the Lord your God - Psalm 90 is talking about the Lord's protection when something happens to us... not when we intentionally do something to harm ourselves... this is testing the Lord! 13 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. - The Lord defeated Satan, that we too may defeat Satan - "opportune time" probably refers to the time of His passion, when he entered the heart of Judas - "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that *is* in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:15-17) #### Galilean Ministry 43:04-1:02:09 14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. 15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. - Jesus came from His time of testing stronger than ever in the power of the Spirit - In Luke 4:1, Jesus is already filled with the Spirit, but He continued to walk in the power of the Spirit after the Temptation - Why did Jesus start His ministry in Galilee and not in Jerusalem - The region of Galilee was highly populated - two international trade routes passed through Galilee. People were coming from everywhere through Galilee. - Synagogue - The Temple is in Jerusalem but there were synagogues everywhere - Synagogue was a place for public worship, for praying and reading Scripture. The Temple was needed for offering sacrifices. - The Lord gained a great reputation in a very short time - He was admired and praised publicly by everyone - Slander and rejection started when He went to His specific city in Nazareth 16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord *is* upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to *the* poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to *the* captives And recovery of sight to *the* blind, *To* set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” 20 Then He closed the book, and gave *it* back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” - It was His custom to go to the synagogue on Saturday and to keep the Sabbath law. - Until this time, He would go to the Synagogue and read, but did not yet preach. Because He had not started His ministry yet. But now He is starting so He will read and then preach - Isaiah Reading - Isaiah 61:1-2 - Isaiah 42:7 - Everybody understood these verses to be referring to the Messiah - Messiah means "anointed one" - - Anointed for what? - To preach the good news to the poor: in spirit - To heal the brokenhearted: of their sin - To proclaim liberty to the captives: those who are in Hades, who will be set free and taken to the Paradise of Joy - To give recovery of sight to the blind: those who were sitting in darkness and the shadow of death - To set at liberty those who are oppressed: who are captives of sin - To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord - Can also be translated the "Year of acceptance" of the Lord - The year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25) was celebrated every fifty years by the Jews (after seven sets of Sabbatical years). All captives were released, and all debt was released - Prophetically, the acceptable year of the Lord is the year that the Messiah comes because all those in captivity of Satan will be released - The Lord read this passage from the Septuagint Greek Translation - There is a reference for the Holy Trinity in this passage: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me - Spirit = Holy Spirit - Lord = God the Father - Me = God the Son - Preaching - He was absent from Nazareth for some time, but now returned with a new power and some fame in Galilee - If someone comes to the synagogue and was known to be competent, they would ask him to explain the passage from the Law or the Prophets - Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing - I am He - I am the Messiah - Surprise and admiration gave birth to a spirit of disbelief - They admired His preaching but... to say that He is the Messiah was too much for them... - They knew Him from their village as the son of Joseph the Carpenter and they saw Him growing... so they could not believe that He is the Messiah. - Would the Messiah really come from Nazareth? - And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:46) - Would the Messiah come from such a poor family? - # Luke 4b: HG Bishop Youssef ####
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 4: 23 - 44 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-4-23-44-bible-study "LUKE 4: 23 - 44 ~ Bible Study")
#### Galilean Ministry 00:00 23 He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’ ” 24 Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. 25 But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26 but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, *in the region* of Sidon, to a woman *who was* a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” 28 So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. 30 Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way. 31 Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. 32 And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. - Christ is telling the people of Nazareth what is in their hearts - In their hearts, they despised Him because of the poverty of His parents - In their hearts, they challenged Him with miracles - this is Your hometown, perform miracles here! - Usually a physician would cure himself, his friends, his family, his neighborhood before going and curing strangers - They challenge Him to work miracles as He did in Capernaum - The Lord responds with the reason He did not do miracles among them - He responds with a proverb very well known to them: No prophet is accepted in his own country - He is also speaking prophetically by saying "country" and not just "town" because Israel, the chosen people of the OT, would not accept Him (He came unto His own and His own did not receive Him) - When the Israelites reject Him, the innumerable Gentiles will accept Him - He gives two well-known OT Examples to support this - Elijah and the Widow: Elijah did not go to any widows in Israel, but to a Gentile widow in Sidon - Elisha and Naaman: Elisha did not cure the lepers in Israel, but to a Gentile man - Naaman, the Syrian - Prophetically, both of these show that the Jews will reject Him and the Gentiles will accept Him - They are filled with wrath - How dare He tell them that the Messiah will go to the Gentiles instead of the chosen people of Israel - The Lord wants to teach them that the mercies of God - even in the Old Testament - were not limited to Israel only - The people in Nazareth felt entitled to miracles - The Lord does miracles based on His economy and His will - Sometimes we ask "why did God cure this person but not me?" or "but not my grandma?" but we cannot question God because it is according to His will and His economy - Any miracle He did was for a spiritual goal - The incarnation of Christ is beyond the limitations of human relationships and territories - God has no partiality between nations - He sent Elijah to do good for a Sidonian - He sent Elisha to do good for a Syrian - And in that same time, He did not do anything for the ungrateful and disbelieving people of Israel - They intended to throw Him off a cliff to kill Him because He hinted that the grace of God would be offered to the Gentiles, and they probably judged Him as a false prophet because He refused to perform any miracle in front of them - He did a miracle by passing through the midst of them and this is the only miracle they would ever see - St Cyril of Alexandria said: "Christ passing through the midst of them and went His way was not because He was afraid of suffering but because His hour was not yet come." - there is still work that He has to do before He dies on the Cross - What happened in Nazareth is a foreshadowing of the whole future of His ministry - At first, the Jews would gladly receive His healings, His miracles, His teachings But by the end, they will turn on Him until they crucify Him on the Cross - Went down to Capernaum - Nazareth was a city on a hill, so he went down to Capernaum which is a city on the Sea of Galilee - He kept His custom of preaching every Sabbath in the synagogue - The people were astonished at His teaching - Astonishment is one thing, and believing is another - Astonishment is not enough for one to believe #### Miracles in Capernaum 21:22 33 Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, 34 saying, “Let *us* alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in *their* midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. 36 Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this *is!* For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” 37 And the report about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region. - St Luke first gives the general idea (verse 32) and then gives us a particular account of one Sabbath - As soon as the devil saw Jesus, he became scared of His power... the demon expected that he would be dispossessed - Just the presence of God caused pain to the demons - like how a wounded eye cannot bear the light - The devil gave a correct testimony that the Lord is the Holy One of God (and this is not the only time) - but the intention of the devil is not to reveal the truth... but that if the Lord agreed with the demons, then He might appear to the people to be in union with evil spirits. So this was a lie from the devil to tell the people that Jesus is in union with evil spirits. - The Lord rebukes him and casts him out - For this reason, we see that neither Christ nor His apostles take any notice of these testimonies of the demons - It happens with the Lord several times in the Gospels - It happened with St Paul in Acts 16 when a girl with the spirit of divination followed St Paul and St Luke saying "these are servants of the Most High God who proclaim to us the way of salvation" and she kept saying it for many days until St Paul rebuked the spirit - It was necessary for the Lord to assert His absolute power over evil spirits and show that He had nothing to do with them (especially since later in His ministry He would be accused of casting out demons by Beelzebub) - The time was not yet arrived when Christ was to be publicly proclaimed as the Son of God - but rather, this great truth was to be gradually unfolded with the people being persuaded of that truth by the preaching and miracles of the Lord. - News of His word and His works spread throughout - not only in Capernaum, but throughout the region around Galilee (including Syria Matthew 4:24) 38 Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. 39 So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them. - St John Chrysostom said it seems that He went to Simon's house to eat after preaching in the Synagogue which is why Simon's mother in law arose to serve them immediately - Different sign of healing - Sometimes the Lord heals by a word - Sometimes by a touch - Sometimes by both a word and touch - The Miracle is not just the cure of an incurable disease (high fever) 40 When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” And He, rebuking *them,* did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ. - Why when the sun was setting? - It was the Sabbath! The people were not permitted by the Pharisees to bring their sick for healing on the Sabbath. But when the sun sets, the next day has started so they brought their people to be healed. - The Lord laid His hands on those who were sick - Every one of them - The act of healing is not limited by privilege or sickness or anything. He was able to cure all, and no kind of disease was too hard for Him to heal or subdue - The active power of the Holy Spirit is demonstrated here because the Lord offered physical healing AND spiritual healing. He purified both body and soul. - Healing and exorcism of demons come together - Again, He rebukes the demons despite that their testimony is true #### Jesus Preaches in Galilee 42 Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; 43 but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” 44 And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee. - Early in the morning, He went to have some time in solitude with the Father - The people wanted Him to stay in Capernaum and abide with them - Most likely this was not out of their belief in Him, but so that He can do miracles and heal and they can benefit from the miracles - Miracles and healing were not His primary work, but they were symbolic and secondary work to prove His goodness and demonstrate His authority to preach the Gospel that He is the Messiah - The Lord's mission was very clear to Him and He set boundaries - Some people try to manipulate the servants and clergy, but the Lord was able to say no - I have a mission from the Father and I came here for that purpose. # Luke 5a: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 5: 1 - 26 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-5-1-26-bible-study "LUKE 5: 1 - 26 ~ Bible Study")
#### Outline of the Chapter 00:00 - 1-11: Jesus calls Galilean fishermen to be His disciples - 12-16: Jesus cleanses the leper - 17-26: Jesus forgives and heals a paralytic - 27-32: Jesus calls a tax collector - 33-39 Jesus is questioned about fasting #### Jesus Calls Galilean Fishermen to be Disciples 1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing *their* nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. - By now the Lord Jesus has some fame and wherever he goes he attracts listeners - Whether in synagogue, marketplace, houses, etc. Crowds attract - St Luke only one who calls it Sea of Gennesaret. Same as Lake of Tiberias or Sea of Galilee. - Gennesaret on one side, Tiberias on another. - Book of Numbers we read about Lake of Chinnereth (Numbers 34:11) - John calls it Sea of Tiberias John 6:1 - Galilean fishermen would fish at night and return to shore at sunrise to unload catch and restore their nets. - The Lord asked Simon for use of his boat as a platform from which to address the large crowd. - He had already healed his Mother In Law, so there is some relation between them and some familiarity - He couldn't conveniently speak to them on the land because they crowded around them so He went in boat and pulled back. - According to Mark 1:16-20, Simon and Andrew were fishermen and partners with Zebedee and his sons James and John - Sat down to teach is a symbol of His authority 4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to *their* partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw *it,* he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also *were* James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they a]" style="font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; vertical-align: text-top; top: auto; display: inline;">\[[a](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%205&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-25119a "See footnote a")\]forsook all and followed Him. - The Lord, knowing they had caught nothing, asked them to go to the deep and drop their net. Their failure to catch fish the night before was God's Providence - He allowed them a temporary failure so that they could gave permanent and eternal success and see God's hand the next day. If anyone else had given them that advice to lower their nets, they would have considered it offensive to their self respect - they are experienced! According to their experience, there is no reason to cast their nets again. But Peter because of his faith, trusts in the word of the Lord. He already saw the Lord heal his MIL so he knows he's not speaking with a regular man or an eloquent teacher but that this Man has some divine power They knew - fishing should be at shallow waters not in the deep - fishing is better at night not during the day "according to Your word I will cast down the net" St Ambrose says that Simon Peter's struggle all night long but without fruit is as one who preaches in human wisdom and philosophy. The people of God should preach in the power of the Spirit not in human wisdom and philosophy - The amount of fish was a miracle in itself - Had to call another boat - two boats started sinking - filled both boats - net started to break If we all readily obey the Lord we'll be blessed in the same manner. St Cyril: their nets were filled with fish miraculously. This is to give them confidence that their preaching will not be in vain when casting their nets on the unbelievers and the lost. But notice how Simon Peter and the others stood in fear and asked for help. There were many who helped the apostles in their missionary work. In ministry we need to work as a team not as individuals - Peter at ye beginning of the day heard the teaching of Christ and it pierced his heart. The conviction of sin started in his heart with the teaching, and after seeing the miracle he fell at the knees of Christ. He saw the power of Christ and worshipped Him in amazement and gratitude. This is the reaction of Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1-10 Depart from me is an expression of humility. He felt unworthy to have Christ in his boat. He is a Holy Being. He recognized the vast difference between his human condition as a sinner and the Holy One of God - Do not be afraid - repeated several times in scripture (Isaiah 6, Daniel 10, several during ministry of Christ, before ascension) From now on - end of old life and beginning of new life as an apostle and messenger of Christ. And he took the new name of Peter. The Lord compares the catch of fish with the catch of souls that Simon Peter will win (first sermon after Pentecost wins 3000 souls). This night of unproductive human work will be replaced by fruitful work of proclaiming the Gospel under Jesus' authority Fisher of men is prophetic symbol for proclaiming the good news of salvation to everyone in the world Andrew (named in Matthew 4:18), Simon, James and John left all to follow Christ. This is the beginning of Jesus community of believers The fishermen made the same choice that Jesus asks each one of us to make - to leave everything in our earthly life behind and follow Him #### Jesus Cleanses the Leper 12 And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on *his* face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 13 Then He put out *His* hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And He charged him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as a testimony to them, just as Moses commanded.” 15 However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. 16 So He Himself *often* withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. - St Luke was a physician so he is accurate in describing medical conditions. Full of leprosy means it had covered his body The man makes a statement of faith -
This is memorable because it's the first recorded instance of Jesus contact with leprosy which was very contagious and lethal If you are willing - he is not demanding but saying "I have faith that you can, but I leave it to your will" Leviticus 13:46, Numbers 5:2 - touching leprosy makes you unclean medically and ceremonially. Touching the leper is a clear violation of the letter of the law, but bit the spirit of the law. Ambrose - Jesus because He is the Lord of the law, does not obey the Law but makes the law. Why did He touch the leper? - it's not just a physical illness but also psychological and spiritual. By touching him, He tells him "you are accepted. You are love" - He is not infected by the leprosy symbolizing how He took our humanity yet remaining undefiled (resembles us in everything except for sin alone) - The Lord was not polluted by the touch but the leper was cleansed
- Why did He tell him not to tell anyone 1 - Matthew 12:15-50 the Lord didn't want His ministry to be accompanied by excitement and trouble from the religious leader. His house did not yet come. He wants to build up the kingdom of God. 2 - He came not merely to be a Great Physician and Wonder Worker but to save our souls by His revelation, His example, His death 3 - So that the man is readmitted to the community according to the Law of Moses. This requires a priest to pronounce him ritually clean 4 - it is evident that His word was neglected since the report spread. Maybe a feeling of gratitude... But now His work of teaching is hindered as many came to be healed. -
St Luke stresses Jesus life of prayer and many parables about prayer
#### Jesus Forgives and Heals the Paralytic 17 Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was *present* to heal them. 18 Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. 19 And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with *his* bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. 20 When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 25 Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. 26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today!” - The Lord is still preaching around Galilee People came from Galilee, Judea and Jerusalem The fame of a New Teacher had spread He is sitting in a house teaching but this time it's a different group of people. Not common fishermen or anything from Galilee... But pharisees and scribes and teachers of the law. \- Some came out of curiosity. \- Some for higher motives to hear for themselves the teachings of this new teacher. We can't say yet that any came for a malicious reason or jealously like at the end of His ministry. The house is packed and no one can come in - Not easy to carry a man up to the roof \- When He saw their faith - can faith be seen? Work is seen. St James said "show me your faith by your works" - The paralytic was so weak by his disease, but his friends had great determination. This persistence implied faith in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to heal. Faith in the man and faith in his friends. The Lord, seeing the faith of both, spoke these substantial words: "Your sins are forgiven" \- First use of the word faith in Gospel of Luke \- Maybe the Lord read this man's heart and that he was more distressed by his sins than his body \- Maybe the man got this illness because of his sin and the Lord has to heal the spiritual before the physical \- He addressed the greatest problem the man has which is sin. Sin is the fountain of all sickness. Forgiveness of sin is the only foundation from which physical recovery can be built \- He forgives sins, and the healing of the sickness is undisputable proof that He has power to heal sins \- The friends show active intercession to God \- My faith can make a difference in someone else's life - Who can forgive sins but God alone? The answer to this question is yes! Jesus is, indeed, God. This is a revelation that God became man to heal us not just from physical illness, but to heal humanity from sin and corruption They accuse Him of speaking blasphemies blasphemy: Abusive or condescending language directed to God or claiming that a person is God Blasphemy was punishable by death (Lev 24:16) - this was even the charge by which the Lord was condemned in His trial before His crucifixion Who are the Pharisees and Scribes? \- Pharisee means "separated one" because they separated themselves from anything they thought unholy or unclean and that everyone was separated from the love of God but themselves. They practiced a very strict and literal interpretation of the Law of Moses. \- Scribes were teachers who transcribed the scriptures and many were Pharisees This incident is the beginning of their hostility to the Lord Jesus Christ and His ministry In this passage, there is no doubt that Jesus is revealing Himself as God - The prophecy in Luke 2:34 by Simeon is already being fulfilled - "This Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" \- Thoughts of many hearts may be revealed The Pharisees are in a dilemma here because either: \- Jesus is blaspheming by forgiving sins \- Jesus is actually God They chose the former. No man can forgive sins, and no man can heal paralysis... even today, it's one of the diseases that is very difficult to be completely cured. So it's a logical assumption that if He has the power to heal paralysis, then He must have authority to forgive sins. Which is easier? Two ways to understand this question: \- It is harder to heal a man than to forgive sins because forgiveness is invisible and no one could verify in that moment that this man is forgiven before God. Anyone can say it... how can we know? OR \- To heal the sickness of this man did not cost anything... just a few words from the mouth of the Lord. But to be able to forgive his sins, cost a lot... to empty Himself, to take the form of man, to obey unto the death of the cross, to suffer and shed His blood. "You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Cor 6:20) If he was healed, and his sins not forgiven... then it means nothing in the end. But if he's not healed and his sins are forgiven, he inherits the kingdom of God. But because of their doubt, He verifies for them that He has authority to forgive sins on earth. - Jesus was willing to put Himself to the test in a way that is immediately visible He corrects their understanding that He has power to do both heal and forgive sins This is the first time the Lord used the title "Son of Man" about Himself \- Expresses both humanity and divinity \- These religious leaders knew Daniel 7:13 that says the Messiah will be called Son of Man \- Messianic title \- If he used the word King or Christ, it will sound to the Romans like an earthly king Imagine the tension in this scene: \- Scribes/Pharisees tense because they are challenged by Him \- Paralytic is tense wondering if he'll be healed or not \- Crowd is tense to see what happens When he hears this word, he immediately rose up. He carried the bed which had carried him. The bed which was proof of his sickness, became proof of his cure when he carried it. Jesus' power to heal and authority over sin is immediately vindicated and everyone glorified God. The Scribes and Pharisees don't reach the same conclusion # Luke 5b: HG Bishop Youssef ####
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 5: 27 - 39 ~ Bible Study (English & Arabic - عربي)](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-5-27-39-bible-study "LUKE 5: 27 - 39 ~ Bible Study (English & Arabic - عربي)")
#### Jesus calls a Tax Collector 00:00 27 After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” 28 So he left all, rose up, and followed Him. - Levi traditionally is identified as St Matthew - Matthew means "Gift of God" - Matthew was a gift to God to the Christian faith - He wrote his gospel to the Jews and what helped him write it was: - his scholarly knowledge of the Old Testament - his intimate understanding of the Pharisees and Sadducees - his ability to penetrate the falsehood of the religious hierarchy of that era - He was a tax-collector, who were known for their greed, violence and wickedness - Jesus called him to be one of His followers and even one of the Twelve (inner circle). This reveals the purpose of the ministry of the Lord Jesus who came to redeem all men "I did not come to call righteous, but sinners to repentance" - The Lord did not choose based on outward appearance - or He would have chosen the Pharisees, Scribes and Religious Leaders - God is looking at the heart - Many people are sinners from the outside, but they are waiting for a touch of grace that will convert their life completely. - Matthew was a sinner but once the grace of God touched him, he converted completely. - When God called Peter, James, Andrew, John they immediately left everything and followed Him. In the same way, Levi (Matthew) left all and followed Him. - This was not an easy decision - it needs determination, self-denial, full trust and confidence and God 29 Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. 30 And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call *the* righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” - St Matthew's Sincerity - The integrity and sincerity of St Matthew is evidenced by the great feast in honor of the Lord Jesus Christ - Maybe his friends, the tax collectors and sinners, were moved by the kindness and friendship of this New Teacher - they heard about Him and how He called a tax collector (who was looked down upon and shunned by the religious leaders of Israel) to be one of His followers. They assembled in the house of St Matthew to see this kind, friendly, compassionate New Teacher - Maybe Matthew, being touched by the Lord's compassion and kindness, made a great effort to gather as many as he could to his house to introduce them to the new Master so that maybe their life would be changed too - This is one of the best ways in Christian service... if you are really touched by the Love of God, talk to others about God. Invite them to be in His presence. Invite them to taste and see how sweet it is to be with the Lord. - He demonstrated publicly his new way of life... I am not a greedy tax collector anymore, but I am a disciple of Christ - There is always someone negative to attack the works done for the glory of God - The Pharisees and Scribes were offended that Jesus, who pretended to be a good Teacher, a Prophet, lowered Himself to go and have company with such men: sinners, publicans, tax-collectors - For them, the tax-collectors were considered dishonest men who abused their authority - The same happened when the Lord said to Zacchaeus "I will go and stay in your house" - They disrespectfully said to the disciples: "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" - Although they directed their words to the disciples, not the Lord, their intention is clearly directed at the Lord Himself - The Lord takes up the case and vindicates His disciples and Himself - Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick - This is one of the sayings of the Lord which sank very deep in the hearts of the hearers - Those who *believe* they are in good health, stand as if they don't need assistance of any physician - Scribes and Pharisees, in their own opinion, believe they are free from the disease of sin... you are righteous and blameless according to the Law of Moses... so you don't feel that you need Me. I am the Physician who came to cure the maladies of the souls and bodies of men - Nowadays many people believe they do not need God and deny the existence of God or say "I don't know whether He exists or doesn't exist" (agnostic) as if this knowledge is unimportant to them... or they don't need the Church. They believe they are righteous. They are like the scribes and Pharisees - judging everybody and making themselves to be righteous. - Those who are sick with sin and desire healing, He is there for them. He came to cure and save them. - That's why He conversed with the sinners... - That's why on the Cross, when He heard the thief praying and talking to Him, He assured him of his salvation - His ministry as Physician was among the sinners not among the righteous - The Lord did not dispute here that their form of righteousness is false... because even if He told them that, they would not heed Him. - People who are prideful don't listen to any advice or correction... they are wise in their own eyes. - This righteousness is dangerous righteousness because it produces a man who is very proud and fails to see their need for God - Those who considered themselves sinners were healed... but those who didn't, did not go for healing because of their pride and arrogance. - In the definition of a difficult personality, it's not the people who have problems but those who don't realize or acknowledge that they have a problem - Addicts who recognize they have a problem are not difficult to deal with, but an addict who is in denial is - So who are the more difficult people to deal with? Not the tax collectors... but the Pharisees. - The Lord came to seek those who are lost - He came for both the elder son and the prodigal son, but unfortunately the elder son did not benefit from Him - Those who believe they are in the sheepfold did not benefit from His ministry, but those who realized they were the lost sheep - In this story, St Matthew includes one more detail - But go and learn what *this* means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ (Matthew 9:13) - Reference to Hosea 6:6 - You can offer as many sacrifices as you want but if you don't have a merciful heart, none of your sacrifices will be accepted. - When the Lord answered them wisely as to why He is sitting among the tax-collectors and publicans, and they could not answer Him, they try to look at something else from a spiritual perspective to condemn the Lord #### The Lord is Questioned About Fasting 23:30 33 Then they said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?” 34 And He said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.” 36 Then He spoke a parable to them: “No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was *taken* out of the new does not match the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. 39 And no one, having drunk old *wine,* immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.’ ” - Other Gospel Accounts - "The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him..." (Mark 2:18) - "Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, 'Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?'" (Matthew 9:14) - Why would the disciples of John ask this? - Perhaps how the Lord conducted His life surprised and disturbed the followers of St John the Baptist (because St John was ascetic) - Presence at feastings - Association with publicans - Choice of a tax-collector to be disciple - Their intention is to discredit him - Everyone respects John and recognizes him as a great prophet... and his disciples fast. So why don't Yours? - Fasting is an expression of humility before God in mourning, repentance and spiritual glorification - As if they are telling Him: "You are calling people to repentance, but why aren't you teaching them to fast?" - They want to start a conflict between Jesus and John the Baptist... John the Baptist is admired, so if they succeed in this, they would discredit the Lord Jesus Christ - The Lord gives them four illustrations: - Feasting and Fasting - New Patch on Old Garment - New Wine in Old Wineskins - Drink New Wine After Drinking Old Wine - Feasting and Fasting - He starts with an analogy that they are familiar with... Jewish marriage ceremony - John the Baptist testified that Christ is "the Bridegroom" (John 3:29) and that the coming of the Bridegroom is the fulfillment of joy ("Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled") - The Lord does not reject or deny the concept of fasting, but is telling them that this present time is not the time of fasting. But when the time comes that He is taken away, it will be the appropriate time to fast. - After the Ascension of the Lord, the disciples were fasting... and many times in the Book of Acts - St John Chrysostom said: "He is again establishing His argument by illustration from common life and what He says is like this: 'The disciples have not yet become strong. They have not yet been renewed by the Spirit. And on persons in that state, one ought not to lay any burden of injunction.'" - The Lord intends to teach His disciples step by step - "But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them" - earliest hint at His death and Resurrection and Ascension - New and Old (2 and 3) - The point is that we cannot fit His New Covenant into old forms - New Patch on Old Garment: - Disfigures the New Garment by having to cut from it, and damages the old garment because the new piece will shrink and pull the old worn out garment into pieces. And they won't match! - New Wine in Old Skins: - Skins of animals were sewn together to make bags for wine. The strength of newly fermented wine causes wineskins to expand. New wineskins have the ability to expand... but if new wine is put into old wineskins that have already expanded, the new wine will cause them to burst and spill all the wine - The incompatibility of the Old Covenant given to Moses, and the New Covenant given by Christ - The Lord did not destroy the Old, but fulfilled it on our behalf and gave us His righteousness as a gift. - The Old is Better - Someone who is used to the Old will not give it up quickly - The Lord is identifying a problem with those who believe they are satisfied with the old wine like the Scribes and Pharisees. They are satisfied with the righteousness of the Law - Many of John's disciples and the Pharisee's disciples would prefer old ways of righteousness to the new methods of approaching the Kingdom of Heaven - Jesus would not have put His disciples on strict and austere discipleship lest they are tempted and leave Him... - When God took Israel out of Egypt, He did not bring them by the way of the Philistines lest they see war and return to Egypt - Christ wanted to train up His followers gradually to the discipline of the New Covenant because no man having drunk old wine will immediately desire new wine. He will say the old is better because he's used to it. - Those who refused to embrace the message of the Lord Jesus and His establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven, and closed their minds and hearts to His mission, will miss the best that God can offer them - The New Covenant promised in Jeremiah 31 - These illustrations stress the unwillingness of the Lord to make the ceremonial fasts of the Old Testament a large feature of His New Kingdom. That's why He did not fast the old fasts of the Old Covenant... - He wanted to establish new wineskins: the disciples who would be able to receive the new teaching # Luke 6a: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 6: 1 - 26 ~ Bible Study (English & Arabic - عربي)](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-6-1-26-bible-study-english-arabic "LUKE 6: 1 - 26 ~ Bible Study (English & Arabic - عربي)")
#### Introduction 00:00 - St Luke is carefully presenting the Lord's authority in interpreting the Law. There was a dispute about one of the 10 Commandments - Sabbath and how to interpret it - He's also drawing our attention to the growing opposition of the Religious leaders and the Lord - In Luke 4:31-37, the Lord healed a person on the Sabbath but without opposition. After the news spread to Judea, some Scribes and Pharisees came to Galilee to see - In this chapter, the Lord heals on the Sabbath but this time the opposition of the Pharisees intensifies. They conspire to present formal charges by the end of these encounters #### Outline of the Chapter 03:49 - 1-5: Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath - 6-11: Healing on the Sabbath - 12-16: Appointing the 12 Apostles - 17-19: Jesus heals great multitude - 20-23: Beatitudes - 24-26: Woes - 27-36: Love your enemies - 37-42: Judge Not - 43-45: Tree is known by its fruit - 46-49: Build on the Rock #### Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath 04:55 1 Now it happened on the second Sabbath after the first that He went through the grainfields. And His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate *them,* rubbing *them* in *their* hands. 2 And some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” 3 But Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he went into the house of God, took and ate the showbread, and also gave some to those with him, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat?” 5 And He said to them, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.” - In these five verses, we see the response to the Pharisees and Scribes' criticism of His disciples. The Lord asserts His claim of authority over the Sabbath - Second Sabbath after the First - St Luke is a Historian and he is collecting all of the data in a very precise way - What is it? - Some scholars say that this probably means it was the Sabbath after one of the three major Feasts: Passover, Unleavened Bread, Pentecost - Some say it was the second Sabbath in the new year (Nisan) - Is it considered stealing to pluck the heads of grain and eat them? No! - "When you come into your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the heads with your hand, but you shall not use a sickle on your neighbor’s standing grain." (Deuteronomy 23:25) - What bothered the Pharisees? That it's on the Sabbath - The Pharisees had come up with lists of interpretations of what is okay and not okay on the Sabbath - When the disciples did this simple act, they became guilty of reaping, threshing, winnowing, and preparing food... all of which are violations of the Sabbath according to the Pharisees - The Lord's Response - 1 Samuel 21: David and his men came to the city of the priests, and they were hungry, and it was the Sabbath... - He ate what was only allowed to the priests to eat - He did it on the Sabbath - The Lord challenges them: "Have you not read?" as if challenging their knowledge of the Law - The Law was not meant to be so rigid as they make it - "The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath" - He is claiming Divine Authority to determine what is a Sabbath violation and what is not - In the Gospel of St Matthew 12, the Lord adds: "5 Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? 6 Yet I say to you that in this place there is *One* greater than the temple. 7 But if you had known what *this* means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” - He is referring to Himself and His mission as "greater than the temple" - He is not removing the Sabbath, but rather redefining the prohibitions #### Healing on the Sabbath 14:28 6 Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him. 8 But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, “Arise and stand here.” And he arose and stood. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?” 10 And when He had looked around at them all, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored as whole as the other. 11 But they were filled with rage, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. - Another Sabbath: not certain when - St Luke (and all of the evangelist) inserts this scene here because it completes the teaching of the Lord on the ceremonial law that we saw in the story prior - The Pharisees admitted that Jesus had the power of God to work miracles when they "watched Him closely" - yet they sought to "find an accusation against Him" - The controversy surrounding Sabbath healing increases - The man did not even ask to be healed, but the Lord invited him and asked the Pharisees a question to challenge them - Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil? - The Lord intends to do good on the Sabbath by healing the man - The Pharisees intend to do evil on the Sabbath by lying in wait to try and accuse Him - The Pharisees are the ones violating the Sabbath - They cannot say that it is lawful to do evil... and if they said it is lawful to do good then they'd be giving Him permission - St Mark adds in Chapter 2: But they kept silent. 5 And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched *it* out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him. - He looks at them with indignation! - St Matthew adds in Chapter 12: 11 Then He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift *it* out? 12 Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” - When the Lord gives a commandment, He gives power to do it - When the Lord told this man to "stretch out your hand" he could have said "My hand is withered and I can't stretch it... why should I even try" - but he tried - This applies to spiritual commandments: - Love your enemy - Pray for those who persecute you - Sometimes we say "I can't do it" - but just try! #### The Twelve Apostles 21:47 12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to *Himself;* and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James the *son* of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas *the son* of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor. - St Luke says "in those days" because he is shifting the subject away from the Sabbath discussions - St Luke stresses throughout his gospel that the Lord would go and pray - He would have his readers NEVER lose sight of the PERFECT Humanity of Christ - In response to what is happening in all this political and religious controversy, and in preparation for choosing and appointing His twelve disciples, He went to pray all night to the Father - This is one of the most important parts in His ministry - Disciples are followers - and from them, He chose twelve who were called apostles (i.e. "ambassadors") - Through them, and their preaching, the whole world would know the Gospel Truth and be led to salvation - Jesus is God, but did not simply use His infinite knowledge to choose disciples... but rather, He emptied Himself and then prayed all night as God-Man, seeking the will of His Father and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit like us. - Why Twelve? - This is the foundation of the new Chosen People... and Israel, the Chosen People of the Old Testament had twelve tribes - Why Judas? - Jesus chose Judas knowing how he would turn out to be a traitor - This was not a surprise for Him: “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” (John 6:70) #### Jesus Heals a Great Multitude 27:30 17 And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, 18 as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed *them* all. - Level Place - In verse 12 they went up the mountain, and He taught His disciples... but now they are coming down to a level ground to teach the disciples and all the crowds - The teaching that He gives to them is very similar to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-6-7 - In Matthew 5-6-7 it is a sermon "on the mount", but here it takes place "on a level place" - Some say these are two separate sermons... one from the mountain and another one from a level place - Scholars have three theories about the relationship between the two accounts: - Both gospels are giving a different account of the same sermon (Luke summarizes, but Matthew details) - The gospels reflect two different homilies spoken at different times during the ministry of Christ - These two homilies were delivered in close succession - when the Lord was on the mountain, He told the disciples the long sermon and when He descended to the plains, He gave the shorter one to the multitude - The area around the Sea of Galilee, which includes the traditional Mount of Beatitudes, is like a mountain when looking from the Sea of Galilee... but it is like a level place when one stands on or above it - People came from great distances to be healed and delivered from demonic spirits by the Lord Jesus Christ - Judea and Jerusalem: Israel - Tyre and Sidon: Gentiles #### The Beatitudes 33:30 20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “Blessed *are you* poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed *are you* who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed *are you* who weep now, For you shall laugh. 22 Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile *you,* and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward *is* great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. - Blessed are you poor - Poverty in Spirit - Recognizing that I don't have any spiritual resources or assets - my righteousness is 0 - This cannot be artificially obtained by self-hatred... that's not what the Lord means - As the Holy Spirit works in our heart and we respond to Him, we obtain the poverty in Spirit. - A candle in a dark room will seem to light up the whole room, but once the sun shines, the candle will not provide 0 light - Acknowledging that my righteousness away from God is like the light of a candle... but the righteousness of Christ is the light of the Sun - "But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word." (Isaiah 66:2) - Poverty in Spirit is an absolute prerequisite for receiving the Kingdom of God. As long as we keep illusions about our own righteousness and our own spiritual resources, we will never receive from God what we absolutely need. - The blessing to the poor is first because it puts the other blessings in perspective... no one can love their enemies without relying on God's power - Blessed are you who hunger now - Those who hunger and thirst in a spiritual sense - who hunger and thirst for righteousness. - When I discover my spiritual poverty, I will hunger and thirst for righteousness - As the body has a natural appetite in hunger and thirst for food and drink, so the soul has a natural appetite for righteousness - As the body depends on its nourishment for strength on earth, so the soul depends on righteousness for heaven - Blessed are you who weep now - "No blessing from heaven is attached to the world's sorrow" - St Augustine - Weeping for our sins and sins of others - "It befits you to weep over the world but to rejoice in the Lord. Be sorrowful for repentance and rejoice for grace." - St Ambrose - "Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death." (2 Cor 7:10) - Blessed are you when men hate you... - When I discover my poverty, and I am hungry for the righteousness of Christ, I will be sorrowful in a Godly way... sorrowful for my condition because this sorrow produces repentance leading to fulfillment and receiving the righteousness of Christ - When I attain the righteousness of Christ, Satan will start to attack me and make people hate me and persecute me - Hate you, exclude you, revile you, cast out your name as evil - It did not take long for this to come true - The followers of Jesus were called Nazarene or Christians... and these names carried reproach with them in the early centuries. - "Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?" (James 2:7) - "For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes." (Acts 24:5) - They were excommunicated from the Synagogue (i.e. excluded) - Why rejoice? - The persecuted one will receive a greater reward in heaven - By being persecuted and hated and excluded, you are in good company: the Prophets! - Prophets who were persecuted: - Elijah mourned the general massacre of his brothers the prophets during Ahab and Jezebel's reign, saying: "the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword." (1 Kings 19:10) - Urijah was brought to Jehoiakim the king and was killed with the sword (Jeremiah 26:23) - Jeremiah was cast into a pit (Jeremiah 38) - Amos was accused and banished and beaten to death - Etc. - Until today, the followers of Christ are persecuted #### The Woes 45:50 24 “But woe to you who are rich, For you have received your consolation. 25 Woe to you who are full, For you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, For you shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, For so did their fathers to the false prophets. - Woe - The tone of the Lord is of pity... expression of regret and compassion, rather than denunciation - The woes here balance the beatitudes and are their direct opposites - The Lord is turning upside down their perception of the Kingdom of God - Woe to you who are rich - Opposite of Blessed are you who are poor - St Luke, as a physician of the soul and not just of the body, is recording for us all the warnings against the temptations that wealth and richness bring with it - This is a clear example - The story of the rich man and Lazarus is also in the Gospel of St Luke - The love of money is the root of all evil - Rich is those who TRUST in riches... who have riches and instead of serving God with it, serve their own lusts - Woe to you who are full - Opposite of Blessed are you who hunger - Those who used their wealth for their own indulgence and found themselves full - Woe to you who laugh now - Opposite of Blessed are you who weep - The Lord is not against laughing, but this is understood as those who are sinfully merry, and have no true cause of spiritual joy - Woe to you when all men speak well of you - The true prophets were persecuted, but the false prophets were praised by men - Woe to those who make it their great and only care to gain the grace and applause of men, who value themselves upon that more than upon the favor of God and His acceptance # Luke 6b: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 6: 27 - 49 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-6-27-49-bible-study "LUKE 6: 27 - 49 ~ Bible Study")
#### Love Your Enemies 01:20 27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. - I say to you who hear - These commandments are given to all of us - all who hear and pay attention to what is said; all who are actively listening to the word and teaching of the Lord; all who diligently hearken to Christ; who feel that what the Lord is saying is worth their time - Love your enemies - This is a radically new teaching - In the Old Testament it was said "love your neighbor and hate your enemy" - we never heard before the Lord Jesus Christ that anyone said "love your enemies" - It is a very simple command to understand, but very difficult to obey - unless you receive grace from the Holy Spirit - Love is not emotion (warm fuzzy feeling) - We don't control our emotions - If we wait for our emotions or feelings, we may never love them - I need to make the **decision** that I will love my enemy and do good for them - - He is speaking about acts of love. - "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink" (Romans 12:20) - When God sees me doing this, then this love will be processed by the Holy Spirit from the mind and will and intellect to the heart and emotions - Enemies? - The Lord recognizes that we will have enemies... but enemies are those who hate us, not those who we hate. We respond to them in love, trusting that God will protect our cause. - Many times we are concerned lest when we show love, people will take advantage of us... but if we trust in God, He will protect our cause - How to love enemies: - Do good to those who hate you - Bless those who curse you - We must speak well of those who speak ill of us - Pray for those who spitefully use you 29 To him who strikes you on the *one* cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold *your* tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask *them* back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. - If someone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also - We are peacemakers. - We must accept certain evils committed against us... not out of weakness, but by our free will - It is easy to repay evil with evil - We choose to repay evil with good because we are peacemakers - Practical Ways of Love - When struck on the cheek, resist and bear it; if we respond in like manner, then we become like him - "who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Peter 2:23) - Accept Certain Evils Against Us - Does not mean to accept the evil of sin or bad actions or false doctrine - those that we oppose - The evil man is a victim of Satan, and we need to bear their weakness, praying for him - There was a man who was demon possessed and they took him to see an elder hermit that God had graced with the power to cast out demons. The demon caused the man to slap the hermit... the hermit turned the other cheek and the demon immediately left the man. The demon cried out "I must leave - I cannot stay any longer. The commandment of Christ is casting me out." Nothing puts down the pride of the devil as humility and obedience to the commandment of God. - In Egypt, one of the Sheikhs was making fun of Christianity and the Bible all over the media and insulting and slandering us for many many years. He got very sick and was taken to a hospital in London. HH Pope Shenouda III sent him a delegation of bishops to check on him in the hospital. He could not believe that after all he did to Christians, they are asking about him... this practical love changed him completely. And when he got back to Egypt he went straight from the airport to the Cathedral to thank HH Pope Shenouda. From that moment until he died, he never again spoke against Christianity. This is the power of love and forgiveness. - If someone takes your cloak, give him your tunic too - Giving willingly and out of love - By doing this, you don't disturb the calm of your own spirit with arguments, disputes, and debates - Give to everyone who asks of you, and do not ask them back - Whether Jew or Gentile, friend or enemy, believer or unbeliever, good or bad, worthy or unworthy, deserving or not - Give from your alms - food or money - Give freely, readily, cheerfully, according to your ability, abundantly, and as the necessity of the object requires - "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35) - Treat others as you want to be treated - The Golden Rule - Put yourself in his place and ask yourself how would I want to be treated? - Reciprocity - This sums up all moral and ethical requirements of men who live in society as citizens of the Kingdom of God - Christianity demands a standard that surpasses what is normally expected - We have the grace of the Holy Spirit - so we are expected to behave in a behavior which surpasses the normal - The Lord urges us to pursue a lifestyle that demonstrates God's mercy to everyone - If we are grounded in God's love, trusting fully in the Holy Spirit, it will be easy for us to live in this way 32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend *to those* from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. - What credit is that to you? - The Lord wants us to imitate Him - Anyone in the world can return love for love, good for good, lend and expect back - and even sinners do the same. This is the ordinary rule for man. - Some people are even worse sinners and return evil for good - these are less than normal. So what about returning good for evil? This is divine. - When we give, it's not with "strings attached" - When I help someone, I'm not helping him because he will help me back. I help him expecting nothing in return - The Lord calls for works that demonstrate love and good deeds - Three Commandments: - Love your enemies - Do good - Lend hoping for nothing in return - These are not simply recommendations or suggestions... these are commandments. - Blessings of earthly substance and also in heaven - Be merciful just as your Father also is merciful - Pardons others without being asked - Does not permit repeated returns of ingratitude to discourage him from doing good - Easily forgets any injury - Sometimes when someone hurts me, I can't forget it for years... because I am not merciful or compassionate. #### Do Not Judge 26:35 37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” - Judge Not, Condemn Not, Forgive - Jesus warns us against passing judgment upon others because when we do so, we will be judged in a similar manner and with the same measure - This verse is very popular among people who don't know the Bible well... - When HGBY came to America, he heard "don't judge" and "it's not fair" frequently from the younger generation... as if God wants us to be blind without discernment... as if Christ, when He said don't judge, He's commanding a universal acceptance of any lifestyle or teaching... - The Lord Jesus Christ told us "you by their fruits you will know them" - so He wants us to make assessments... to discern between good and evil, between a Godly lifestyle and an evil lifestyle - Discerning between good and evil is a sign of maturity (Hebrews 5:12-14) - "Evil company corrupts good habits" (1 Cor 15:33) - how will I know if company is evil? - If I tell someone "don't follow him he's bad company" or "he's a false teacher" and someone replies "don't judge" - this is a misinterpretation and misuse of this verse - Christians are called to unconditional love, but not unconditional approval - We can love people who do things that we don't approve, but we should not imitate, follow or accompany them for "there is no fellowship between light and darkness." (2 Cor 6:13) - Judgment is when you say "this person is a bad person" - Condemnation is when you say "this person deserves to go to the Lake of Fire" - as if you are God and deciding who goes to heaven and who doesn't - Rather than judging or condemning, forgive - Generosity - Measure of grain so pressed and shaken that it could hold no more and has started to run over - With the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you - It is a powerful motivation for us - if we want more from the Love of God and forgiveness and goodness, then give more to the others and you will receive - Disciples of Christ are known as givers rather than judges - We cannot out-give God - once you give, He will return to you more than you gave 39 And He spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. 41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that *is* in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that *is* in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye. - "Can the blind lead the blind?" - This was a general proverb to signify that a man cannot teach what he is lacking - If I am lacking forgiveness, I cannot teach forgiveness - A man who is not illuminated from above, is incapable of judging spiritual things and wholly unfit to be a guide to others - Is it possible that a person who is covered with a thick darkness of hatred, unforgiveness, greediness, dare to judge the state of others? If I am blind, I cannot lead a blind person. - The Scribes and Pharisees were blind... can they lead blind people in the right way? - A disciple is not above his teacher, but will be like his teacher - If I have the mind of Christ, I will be like Him - holy, harmless, undefiled, above sin - We can imitate Him, but never be above Him, but I can become like Him - Those who put themselves under the direction of Christ will be like Him - By judging others, it is as if we are saying we are **above our Master**... our Master refrained from judging others - The followers of Christ cannot expect better treatment in the world **than our Master**... our Master was mistreated, so we cannot expect better treatment than Him - We should not aim for worldly magnificence or fame, because **our Master** did not have that - Live a life of labor and self-denial as **our Master** did - Speck/Plank - The Lord used an exaggerated image to make His message easier to understand and more memorable. We can have a speck in our eye, but not a plank... having a speck is highly irritating and causes the eye to turn red. So imagine a plank! - Those who are led by the standards and common opinions of the world, are blind, with a plank in their eyes - Many people now spend most of their time on Social Media - and the opinions that are on social media brainwash them... and become their Bible. And they are "following" certain "leaders" on Social Media. - Following the multitude in evil is ignorance - Following the blind way that leads to destruction - We need to let our light shine, but without judging - The Lord is not saying it's wrong to help our brother with the speck in his eye... but before trying to do that, remove the plank from your own eye. #### A Tree is Known by Its Fruit 45:00 43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For *men* do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. - In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord used this parable to discern between true and false prophets - In the Old Testament, there were true prophets (e.g. Elijah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel) and false prophets - In the time of Christ, there were true and false teachers - In the end of times, there will be true and false teachers - How can we recognize the true Child of God who is a guide to others? - We can assess by the quality of his deeds: the fruits - His compassion, mercy, charitable deeds to the poor, forgiving heart, etc. - A tree is known as good or bad by its fruits and a man is known to be good or bad by his words and deeds - If the fruit is good, you may conclude that the tree is good - You can never know what the heart looks like, but from the fruit you can tell to a major extent - "For the foolish person will speak foolishness" (Isaiah 32:6) - "Wickedness proceeds from the wicked." (1 Samuel 24:13) - The fruit is the inevitable result of who we are... the heart is the essence of a person for good or evil. #### Build on the Rock 50:00 46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? 47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” - If we call Him "Lord" then He is our Master and we should be obedient and compliant with His words - Those who go to church, fulfill some religious duties, but sin against God and man as anyone else in the world. - It's not enough to confess my relationship to Him as "Christian" or "His Servant" - but I have to consciously obey Him - We are deceiving and cheating ourselves - Three Steps - Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them: - Come - Come in submission and surrendering - Listen - Hear Him because we are His disciples - Obey - Because we are obedient - Build on the Rock - The two houses look exactly the same, but the foundation which is under the house is different - and it's the only thing that prevents the storm from destroying the house - If you come and hear but don't do, then you are building your house on the sand. If you are coming and hearing and doing, then your house is on the rock. - The wise man "dug deep" in toil and labor, as we fight the good fight to lay the good foundation - Assessing the strength of your foundation - How do you deal with adversity? - How do you deal with hardship? - It is good for our foundation to be tested now, rather than after we die and it's too late - The ruin of that house was great - Why is it great? It's just one person... - Every single person is so important to the Lord - the salvation of each individual causes the Lord's rejoicing and the ruin of just one causes sorrow - The Lord ends His sermon with these words to remind us not just to hear but to do, because if we don't take care of our foundation, then the ruin of that house will be great. And if I am a hypocrite, or inconsistent, or I am not doing... then that ruin will be my ruin. - # Luke 7a: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 7: 1 - 28 ~ Bible Study (English & Arabic - عربي)](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-7-1-28-english-arabic "LUKE 7: 1 - 28 ~ Bible Study (English & Arabic - عربي)")
#### Outline 00:00 - 1-10: Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant - 11-17: Jesus Raises the Son of the Widow of Nain - 18-35: John the Baptist Sends Messengers to Jesus - 36-50: A Sinful Woman Forgiven #### Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant 00:56 1 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3 So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 5 “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.” 6 Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does *it.*” 9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick. - When He concluded all His sayings - the sayings of Chapter 6 - The Centurion - A Centurion is a Roman Officer who commanded 100 men (prefix cent-) - Roman soldiers were stationed all over Israel including Galilee, Samaria and Judea in order to maintain order - This Centurion appears to be a devout, humble man despite being a Gentile Roman Soldier - As a Roman soldier, he is an instrument in the hand of the Roman Government to oppress Jews - As a Gentile, he would not be able to enter beyond the Court of Gentiles in the Temple, but he could attend Sabbath services in the synagogue. - He financed the building of a synagogue in Capernaum - showing his love for the Jews - Under Roman Law, a master has the right to kill his servant and it was expected to do so if the servant became ill or injured to the point that he cannot work... but this Centurion was a godly man who, when his servant was sick, he heard about Christ and sent the elders of the Jews to Him - Why did he send elders and friends instead of going himself? - The Lord had become very famous as a Jewish teacher... so the Centurion, perceiving himself as unworthy and unfit to go ask a favor from a great Teacher like the Lord Jesus Christ, sent elders of the Jews and his friends, instead - The elders of the Jews went and told the Lord that this man, despite being a Gentile and a soldier, is worthy - "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue" - Even later, he sends his friends to the Lord to explain why he did not come himself - These conversations in the Gospel of St Matthew are said to be done by the Centurion, himself - but St Matthew was simply summarizing those parts of the story. - "He the Centurion was feeling unworthy, but he showed himself worthy of Christ entering - not within his roof, but within heart." - St Augustine - The Centurion understood authority and chain of command - The Lord marvels at him and at the Israelites - The Jews asked to **touch** the Lord Jesus Christ to be healed - This man believed that even without a touch, just at the spoken word of the Lord, his servant would be healed - The Lord marvels at the man's faith, but also at the unbelief of Israel - The servant is healed - The Lord answered the Centurion's unselfish request and proved that He has the authority that the Centurion trusted Him to have - without seeing him, touching him, speaking to him... He spoke and the sick was cured. #### Jesus Raises the Son of the Widow of Nain 15:12 11 Now it happened, the day after, *that* He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. 12 And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried *him* stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. 16 Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.” 17 And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region. - This story is only mentioned in the Gospel of St Luke - Nain is a city near Tabor in Galilee - A dead man was being carried out of the city - They used to not bury inside the city - All funerals are tragedies... but this one is a special loss - At that time, women did not work... - Since she's a widow, her son is now taking care of her and now her son is dead. So there is noone to support her. - Losing a son or daughter is one of the most difficult tragedies... more so than losing a parent or other relative - A large crowd followed in order to give sympathy - The Lord had compassion on her - In this instance, as in so many others, the miracle of the Lord is not from a distinct purpose to give Himself credentials - but came from His own compassion on human suffering. - When He saw the widow crying and weeping, He showed divine compassion for the human suffering - Touching the Coffin - According to the Jewish Law, a coffin is impure and if you touched it you became ritually impure. - The Lord touched the open coffin and those who carried it stood still. - They marveled that Jesus, who was known as a teacher, would touch the coffin which most Rabbis would call impure - He presented him to his mother to make it clear "I raised you to take care of your mother" - Jesus showed here the greatness of His power, but also the truth of His mission - so the people gave thanks to God and glorified Him - This report went to all Judea and the surrounding region - The Lord's Authority over Death - The Daughter of Jairus - The Son of the Widow of Nain - Lazarus - "As the Lord had mercy on the body, He also has mercy on our souls. These three miracles are illustrations of Christ's divine power and love in raising our souls that are dead in trespasses and sin. Whether the soul be dead but not yet carried out like the Daughter of Jairus; or dead and carried out but not buried like the son of the widow; or dead, carried out and buried like Lazarus. He who raised Himself on the third day can raise all of us from the death of sin. Therefore, let no one despair." - St Augustine #### John the Baptist Sends Messengers to Jesus 25:18 18 Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. - We have three passages about the relationship between the Lord Jesus to St John - 18-23 - 24-30 - 31-35 - We can conclude some facts about the disciples of John: - The disciples of John were present when the Lord performed these miracles and they heard His teachings - Although John was imprisoned, his disciples were allowed free access to him - St Luke likely heard this account from one of the disciples of St John 19 And John, calling two of his disciples to *him,* sent *them* to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 20 When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’ ” 21 And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. 22 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that *the* blind see, *the* lame walk, *the* lepers are cleansed, *the* deaf hear, *the* dead are raised, *the* poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 And blessed is *he* who is not offended because of Me.” - We have seen before that John knew clearly that the Lord is the Messiah... so why is he sending these disciples? - Nowadays some say it's because John doubted that Jesus is the Messiah since he was in prison and hadn't been delivered... This is not in line with his character or what the Lord says about him. - The Fathers of the Church teach us that he sent his disciples to remove all doubt from their heart, and not for his own personal satisfaction. - In response to those disciples, in that very hour, Jesus cured many and then answered them to "Go and tell John the things that you have seen and heard" - In the Gospel of St Matthew, St Matthew says the Lord simply sent a verbal message. But St Luke gives more detail that the Lord did miracles in their presence first. - That very hour: - "He knew what John's design was in sending to Him. He knew that in this very moment, those two disciples would come. He put it into his heart to send at that very time when He, Himself, was working many miracles which were the true answer to the question." - St Cyril of Alexandria - The poor have the gospel preached to them - The poor in spirit, and those who do not trust in the riches of the world - Those who are gratified by temporal things are too satisfied or too busy to pay attention to the word of God - Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me - Obviously this message is not for St John the Baptist, because he is not offended by Him - Some people had a preconceived idea about Jesus - as a man, or as less than any prophet (e.g. people in Nazareth, Pharisees, those who perceived the Lord as a temporal deliverer of Israel) - Those who do not take offense at Jesus for what they think He should be, but who recognize His true identity as the Son of God, and accepted His miracles as signs of His authority, and believe in His mission to announce the Kingdom - These are the children of God; the citizens of the Kingdom of God. 24 When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is *he* of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ 28 For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” - Why did the Lord wait until the two disciples departed before praising John? Why not praise him in their presence? - The Lord refrained from praising John in their presence lest He be accused of flattery or hypocrisy - He praises John as a man of God - John did not live for his own comfort or the approval of others - John is steadfast, not shaken easily like a reed, but firm in his message of repentance - He was not like a reed swayed by the wind of secular society - people say this, so he follows them. He was stable. - He lived a disciplined life not a life of luxury. He wore coarse camel hair for his garment - He praises John as a prophet - John was a prophet - everyone knew that. John came after hundreds of years without a prophet - so many people came to hear him and be baptized by him. - The Lord says he was much more than a prophet because he came to prepare the way of the Lord Jesus Christ - the Forerunner. He saw the Messiah and baptized Him! So he was greater than any other prophet before him. - He praises John as one prophesied about - The Lord quotes from Malachi - Malachi 3:1 - "Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me." - Centuries ago, the mission of John the Baptist was foretold and described by the prophet Malachi - He praises John as the greatest among those born of women - This verse confuses many scholars - How is the least in the kingdom of God greater than John? - John is the greatest of the Old Covenant Prophets - But John the Baptist did not see the coming of the Kingdom. He saw the Kingdom coming but did not see how the Kingdom of God was fulfilled through the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through opening the gates of Paradise and transferring the righteous from Hades to Paradise. John the Baptist, himself, went to Hades when he died. - The humblest child of the New Kingdom is superior to the greatest prophet of the Old Testament. - Why? - Now we can be united with Christ through the Eucharist - When we die, we don't go to Hades, but to Paradise. - The Holy Spirit was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified, but now you are the temple of God and the Holy Spirit abides in you. - Among those born of women, there is no greater than John the Baptist - but the members of the Church of Christ, who are born of water and spirit, are greater than John the Baptist - St John Chrysostom and St Augustine and some other fathers had difficulty in accepting this explanation - They suggest that "the least in the Kingdom of God" refers to the Lord Jesus Christ because He was younger than John the Baptist by six months and so "less" refers to Himself but in age. - That the Lord would say this because some people esteemed John the Baptist as greater than Him # Luke 7b: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 7: 29 - 50 ~ Bible Study (English & Arabic - عربي)](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-7-29-50-bible-study-english-arabic "LUKE 7: 29 - 50 ~ Bible Study (English & Arabic - عربي)")
#### John the Baptist Sends Messengers to Jesus 00:00 29 And when all the people heard *Him,* even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him. - Justified God - Publicly declared and confessed the goodness and justice of God. - They approved of what God had done and blessed His name for sending among them such a great prophet like John the Baptist. - They received the word of God and listened to the preaching of John the Baptist and were baptized by him - Those who believe and obey the message that God sends, we declare the righteousness and justice of God. - Those who had repented and received the ministry of St John the Baptist found it easy to accept the message of salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who did not, would accuse and condemn God. - The will of God was that all who heard John's teaching would repent and then accept the message of salvation - The Pharisees and lawyers did not believe the testimony of John the Baptist, and thus rejected the will of God and the economy of God relating to their salvation. That's why they were not saved. 31 And the Lord said, “To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is justified by all her children.” - The Lord uses an image to explain the leaders of Israel's conduct - They have been exceptionally blessed with two great divine messages: - One by John the Baptist, the servant of God - One by the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Incarnated Son of God - He chose an everyday scene from the people's life that they had witnessed often: - Children played simple games in the open air (e.g. a marketplace) - The resentment of a group of children who refused to take part in or approve of any game - So there are a group of children and when they see the children playing a happy game like a wedding - they refuse to participate. (The flute) - So the children play a different game like a funeral - and they still refuse to participate. (The mourning) - You resent every act - The children that played the flute and were happy represent the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ - The children that played the mourning and grieving part represent John the Baptist and his disciples who preached the doctrine of repentance - The children who refused to join both groups are the Scribes and Pharisees who were not pleased with either one - They condemned John the Baptist for his asceticism and said "He has a demon." - They condemned the Lord Jesus Christ for His tenderness and said "He is a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners" - This doesn't mean that the Lord would get drunk... it was a false accusation just as John the Baptist did not have a demon. - "Friend of tax collectors and sinners" - in their mind they meant that He participated in their sins. This is also a false accusation. - In reality, He was truly their friend in that He loved them and did not despise or push them away. Rather, He wanted them to change and abandon the sinful life and consecrate themselves to the Godly life. He wanted to rescue them from the guilt, shame, power and penalty of their sins. - Wisdom is justified by all her children - The wise man is proved to be wise by his wise actions - The wise person is the one that accepted God's will by: - Repenting at the hand of John the Baptist - Rejoicing at the message of the Lord Jesus Christ - In our contemporary time, those who are opposing the teachings of the Scripture are not children of the wisdom of God. They are like the contentious children of Israel that the Lord said to them "You are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you, and you did not weep.' - Let us study and examine ourselves: - Are we the children of wisdom or not? - Are we attending to the commandment of God? - Are we attending to the Mysteries of the Church? - Are we following the glad tidings of the Gospel of Salvation? - Or are we like the Scribes and Pharisees rejecting the will of God toward ourselves? #### A Sinful Woman Forgiven 17:03 - The story of the sinful woman who went to the house of Simon the Pharisee is about repentance and the relationship between forgiveness and love, so we pray it every day as the gospel of the Midnight Hour 36 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that *Jesus* sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38 and stood at His feet behind *Him* weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped *them* with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed *them* with the fragrant oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw *this,* he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman *this is* who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” 41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the *one* whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped *them* with the hair of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which *are* many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, *the same* loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” - The invitation of the Pharisee seems to show the relationship between the Lord Jesus Christ and the religious leaders of Israel. - Although He knew they were against His ministry, He did not waste any opportunity to bring someone to salvation - He accepted the invitation - Maybe this Pharisee heard about His teaching and acknowledged Him as a Prophet and invited Him to know Him more. - The Lord did not seek such feasts but did not refuse them because He saw opportunity to speak to people about the Gospel of Salvation - He sat down to eat - The word there is actually "he laid down" which was the typical way of eating in the East - The woman who was a sinner - The "who was a sinner" usually denotes sins of chastity - Who is she? - Opinion 1: Mary Magdalene - There is no evidence in Scripture or the Early Tradition of the Church to tell us that this woman was Mary Magdalene - Origen the Scholar rejects that opinion - Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine were doubtful - The first one to say this was probably Gregory the Great - Roman Catholic Patriarch - Opinion 2: Mary the sister of Lazarus - There is no evidence in Scripture or the Early Tradition of the Church to tell us that this woman was Mary the sister of Lazarus - We know that Mary anointed the feet of the Lord with oil in a separate instance just before Palm Sunday (John 11) - In reality, we don't know who she is - The preaching of the Lord moved her heart towards repentance - Costly Fragrant Perfume - She had costly fragrant perfume with her - most likely she used it in her ungodly life to seduce men - Proverbs 7:6-27 about the Crafty Harlot - "I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, ales, and cinnamon." (Proverbs 7:17) - She is taking the tools of her harlotry and breaking them at the feet of the Lord - The Lord is smelling the perfume of repentance and telling her that this perfume of repentance is better than all spices (Song of Solomon 4:10) - How did she express her love to the Lord - She stood at his feet from behind Him - She felt unworthy to confront Him - The guests used to recline at their meals on the left side, with their feet extending from the table - She wept - "Give me, O Lord, many fountains of tears, as You gave, in the past, to the sinful woman." - "Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation" (2 Cor 7:10) - She washed His feet - It was customary in those days for the host to wash the feet of the guests, but Simon the Pharisee did not - She kissed His feet - This is a symbol of love and affection - She poured the perfume on His feet - Customarily, the host should pour oil on the guest's head - She dried His feet with her hair - At that time, leaving hair flowing was considered immodest - We can imagine how awkward this scene was, and how the people watched her in silence and condemned her - Simon the Pharisee's Intentions - He invited the Lord but was very cold to Him - He did not do any of the customary things. When the woman does all of this, he feels relief because it gives him an excuse if someone asks "well why didn't you do these things" - He says to himself "This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman *this is* who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” - This Man - reflects the arrogance of the Pharisee - If He were a prophet - He thought that He was a prophet, but now He doesn't think so - If He were a prophet, He would see the heart of this woman and would avoid her! - Jesus' Response to Simon - Christ wants to show Simon that not only is He a Prophet, but He is God, Himself. - Maybe in the world she is known as a sinner and a harlot... but in heaven she is known as a repentant woman - Sometimes we judge people as sinners and hold it over their head... but before God, they are repentant - If you compare Judas, the disciple, and Demas the thief... which one is in Paradise and which one is not? - "He, Jesus, heard the Pharisees thinking. The emphasis is on these words: 'you have been thinking evil of Me... I have something to say to you.' Christ being all-knowledgeable knew not only the character of this woman - although this was not a big deal since she was known by all people - but knew also the secret thoughts and reasoning of Simon the Pharisee and answers them, showing that He is not only a prophet, but more than a prophet because He is the incarnate Son of God." - St Augustine - Christ gives an illustration from everyday life (lending and borrowing) - In both cases, the debtors could never hope to pay their creditor - 50 or 500 - they had nothing to repay. But the creditor forgave both regardless of their merits. Both are debtors and equally broke - which one will love the creditor more? He to whom he forgave more - The answer was too easy so Simon was perplexed and maybe uncomfortable to answer - But the Lord praised him and commended him "You have rightly judged." - The creditor is God and the two debtors are Simon and the sinful woman. Both are sinners (debtors) and have nothing with which to repay their debt... but the Lord will come and die on the cross for both of them and forgive both of them because of His love for them. Which one will love Him more? - The Lord makes a comparison between the woman and Simon - He turned to the woman (since she's behind Him) and looked at Simon - The Pharisee who did not even observe basic courtesy - To greet each guest with a kiss - To offer them a basin to wash their feet - To anoint their head with oil (especially an honored guest) - The Lord asked him - Do you see this woman? Do you see her love? Do you see her repentance? Do you see her devotion? That's what I see but you are blind and cannot see... - You gave Me no water for My feet but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head - You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss my feet since the time I came in - You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed my feet with fragrant oil. - Why? Because she realized that her sins are many. And because she was forgiven more, she loved more. But you think that your sins are not many - there is nothing to be forgiven of you... so your love is so little. - To whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. - Jesus' response to the woman - Your sins are forgiven - Her sins, though many (she's the 500 debtor in the illustration), and though public, are forgiven - She loved Him BECAUSE of the forgiveness. He did not give her forgiveness because she loved Him. - He "freely" forgave her (like the illustration) - When you believe that the Lord forgave you, you will love Him more. The more you realize your own sins and see what the Lord forgives you for, the more you will love the Lord. - Your faith has saved you - He intended to confirm her faith by pointing to it when He told her "Your faith has saved you" to show that her faith is the grounds for her spiritual deliverance - The woman came in complete humility, but He did not want her to stay in this house where she's being condemned by these people - so He raised her up, acknowledging her faith and her love, forgave her sins and sent her in peace. - She showed to God greater gratitude in her love than the self-righteous Pharisee. Her repentance made her more open to God's mercy than the Pharisee who withheld the customary practices which he should offer to his Guest. # Luke 8a: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 8: 1 - 25 ~ Bible Study (English & Arabic - عربي)](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-8-1-25-bible-study-english-arabic "LUKE 8: 1 - 25 ~ Bible Study (English & Arabic - عربي)")
#### Outline 00:00 - 1-3: Some Women Minister to the Lord Jesus Christ - 4-8: Parable of the Sower - 9-10: Purpose of Parables - 11-15: Explanation of the Parable of the Sower - 16-18: Parable of the Revealed Light - 19-21: Who are Jesus' Relatives? - 22-25: Wind and Wave Obey the Lord Jesus Christ - 26-39: Jesus Restores a Demon-Possesed man - 40-56: A Girl Restored to Life and woman healed #### Some Women Minister to the Lord Jesus Christ 02:07 1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve *were* with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. - Ch 8 is a Turning Point in the Lord Jesus' Ministry - Before Ch 8, the Lord's base was in Capernaum. But now, He is journeying with His disciples from place to place - Before Ch 8, His teaching was very direct - He did not use parables. But now, He will use parables. - Preaching and Bringing the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom of God - John the Baptist preached preparation for the Kingdom of God is coming - Christ preached the Kingdom, Itself - Women's Ministry - Three women by name and many others - Women's rights were very limited in the 1st Century - both religious and civil rights - St Luke, in several places, notices the love and devotion of women to our Lord Jesus Christ - This new position of women is because of the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ - The Lord taught that women are fellow heirs with men in the Kingdom of God - In the Kingdom of God, there is no male or female... all are equal - Christianity preached equality between men and women in Christ - Provided for Him from their substance - See the humble condition of the Lord - He appeared as a needy person - He accepted their support out of His humility - Mary Magdalene - Mary (Miriam) was a common name among Hebrew Women... - This Mary was from Magdala, a small town near Tiberias - Some believe Mary Magdalene is the sinner woman in Chapter 7, but the Fathers of the Church don't agree - Origen rejects the notion - St Augustine, St Ambrose, St Jerome are doubtful - Joanna - She must have been a person of great wealth and high rank because of the position of her husband - We will read about her again among the faithful women at the Resurrection (Luke 24:10) - Some suggest that Chuza is the Nobleman of Capernaum whose dying son was healed by Christ (John 4:46-54) - Susanna and many other women #### The Parable of the Sower 10:07 4 And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded e]" style="font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; vertical-align: text-top; top: auto; display: inline;">\[[e](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+8&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-25254e "See footnote e")\]a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” - # Luke 8b: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 8: 26 - 56 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-8-26-56-bible-study "LUKE 8: 26 - 56 ~ Bible Study")
#### Jesus Restores a Demon Possessed Man 00:00 26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” 29 For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness. 30 Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss. 32 Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. 33 Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned. 34 When those who fed *them* saw what had happened, they fled and told *it* in the city and in the country. 35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 36 They also who had seen *it* told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. 37 Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned. 38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. - Gadarenes is on the Eastern side of the Sea of Galilee - It was mostly occupied by Gentiles, though some Jews did reside in it - Most detailed description of a demon possessed man in the Bible - Classic profile of a man possessed with demons - Jesus did not directly seek out to reach this man, but the man was drawn to Jesus - St Luke portrays the character of the Savior as a Friend who works continuously for the sake of one or two people - The Lord came all the way to this city, healed this man, and went back - Although this man and others like him, were rejected and not esteemed by the community, the Lord came for them - Demon Possession - This demon would try and seize him (give him seizures) and give him great power to break through bonds and chains - The sight of the Lord Jesus was enough to make the demon tremble - "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?" - Leave me alone! - "I beg You, do not torment me!" - This statement is so ironic because the man was constantly tormented by the demons, yet the demons ask the Lord not to torment them. - Despite their power, the Lord has more power because He is God - "What is your name?" - Instead of the man answering his human name, the demons spoke by his mouth and said "Legion" - The man's condition was so miserable that he could not even say his own name... the demons have complete control over him - A Legion is 6,000 soldiers so this man was likely possessed by 6,000 demons. - The Abyss - The deep place of torment of the demons (Revelation 9) - Swine - When the demons cannot destroy the person, they will destroy his goods. If they can't hurt the people in their bodies, they will hurt them in their goods and possessions. - Why would the Lord Jesus allow them to possess the swine? The swine were kept in a Jewish property which is a violation of the Jewish Law (because pigs are unclean animals) - The whole country AND the surrounding region - They feared Him maybe because they thought He would discipline them for breaking the law by keeping the swine and thought "what other judgments and punishments might we suffer" - They didn't mind having the demon-possessed man among them, but they minded having the Lord Jesus in their presence - The Lord told the man to go and tell them what great things GOD has done for you and the man went and told all the things JESUS had done for him... there is no contradiction because Jesus is God. - Why did the Lord not allow this grateful man to be one of His disciples - Perhaps through his testimony, some of the hard-hearted Gadarenes will believe and be won to God - This is the man's ministry - The value of one soul to the Lord - He traveled to this city ONLY for this person - He didn't do anything on the other side of the Sea of Galilee except to heal this one person - With Jesus, no one is beyond hope. If this man, who had thousands of demons, could be healed, then ANYONE can change #### A Girl Restored and a Woman Healed 20:10 40 So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him. 41 And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. - Jesus returns to the Jewish towns on the other side (i.e. in Galilee) and the multitude welcomed Him and were waiting for Him - Contrast this with the Gadarenes and surrounding region where all the people asked Him to leave - In all three of the Synoptic Gospels, the story of the raising of the daughter of Jairus is interrupted by the bleeding woman - Jairus is sincere in his request to the Lord (fell down at His feet and begged Him) - This shows that the enthusiasm for the Lord was not just the poor people - Jairus is rich - It was not just the non-religious people - Jairus is a ruler of the synagogue - Despite his humility and his status as ruler of the synagogue, his faith is weaker than the Centurion - Jairus asked the Lord to come to his house to heal his daughter; The Centurion believed that the Lord was able to heal his servant with a word from afar off - The Centurion thought he was not worthy that the Lord enter his house; Jairus asked the Lord to enter his house - While the Lord was on the way to Jairus' house, there was an interruption 43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, 44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. 45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” 46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. 48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” - The woman has been bleeding for 12 years... the same age as Jairus' daughter. From the same time Jairus' daughter was born, this woman has been bleeding. - St Luke, as a physician, refers to the physicians here respectfully. But in Matthew and Mark, they document that she was "tormented by physicians" - Besides her physical illness, her bleeding made her ceremonially and socially unclean - this is a burden to live under for 12 years. Anything on which she sat or lay became unclean. Anyone who touched her became unclean. Her bed and her garments are unclean. She could not attend Synagogue or participate in Temple worship. Her condition was embarrassing. - She should not even be among the crowd because anyone who touched her would become unclean. - She would be condemned even for touching Jesus. So she wanted to be healed secretly. - She believed in the healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ - even the border of His garment. - She touched the tassel of His garment - Who touched Me? For I perceived power going out from Me - This question didn't make any sense to the disciples... St Luke just told us that the multitude thronged Him - There were people all around who made some contact with Him - But the Lord said no! Someone - just one - touched Me intentionally with the touch of faith - Who touched Me? - In every meeting - Bible Study, Liturgy, Youth Meeting, Sunday School - I imagine the Lord asks this question: "Who touched Me?" - And we might say like the disciples... many people attended! How can You ask "who touched Me?" - And the Lord will say "I know many came and attended and had casual contact with Me, but I am asking about those who connected with Me and touched Me with faith, and received power from Me to be healed from their sins" - Many of us come to all of these church services with no purpose - we are part of the crowd. But the voluntary living contact of faith is like an electric current that draws power from the Lord Jesus Christ. - The woman realized she was not hidden - The Lord called her forward, and this may have embarrassed her... but that was not His purpose - He did so that she would know that she is healed - So she doesn't wonder if the bleeding will return - So she knows that it was her faith that made her well. Just the mere touch like anyone else in the multitude wasn't enough. - So that the people may know that she is healed and she is clean - This is an illness that no one can see - People may not believe her if she goes and says out of nowhere that the bleeding has stopped - after 12 years of physicians. - To contrast her faith with that of Jairus and to encourage Jairus in his faith - To bless her - He called her daughter - Jesus never called any other person in the Scripture by the name "daughter" - To heal her psychologically - The woman's suffering was not only physical, but also psychological - She felt rejected, not having human touch for 12 years - Wholistic Approach of the Lord - Physicians should deal with a person as body, spirit, soul; not just body - Counselors should deal with a person as body, spirit, soul; not just soul - Clergy and spiritual leaders should deal with a person as body, spirit, soul; not just spirit. - The Lord healed her body, then encouraged her calling her daughter and granting her His peace (Soul), and telling her "your faith has made you well" (Spirit) 49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s *house,* saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” - Jairus must have been frustrated during all of this... every minute counts! - When he heard these words, maybe he started to blame the Lord Jesus Christ... "I told You my daughter is dying... why didn't you come with me quickly? Why worry that someone touched You? Why have this long conversation with this woman?" - God sometimes seems slow to the sufferer, but God is never slow - This interruption was another test of faith for Jairus - Imagine how Jairus' heart must have sank when he heard that his daughter had died. 50 But when Jesus heard *it,* He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” 51 When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. 52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” 55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given *something* to eat. 56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened. - The Lord gave Jairus two commands - Do not be afraid - Fear and faith don't go together - "Why are you afraid, O ye of little faith" - To put away fear is a decision - Believe - Don't try to believe while you are still afraid... it won't work. Put away the fear and the faith will come. - This is the first time in the Gospel of Luke that we see Peter, James and John singled out to accompany the Lord - They will also accompany Him at the Transfiguration (Luke 9) and at the garden of Gethsemane - Dead or Sleeping - Anyone would know the difference between dead and asleep - They ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead - He put out those who ridiculed Him - Likely they were "professional mourners" who were hired to add to the atmosphere of mourning at a death or funeral - These people were not interested in faith, so he drove them out so that they would not discourage the faith of the others - The Lord speaks to her as if she is alive because He is God - He shows compassion and commands that they feed her, to satisfy her needs - Tell no one what had happened - People were so excited - a huge multitude was waiting for Him. The Lord did not need extra attraction or attention. The crowds were increasing. This excitement was temporary. - He wanted the excitement to clear and be replaced with real and genuine faith - The Lord did not fail Jairus as He did not fail the bleeding woman - He needed to stretch Jairus' faith. With this experience, definitely the faith of Jairus grew - The work of the Lord is different, and yet the same - Jairus had a 12 year old daughter and her life was about to be ended; the woman was bleeding for 12 years in agony that seemed hopeless to heal - Jairus was an important man; ruler of the synagogue. This woman was nobody. We don't even know her name. - Jairus was wealthy; this woman was poor, having spent all her money on physicians - Jairus came publicly; this woman came secretly - Jairus thought Jesus had to do a lot - come to the house, etc. This woman thought all she needed is to touch the border of the garment of the Lord. - Jesus responded to the woman immediately, but responded to Jairus after a delay - Jairus' daughter was healed secretly, but the woman was healed publicly. # Luke 9a: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 9: 1 - 27 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-9-1-27-bible-study "LUKE 9: 1 - 27 ~ Bible Study")
#### Introduction 01:10 - In the first 8 chapters, the period of instruction of the disciples is now completed - Now it is time to send them on their mission for two things: - To proclaim the gospel - To heal the illnesses in the people - It is like after Pre-servants, you when they have completed their instruction, are sent to be Sunday School Servants #### Outline 02:15 - 1-6: Sending out the Twelve - 7-9: Herod Seeks to See the Lord Jesus Christ - 10-17: Feeding the Five Thousand (Gospel of the 9th Hour) - 18-20: St Peter Confesses Jesus as the Messiah\] - 21-22: The Lord Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection - 23-27: Take Up the Cross and Follow Me - 28-36: The Transfiguration on Mt Tabor - 37-42: A Boy is Healed - 43-45: Jesus again Predicts His Death - 46-48: Jesus answers "Who is the Greatest" - 49-50: The Disciples and Serving Others - 51-56: A Samaritan Village Rejects the Savior - 57-62: The Cost of Discipleship #### Sending Out the Twelve 04:15 1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. 4 “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. - The Lord sent the disciples who are now able to give to the people what they have received - This missionary journey is recorded in Matthew 9 and Mark 6 - St Matthew gives the reason and the detail of how the Lord prayed all night before sending them - 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were j]" style="font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; vertical-align: text-top; top: auto; display: inline;">\[[j](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%209&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-23416j "See footnote j")\]weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly *is* plentiful, but the laborers *are* few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” - He gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases - Power to work miracles (e.g. cure diseases) - Authority by which the whole demonic system was to be subjected to them - **The same principle is true today: when God calls someone, He equips them with the gifts that they need for ministry** - God does not call the equipped, but He equips the called. - St Luke mentions both demons and diseases because the treatment of the two was not the same - Demons were to be cast out - Diseases to be healed - The main mission was to preach the kingdom of God - Sometimes in our churches when we want to do missionary work, we feed the homeless, go to orphanages, visit the sick, etc. This is not missionary work... it's charitable work. - But missionary work is that while we do these charitable deeds, we preach the Kingdom of God - The purpose of the authority over illness and demons is to CONFIRM their mission that they are sent by God - He did not send them only to present a message, but to do good to them with supernatural power - To heal the spiritual illness as well as the physical illness - The Wholistic Approach - dealing with the person as a whole - The Lord will address their: - Material Needs - Social Relations - Take nothing for the journey - He tells them to go as they are - The disciples were engaged in very holy work, so they could not give the impression that they have any other motive - God offered them the power and the authority and granted them the power of preaching and the power of healing **before** asking them to give up anything - He is asking them to rely on God and trust Him to take care of them - When they travel light, they are dependent on God - If the preacher, himself, does not trust God, how will he tell the people to trust God? - Stay in the same house the whole time you are in a city - Don't be distracted in moving from place to place - We see this applied in Acts 16 when Paul and Silas stayed at the house of Lydia the whole time they were in Philippi - Shake off the Dust - Their duty is to persuade the people with the message of the Gospel, but if the people of that city do not accept them, they should shake off the dust from their feet - There was a Jewish tradition that when they walked through a city of Gentiles, they would shake off the dust from their feet - a gesture that means "we don't want to take anything from this city of unbelievers" - This instruction means that any city that does not accept the message of the Gospel is as a city of unbelievers #### Herod Seeks to See the Lord Jesus 17:21 7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, 8 and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. 9 Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him. - After Herod the Great (who ordered the slaughtering of the children of Bethlehem) died, Israel was divided into four areas - Herod Antipas (mentioned here) was the son of Herod the Great, and was ruler over Galilee - Herod Antipas is also the one who beheaded St John the Baptist - Herod was not interested in the Lord Jesus in any sincere spiritual way, but interested in Him as a "celebrity" - He observed the popular thinking about who Jesus was (some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah or one of the prophets - v19) - We will see later that Herod simply wants to see Him so he can see a miracle - John the Baptist's Beheading is in Matthew 14 - Who did people think Jesus was? - Some thought that Jesus was St John because they both preached a message of repentance - Some thought that Jesus was a famous miracle worker like Elijah as promised in Malachi 4:5-6 - Some thought that Jesus was a prophet as Moses promised in Deuteronomy 18:15-19 - Herod was perplexed - All of these rumors about Jesus left Herod confused - He had a guilty conscience over the murder of John the Baptist - A guilty conscience brings confusion and perplexity because God is not the author of confusion - St Luke notes this to emphasize and warn us about the increasing danger surrounding the work of the Lord Jesus - St Luke records more than one reference to Herod - Chapter 9: Herod wants to see Jesus... maybe because of his guilty conscience or maybe he wanted to kill the Lord as he killed John - Chapter 13: People went to the Lord and said "Herod wants to kill you" and the Lord replied “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third *day* I shall be j]" style="font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; vertical-align: text-top; top: auto; display: inline; color: #000000; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">\[[j](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2013&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-25551j "See footnote j")\]perfected.’" - Chapter 23: The Lord Jesus faces Herod on the morning of His crucifixion. Herod was glad because he wanted Him to do a miracle. The Lord did not answer him. Herod mocked Him, and accused Him and arrayed Him in a purple robe #### Feeding the Five Thousand 25:18 10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew *it,* they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” 13 But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” 14 For there were about five thousand men. Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” 15 And they did so, and made them all sit down. 16 Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave *them* to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17 So they all ate and were a]" style="font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; vertical-align: text-top; top: auto; display: inline;">\[[a](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%209&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-25319a "See footnote a")\]filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them. - This is the Gospel of the 9th Hour of the Agpeya - Disciples vs Apostles - In verse 1, St Luke calls them "Disciples" but in verse 10 "Apostles" - Before the mission, they were disciples - pupils, students, learners - After the mission, they are called apostles - "those sent with authority and a message" - (e.g. after pre-servants they are called 'servants') - The spirit of discipleship is important regardless of rank or order or service (i.e. deacon, servant, priest, bishop, pope) - They gave a report of the responsibility they were entrusted with - "They told Him all that they had done" - As we have Servants reporting to the Coordinator, reporting to the clergy, reporting to the bishop, reporting to the Synod - The Lord took them into a private place - The Lord took special care of those who served Him - Bethsaida is the city of Andrew, Peter, John and James - close to the Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee) - That they might retire and be alone to get some rest and refreshment after their ministry, to have some private time with the Lord, to receive words of comfort and blessing, etc. - The Lord served the crowd that followed Him - He received them - Without anger - Without making them feel guilty - Without rebuke - He spoke to them about the Kingdom of God - Spiritual Food - He healed those who had need of healing - Did good for them - Send the multitude away - The disciples were simply considering the crowd (with women and children) and concerned that the people would get tired - To their surprise, the Lord answered them "you give them something to eat" - The Lord told them that it is not His will to dismiss the multitude - it was the Lord's will that the disciples supply their food - The Lord is challenging their faith and their compassion - Make them sit down in groups of fifty - The Lord does the work in an organized way - The number that we have is accurate (5000) since they sat in groups of 50 - They all ate and were filled - The Lord Jesus took the little that they had and gave thanks to God for it - Sometimes when we have little, we don't see a reason to thank God - If we had a banquet and only five loaves and two fish, who would thank God? - In order to be successful, there is a human element and a divine element - Human element: What you need to do - What you CAN do Divine element: What God will do - What you CANNOT do - God will never do our part, or else He's encouraging and enabling laziness - Human: Offer 5 loaves and 2 fish Divine: Feed the multitude - Human: Move the stone of a tomb Divine: Raise Lazarus - Human: Cast the net Divine: Catch many fish - In service, do what you can and God will complete our deficiency and God will do what we cannot - Display of His authority over creation - He insisted on doing this miracle through the hands of His disciples - Collecting the leftovers - God is not for wasting resources or food - The Purpose - The miracle was a reminder of what God provided in the Old Testament - The miracle was practically to feed the people there - The miracle was a show of His Divinity and His authority over Creation - The miracle was an indication that He is the Bread of Life - Eucharist/Bread of Life - John 6 - St John connects this miracle with the Lord's teaching on the Eucharist - As Moses liberated the people from slavery in Egypt, Jesus is the new Moses who came to liberate us - As David started the Kingdom of Israel, Jesus is the new David who came to re-establish the Spiritual Kingdom of Israel - The Lord promises in John 6 that He will give His Body and Blood for the salvation of man - This miracle foreshadows the giving of the Eucharist by the Lord to all of us #### St Peter Confesses the Lord Jesus as the Messiah 42:38 18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, *that* His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some *say* Elijah; and others *say* that one of the old prophets has risen again.” 20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” 21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” - Many things happened after the Miracle of the 5000 (in Matthew and Mark), but St Luke ignores them and switches the time and place of the story - Jesus walking on the water - Many healings - The healing of the Syrophoenician woman - Feeding of the 4000 - Rebuke of the Pharisee sand Sadducees who were seeking a sign - Who do men say that I am? - Jesus was not ignorant of what people were saying, but He asked this to introduce a more important follow-up question: "Who do YOU say that I am" - Those who thought He was John did not know Jesus well - John and Elijah were courageous and standing up to rulers (Herod, Ahab) - The people hoped that the Messiah would be a political Messiah - The people saw from the Lord that He stood up to the Pharisees - Who do you say that I am? - Peter's answer showed that he knew not from human being, but from God - "Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 16:17) - Most people did not know that He is the Christ - "He came to His own but His own did not receive Him" - "He was the light that shines in darkness but the darkness did not comprehend Him" - Tell this to no one - The crowd could not understand that Jesus was the Messiah and the Messiah had to suffer - The disciples should learn this first - that the Messiah must suffer - His work was not yet finished - He had to finish His work before the Crucifixion - Their faith was still very weak and their knowledge very partial - Jesus predicts His Death and Resurrection - From now on, He will teach clearly about what they should expect: Death and Resurrection - He is preparing their mind for the climax which is the Crucifixion and Resurrection - Before this moment, He is fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah concerning the Messiah: Healing the sick, casting out demons, giving hope to the oppressed and broken-hearted - From now on, until the end, He is fulfilling the other side of the prophecies of Isaiah about the Suffering Servant who will die for the sake of His people - The Son of Man **MUST** suffer, **MUST** be killed, **MUST** be raised #### Take Up the Cross and Follow Me 52:27 23 Then He said to *them* all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His *own* glory, and *in His* Father’s, and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.” - Three requirements - Deny himself - Take up his cross daily - Follow Him - A true disciple of Christ should be willing to deny his selfish desires daily - To die to himself - To be ready to accept unto himself the same as the Lord - In the Roman law, if someone was condemned to crucifixion, he had to carry his own cross up to the hill - The cross is an instrument of torture, death and humiliation - Anyone who takes up their cross doesn't come back... it's a one way journey - The Promise from Christ is that if you take up your cross and follow Him, you will live eternally - Whoever loses his life for the sake of Christ will live eternally in His heavenly kingdom; but whoever is concerned for his life, will lose his eternity - You will never live until you walk to your death with Christ... and only then will you have life - You cannot gain resurrection and life without dying first - This is a strong and sure promise of life after death - Gaining the whole world, which is temporal, may lose everything in eternity - Who is ashamed of Christ and His words? - Some out of fear of the Cross - Some out of social pressure - Some out of intellectual or cultural pride - Not taste death until they see the kingdom of God - The Crucifixion, Resurrection and Pentecost which some standing there would see - Jesus Reigns on the Cross - those who live to see these events, live to see the kingdom of God - St Ambrose: "Thus, if we wish not to fear death, let us stand where Christ is so that He may say of us, too, 'there are some standing here that shall not taste death.' It is not enough to stand unless the standing is where Christ is... for only those who can stand with Christ, will not taste death. It is therein lawful through the quality of the very word to ponder that those who are seen to have deserved the fellowship with Christ will not have, even, the perception of death." - If you stand with Christ in His Crucifixion and Sufferings, then you will be with Him in His glory # Luke 10: Fr Daoud Lamei
[Fr Daoud Lamei](https://soundcloud.com/frdaoudlamei "Fr Daoud Lamei") · [37- إنجيل لوقا أصحاح 10 جزء 2](https://soundcloud.com/frdaoudlamei/37-10-2 "37- إنجيل لوقا أصحاح 10 جزء 2")
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#### The Good Samaritan 41:50 25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading *of it?*” 27 So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” 29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain *man* went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded *him,* and departed, leaving *him* half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to *him* and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave *them* to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” 37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” - Who is the Lawyer? - The Lawyer is a scholar and teacher of the Law - They were some of the very stringent people who lived and preached according to the letter of the law - "Stood up and tested Him" - He had bad intentions - What shall I do to inherit eternal life? - This is the most important question one should ask - The rich man also asked this question - The Pharisees had different answers for this... different schools of thought. This lawyer wants to know which school of thought the Lord Jesus is subscribed to and will teach. In this way, he can go and say "this teacher follows rabbi x" - What is written in the law? What is your reading of it? - What is YOUR reading of it - If it's just "what is written" then he will just say what he has memorized... but the Lord wants to know what he understands - HOW are you reading it? - Are you reading it with a humble spirit? - Are you reading with open ears to hear the Lord speak to you? - Are you reading it with a prideful spirit? - Are you reading to find mistakes? - The man doesn't answer the question but answers "what is written in the law" - The Ten Commandments - He responds with what we find in Deuteronomy 6 and in Leviticus - Love the Lord your God (first tablet with four commandments) - Love your neighbor as yourself (second tablet with six commandments) - Do this and you will live - Despite the fact that he is testing Him, He tells him that he has answered correctly and he will have eternal life if he does it. - This is all that's needed to inherit eternal life - This doesn't get rid of or even discount Baptism, Confirmation, Repentance and Eucharist of course - But in the course of daily life: Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself - Do this and you will live - The man knew the law but didn't do it - Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your strength, ALL your mind - We all love God... but who of us has reached the word "ALL" - With ALL my heart - The lawyer's heart was full of pride and testing and legalism - With ALL my strength - Tiring for the Lord day and night - With ALL my mind - Having the Lord on my mind in every thought - Love your neighbor AS YOURSELF - We all love our neighbors... but who of us has reached the word "AS YOURSELF" - The Lord is helping him to see that even though he knows the Law, he is not doing it. - We attend Bible Study and read and study and focus on the sermons and lessons and we can answer all the questions. Even if we go to heaven and the Lord asks us a question, we'll be able to answer... but are we practicing? Are we doing? Or are we just learning? - We memorize verses, but do we do them? - The Lord will ask us "Did you practice what you preach? Did you practice what you learned?" - He wanted to be justified - He didn't want to go and obey the commandment - He didn't want to do more work - He wanted to be justified that he was already doing the commandments - There are some who want to know the truth and do it... but some who just want to feel or know that they are right - Some come to a sermon and want to hear what they need to do or how they can grow - Some others want to hear all the things they are doing right and be justified - Sermon about giving, and he doesn't give, he won't listen to the sermon or he won't go - Sermon about anger or reconciliation, and he's angry at someone, then he tunes out the sermon - The Lawyer had two good qualities - He is asking about eternal life - this is something that pleases God - He has studied the Scriptures and has the Law memorized - He's not perfect as he intends to test the Lord, but he has good qualities - Who is my neighbor? - Again, he wants to test the Lord - Different Pharisees had different teachings for your neighbor... - For some it was immediate family. - For some it was family and friends. - For some it was those who lived near you. - For some it was your tribe or city. - The most that any Pharisee would preach is that your neighbor is your fellow Jew. - The Good Samaritan - This story is only in the Gospel of Luke - Literal Interpretation - A Jewish man is going from Jerusalem to Jericho and he is robbed and attacked and left for dead. - A priest walks by and sees him and does nothing, continues to walk by - A Levite walks by and sees him and does nothing, continues to walk by (Levite is like a deacon) - A Samaritan walks by and sees him and mends his wounds and clothes him and takes him to an inn on his own dime and even offered to pay as much as was needed for him. - The Samaritans were hated by the Jews - The Jews did not consider Samaritans to be Jewish. They were enemies. They cursed each other. And even sometimes if you wanted to curse someone you would call them a Samaritan. - "Then the Jews answered and said to Him, 'Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?'" (John 8:48) - Who was his neighbor? - The Samaritan who wasn't from his religion, or his nation, or his language, or his family, and whose family hates his family. - If the Jew had been awake he would have cursed the Samaritan. - Moral Interpretation - We are called to love all people - and not a superficial love, but a love of servitude and effort - The Good Samaritan - The Samaritan had other things to do... he wasn't aimlessly walking - This would cost him a lot - He would have to walk since the Jew would be on his animal - He would pay at the inn - He would promise the owner of the inn that he would pay any additional expenses - He used his own oil and wine - The Samaritan would lose time and money and effort - Sometimes we go as far as to "feel bad" for someone like the priest or Levite... but not further - "dang that sucks" - "I'm sorry to hear that" - "That's so sad" - Someone else may offer love and companionship and help him get up... but to take him to a hotel? To pay for him? Not so... - Someone else may have red tape around their love... - If he's from my nation or my religion - I'll help him as long as it doesn't affect me - I'll help him and love him but I can't pay for him - The Lord is asking us for a full and complete love for all people - Allegorical Interpretation - The injured Jew is Adam who was going from Jerusalem (paradise) to Jericho (the world) - Jerusalem means "city of peace" which was the city of the King - the city of God - Going from Jerusalem means getting further from God - What happens when we get further from God? We become easy targets for the devil! - The robbers are devils - Stripped him - Most robbers would wound first, and then would strip him to steal his clothes and items... but these robbers stripped him first. - Since the day of our baptism, we have a vestment of righteousness clothing us. The Devil wants to remove it from us and strip us of it. To make you naked of the righteousness of baptism and Myron... and from there, they can wound you as they like - Adam, when he fell, was naked... but the Fathers say that he was clothed in grace and in righteousness. But when he sinned, he felt naked because his garment of righteousness was removed. - Wounded him - Sins and vices - Left him for dead - Someone who is far from the Lord - we don't know if he's dead or alive... - The Priest is the Law - The Law that would judge that "this person is dying" but could not save - God had sent the Law for the people to follow it and adjust themselves... but instead it became a judge for them because no one could do it. - The Levite is the Prophets - The Prophets who came to preach to the people to "get up!" but could not help them get up - The Samaritan is the Lord Jesus Christ - Christ who took our place on the Cross and in wounds and sufferings. We sinned and He took our place. - When God looks at us in the midst of sin and in the sufferings of this life, He doesn't say "they deserve it" but He has compassion - He went to him = He came from heaven to earth - Bandaged his wounds = As the True Physician - Oil comforts and Wine purifies - Sometimes God sends us oil: Someone to comfort us - Sometimes God sends us wine: Something that will hurt, but will be good for us - Sometimes God will send us both - The animal usually symbolizes flesh - putting him on his animal symbolizes that He gave us His flesh in the Eucharist. He took what is ours and gave us what is His. - The Inn is the Church - The Innkeeper is the Shepherds of the Church - the Bishops and Priests - The Two Denarii are the Old and New Testament; or they are the two commandments: Love of God and the Love of Man - - The Samaritan promises to return as the Savior's Second Coming - I will repay you - this is the promise to those who are serving others - Go and do likewise - Let us be transformed from the legalism of the lawyer to the spirit of love of the Good Samaritan #### Mary and Martha Worship and Serve 31:15 38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” - # Luke 10: Fr Stephen De Young #### Mary and Martha - Still on the journey to Jerusalem - Gospel of John tells us that this is in Bethany - We see the pattern of preaching - entering the home of the first person who meets them in the village - Bethany means "House of the poor" - it was a poor village - Sitting at Jesus' feet - This means "to be His disciple" - e.g. St Paul "sat at the feet of Gamaliel" - "Also" in addition to the disciples - One thing is needed - He's not saying "you should be more like Mary" or "you're the bad sister" - Martha's hospitality is a good thing - It is good what you're doing, but you're missing one piece of the puzzle and your sister has it: discipleship - Role of Women - In those days, women were not treated equally to men in society - In Greek and Roman society, they were not even considered to be equal to men - they were lesser beings than men. In some views, they were just humans who failed to become men in the womb. They weren't responsible for anything. They were just a tool to use to have sons. - In Jewish society, they had a low view of women, but they at least believed women to be made by God, and there were some provisions for them in the Law. Still, their father or husband was responsible for them. - In Christianity, we see that women are completely equal with men. And that means they are just as responsible for knowing and following the commandments and for being disciples of Christ - this is the point that St Luke tries to make by including this story in his gospel - It's a very important point in the eyes of the original audience of the Gospels - The elevation of the status of women in Christianity - The giving of an equal responsibility to women in Christianity # Luke 11: Fr Daoud Lamei
[Fr Daoud Lamei](https://soundcloud.com/frdaoudlamei "Fr Daoud Lamei") · [39- إنجيل لوقا أصحاح 11 جزء 1](https://soundcloud.com/frdaoudlamei/39-11-1 "39- إنجيل لوقا أصحاح 11 جزء 1")
#### The Lord's Prayer 00:00 1 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, *that* one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” 2 So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as *it is* in heaven. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.” - Mary and Martha - In the last chapter, the Lord visited the house of Mary and Martha and He venerated Mary for "choosing the good part" and told Martha that "one thing is needed" - The good part is the live with the Lord through prayer, bible, fasting - This chapter starts with prayer - He was praying - St Luke's gospel has as one of its themes, prayer - Why would Jesus pray? Isn't He God? He doesn't need prayer.. - He took flesh and was incarnate and His humanity is 100% - He is showing us the complete humanity - just as we have physical needs like eating and drinking and sleeping, we also have spiritual needs like prayer - Teach us to pray - Prayer wasn't foreign to them - the Jews had prayers - They saw something different in how He prayed, and asked Him to teach them to pray - It is a good request for us to make of the Lord - teach us to pray, give us focus in prayer, give us the spirit of prayer, give us time to pray, give us words in prayer - The disciples lived a life of discipleship - they saw Him praying and wanted to do/be like Him - Discipleship is the foundation of all Christianity... - instead of telling someone to pray, let them see you pray... then they will ask you "how do you pray?" - instead of telling someone to love, let them see you love... then they will ask "how do you love?" - First live, then ask - When you pray - Not "if you pray" - because we WILL pray A LOT - The Lord's Prayer - This prayer is going to be the curriculum or template for all future prayers - It's a prayer that is pleasing to God - A prayer given to us directly by the Lord - Our Father - It's a new thing for the Jews - In the Old Testament, the idea of God as Father is present: - "The Lord has spoken: 'I have nourished and brought up children, And they have rebelled against Me;" (Isaiah 1:2) - "A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor?" (Malachi 1:6) - But the Jews never called God "Father" - but rather "Great God" - "Almighty" - etc. - Christian worship is not based on being afraid of God, but on love for God - A servant doesn't talk to his master unless he needs something... but a son goes and speaks with his father even if he doesn't need anything. - In prayer, you are speaking to your Father, not a stranger - Scared? Tell Him! - Need something? Tell Him! - Worried? Tell Him! - I don't need to know everything about my dad to know that he loves me or to talk to him - Even if you don't know anything in Theology or the Bible or Hymns or anything... God is still Your Father! You can still say this prayer! You can still speak to Him. He can still speak to you. - Our Father in heaven - The Lord came to earth so that we could go to heaven - Every time we say "Our Father in heaven" we remind ourselves that we are not from here nor will we be here long... it raises us to a heavenly state. - Even if praying alone, we still say it in plural: "Our Father in heaven" no one says "My Father in heaven" - the Lord didn't teach it to us this way. He taught it to us in the plural as a Church, even if we are praying alone - Hallowed be Your name - Half of the prayer is "Your" to God - "Hallowed be Your name" - "Your kingdom come" - "Your will be done" - The other half is "Us" - "Give us this day..." - "Forgive us..." - "As we forgive..." - "Lead us not into temptation..." - "Deliver us..." - Hallowed be Your name is a prayer for the whole world to know the holiness of His name - "I wish that everyone would know You" - It's a prayer for myself, who carry His name on myself - "Christian", but I don't hallow it. It's a prayer to ask God to make me holy so that I can carry His name. - Your Kingdom Come - The Kingdom of God is within you - The Kingdom of God is in the Church - The Kingdom of God is in eternal life and fellowship with God - Your will be done - 29:00 - We added "In Christ Jesus our Lord" - Some say "well how can you add to the Lord's prayer?!" - but of course it's not a wrong thing to add - The Lord told us to ask anything in His name (John 14 and John 16) #### A Friend Comes at Midnight 47:20 5 And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? 8 I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. - s #### Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking 54:59 9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if *he asks* for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will *your* heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” - # Luke 11: Fr Stephen De Young #### [https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/wholecounsel/luke\_chapter\_11](https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/wholecounsel/luke_chapter_11) #### The Lord's Prayer - Jesus is praying - The Lord's Prayer is roughly the same in St Matthew and St Luke's gospels, but it's framed differently - Teach us to pray - Prayer in those days was not as casual as it is for us... for us we can go pray and just say extemporaneous prayers and just shut our door and speak to God - In the pagan societies, prayer usually meant reciting incantations and doing magic and calling on these demon gods to try and get what you want. If someone wanted a good yield in his crops, he would find the "god of crops" and offer sacrifices and prayers to it hoping that his crops give a good yield - In the Jewish societies, they had some set prayers and set sacrifices outlined in the law... but many times we see in the Old Testament that the Lord rejects them because they are coming and saying these prayers, thinking they are justified - despite being completely wicked - In the first century, leaders of Jews would tell them when to pray and what to say and when to say what - St John the Forerunner did this (Luke 11:1) and there are other indications of teachers who did this... usually it would be certain psalms and certain times in the day - This carried into Christianity as we see in our Agpeyas - The disciples are asking for the structure - if prayer isn't about magically getting God to do what you want, then what is it and how do we do it? - Prayer isn't about changing God, it's about changing us - Draw close to God in prayer and the prayers change us - Prayers of repentance are for us to change, not for God to be happy instead of sad. We seek healing & cleansing - Prayers of thanksgiving are for us to give us a grateful heart and fight our tendency to greed, selfishness and pride - Sometimes we pray for someone sick to get better and he doesn't get better so we say "Prayer doesn't work" - but that is because we are assuming the purpose of prayer is to get God to heal this person... magic! - There is a prayer in 2 Chronicles called "The Prayer of Jabez" - a few years ago, some protestants started to advertise it as "If you say this prayer five times a day then God will give you money" or "then God will bless you" - that's magic! That's paganism! That's not Christianity! That's not what prayer is! It suggests that God ought to do what man wants instead of man seeking God's will - Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name - The Lord is introducing the concept of "Father" to describe God - and it's not our earthly father (our dad) but our Heavenly Father - This is the opposite of what the Gentiles and Pagans would think... no one wanted to be Zeus' friend or have Zeus as father... they wanted to appease the gods to stay away from them and leave them alone - St Paul will talk a lot about "adoption" and how we have been adopted as "sons of God" as explaining HOW God is our Father and HOW we became His sons - When we pray, we are developing a relationship with Him - it's not just asking Him to do things or asking Him not to smite us... it's akin to a healthy relationship of children with their father - Even though He's our Father, it doesn't mean we'll be informal with Him like "our dad" but He is Holy and He is God who created the universe and the angels and us - Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven - Your kingdom come - in those days people thought that meant the Messiah would overthrow the Roman and restore the kingdom to Israel - "Your kingdom come" really means "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" - They thought "Your kingdom come" meant "come into existence because it doesn't exist now" - but Christ says "come to earth as it is in heaven" - God is already ruling over His Creation... in heaven; in the unseen place. We are praying that that kingdom will come to exist on earth in the same way... where God's will is done throughout the world. - Give us day by day our daily bread - We're asking God to care for our needs - St Luke will continue to expand on this - Worrying about what we have and what we need - God knows what you need before you ask... Is it that if you don't ask, God won't provide your daily meals? So why ask? - Prayer is for US - If I am praying for God to give me food and clothing and my daily needs... then I'm not going to be worrying about them myself - And if God gives me all of the things I need... I'm not going to take credit for them myself - It is to change ourselves to know that the things I have come from God and the things I need tomorrow will come from God - Forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us - St Matthew talks about "trespasses" whereas St Luke talks about "debts" - St Luke tends to take things about wealth more literally - "Blessed are the poor" in St Luke; "Blessed are the poor in spirit" in St Matthew - We are asking God for forgiveness of our sins and trespasses against Him, but if we do that we only have the right to ask for as much forgiveness as we are showing to others... - If the only forgiveness I'm going to get from God is the amount I give to other people... I might be in trouble - By asking in this way, I'm not trying to get God to do something "to forgive me" but it's for me to learn how to forgive others - It calls us to step back and begin by forgiving others... then I can ask God for forgiveness - It also points out that all sin has two dimensions - Any sin you commit doesn't affect just you... it affects the people around you, the people you sin against, the people who know that you've done it and what example you set, disappointment, loss of trust, etc. - If there's a problem between me and someone else, that relationship must be mended first before I can ask forgiveness from God... sometimes we say "well I confessed... God forgave me so you should forgive me" - Forgiveness is not "getting off the hook" - we have hurt, harmed, corrupted ourselves and other people... that has to be remedied both in us and in other people - Zacchaeus - "Salvation has come to his house" wasn't as soon as Jesus entered, but as soon as Zacchaeus made things right for what he's done (by returning four fold and half of his goods) - And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. - God tempts no one (James 1:13) - God is not tempting someone to sin - Temptation can be trial, test, etc. - We know that God is in control of the future and knows what will happen - If tomorrow I'm tried or tested or tempted, I'm probably going to give in to them (if I'm being honest about my own weakness and sinfulness). - We aren't asking God to take away the temptation, but we are confessing our own weakness. And if I manage to avoid those sins tomorrow it's not because of me, but it's because God protected me. #### [https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/wholecounsel/luke\_chapter\_11\_continued](https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/wholecounsel/luke_chapter_11_continued) #### Friend at Midnight - Even if this guy isn't a great friend, even if this guy has done this before - you'd give it to him just to get rid of him! - Jesus is talking about prayer - Some say this story means that "God will give you whatever you ask for!" No! - The context of the story is persistence in prayer - Even if someone doesn't really care about you, if you're persistent, he will give you what you're looking for - If that's true, then how much more will God - who loves and cares for you - give you? - Persistence in Prayer is important - God is almost saying that you won't get what you want the first time, but must be persistent - It's not about saying the right words or saying them the right amount of times to get God to do it for you - In the process of prayer, sometimes we realize that the thing we thought we needed... isn't what's needed - Or we realize that we can get along fine without it - Sometimes we just need time to grow through prayer - It's not that God will eventually give you what you want, but that God will give you what you need and the process and persistence in prayer will open your eyes to what it is you actually need and that God has been providing it for you the whole time - "If you, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts..." - He's talking to the disciples... why call them evil? - These are the disciples who argued about who was greater - These are the disciples who wanted fire from heaven on the Samaritan village - These are the disciples who saw someone casting out demons in His name and told them to stop - Lest the disciples adopt the attitude of the Pharisees - that they are better or more good or more special than anyone else, He reminds them that they are sinners too - In reality, we are all sinners and we are all evil and it is a message for all of us - "How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" - Not "how much more will He give good gifts" but "give the Holy Spirit" - The Fruit of the Spirit is what God will give us: - Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control #### A House Divided Cannot Stand - Three groups are present here... - The first group accuses Him of casting out Satan by Beelzebub - The chief idol in the Old Testament was Baal and another name for him was Baalzebub (2 Kings 1:2-3) - They believed that the pagan gods were real, but they were demons... they are not to be called gods or made equal to God. - The second group sought a sign - They recognized that there was something different about this Man... maybe he's a prophet or something - They are unsure and on the fence - "And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord *is* God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word." (1 Kings 18:21) - The third group is the disciples - The Lord addresses the first group first - Their logic is faulty... if He's part of Satan's kingdom, then He's not going to cast out demons He's going to send them out to possess... So that doesn't make sense - At the same time, it is only God who can cast out demons... people who performed exorcisms before always did it in the name of God, or prayed that God would cast out the demon. Christ didn't need to do either of those. - So He must be God - "If I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you" - No one can take a strong man's stuff unless he's stronger than him! - Satan is the strong man and his palace and his goods are the world - The stronger man is the Lord Jesus who overcomes him and takes from him all that he has - This is referring to the casting out of the demon... Satan has taken possession of this man and no one can take him back except He who is stronger than Satan... which is God - Then he starts to address the second group - He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters - The second group is not with Him, they're on the fence... but if they're on the fence, they are not with Him. And if they're not with Him, then they're against Him. - There is no lukewarm - As Christians, you're either in or out. - Some people try to call themselves Christians without doing the works of Christians - Some want to be religious but not Spiritual - It's like Elijah said... if the Lord is God, follow Him! And if not, then go watch football. - But if the Lord really is God, and He rose from the dead and He's the Way the Truth and the Life, then we have work to do. We have to examine our hearts. We have to be transformed. We have to change and live a life of repentance. We have to be serious and intentional about our eternal life. - Nothing is served by simply going to church or calling yourself Christian or any of the other things... if we aren't serious about it - An unclean spirit returns - You can't stay neutral... if you stay neutral, the devil will return with seven other demons and take possession - Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it! - Continuing the thought from before... it's not enough to hear the word of God, but we must keep it. - Seeking a Sign - Jonah went to Nineveh (modern day Mosul where ISIS is... Capital of the Assyrian Empire which is one of the most bloody Empires in the history of the world... made the Nazis look like toddlers) and said to them "in three days God will destroy this city"... that's it. - Conversely, the Lord came preaching repentance and doing miracles - The queen of the South - which is everything from Ethiopia to Saudi Arabia and Yemen came all the way to Solomon in Israel to hear him speak and after that praised the Lord God (1 Kings 10) - They didn't even have to go to the Lord, He came to them - If the Lord is comparing Himself to Jonah, then who are the Israelites? The people of Nineveh - If the Lord is comparing Himself to Solomon, then who are the Israelites? The Gentile Queen of the South - This Gentile queen will rise up and judge and condemn the Israelites - These Ninevites will rise up and judge and condemn the Israelites - Because the big difference between Israel and Nineveh? Nineveh repented. - And indeed, a greater than Jonah and Solomon is here. - Who is greater than the Prophet of God, and the King Anointed by God? God Himself - The Lamp of the Body - Your sense bring things in... what you look at, what you listen to... it is brought into your body - If you are looking at light, it will bring light into your body - If you are looking at darkness, it will bring darkness into your body - Hear the word of God and do it... - You don't light a lamp and put it in the closet - You light the lamp and give it a place to illuminate - The Lord is giving them the light when He speaks to them #### Woe to the Pharisees and Lawyers - The Inside and Outside of the Cup - You're so worried about how things look... washing your hands. But if you took a bowl, washed the outside of it and left it dirty on the inside and put your food in it to eat... you're eating filth! - You're so concerned about being outwardly clean, but you're not worried about what's going on in your heart and soul (because you think no one knows) - Do you think God cares about the outside and doesn't care about the inside? - The Laws in the Old Testament were a means to the end... God wanted to make a point about being clean on the inside by giving them laws for cleanliness - In Hosea, the people were offering the sacrifices and God told them to stop! He said "I desire mercy and not sacrifice" - The ritual had purpose and meaning and they weren't paying attention to it - St Paul discusses this with regards to the Eucharist... if you're showing up to eat and you don't know what you're eating or what you're doing, then don't do it! Some of you have even died. By doing it without discerning it, you are worse off than if you hadn't done it. - If you're full of greed and lust, then it doesn't matter how many times you wash your hands - Woe - Cursed - Opposite of Blessing - Tithing of Mint and Rue and Herbs - Herbs are the smallest thing... it's very picky. It's not 10% of your income but it's like the smallest thing. You're so picky about these small rules, but you're not worried about justice and love of God. Which is more important? - You should tithe! But you also need to be just and love God - Best Seats and Greetings - They always wanna be right up front... not so you can hear better, but so everyone sees you - You love when people come and greet you in the marketplace as a holy man - Graves Unseen - You are dead inside and no one realizes it - Jesus was just invited to this Pharisee's house and the Pharisee hasn't said anything (just thoughts)! And Jesus is tearing him up - Lawyer says "hey I'm technically a Pharisee too!" - Jesus doesn't say "oh my bad..." - You load men with burdens - You come to people and tell them all the rules of the law... can't do this, can't do that... but do you try to help them? To help them live Godly lives? - You build the tombs of the prophets - In this time they were building big tombs for the prophets that had already died - Building the tombs doesn't show that you're pious, it shows that you're just like them - From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah (some say from A-Z) - Who is Zechariah? - Some Fathers say it's the father of John the Baptist and he was killed between the altar and the high place (holy of holies) at the time of Herod's massacre - Taken away the key of knowledge - They spend all their lives studying the Law and don't understand it and not only that, but from the way they teach it they make sure no one else understands it either - Like someone who has a key and throws it away. So neither he nor the people can enter the door - Christ was harsh with them because He was speaking the truth and rebuking them. Some people when we say or do something harsh, for the sake of the truth, they say "why can't you be like Jesus He was so gentle and so quiet and... # Luke 12: Fr Stephen De Young ##### Woe to the Pharisees and Lawyers - Beware of Hypocrisy of the Pharisees - Outside of the house, a huge multitude had gathered waiting for Him to come out - The Lord says to His disciples: Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy - Leaven is considered unclean - had to be removed from the house during Passover - Leaven expands/spreads - if you let a little in, it will fill everything - The leaven of the Pharisees - their sin that spreads - is hypocrisy - Hypocrisy is in the heart - the Pharisees have the outside clean and everybody fooled about how holy they are, but their inside is dirty and God is not fooled. The time will come when everything will be revealed ##### Fear of God - Do not be afraid of anyone - but have the fear of God - Do not be afraid of what others think - consider what God will think - Do not be afraid someone will kill you - but be afraid that after you die, you perish - Sparrows - Sparrows aren't worth much... 2 measly copper coins can get you five sparrows. Yet not one is forgotten by God - Importance in the eyes of the world is very different from importance in the eyes of God - Every hair on our head is numbered - We are of more value than many sparrows - It doesn't mean that nothing bad will happen to you... faith is not believing that God won't let something bad happen to you... bad things will happen to you, but faith is knowing that you are in God's hand ##### Confess Christ Before Men - Why would someone not confess Christ? - They would be killed! This is the 1st Century - This is the flip side of don't fear men, fear God. The person who doesn't fear men doesn't have to fear God - If you're more afraid of men than you are of God, then you'll have cause to fear God - Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit - The people who said He casts out demons by Beelzebub are saying that the Spirit of God in the Lord Jesus (i.e. the Holy Spirit) is a demon - Why would it be unforgiveable? - If you reject God and say that He is evil, or that He is Satan, then how can He forgive you? - It is to reject forgiveness - If you hate God, how can God welcome you into His presence for all eternity? You wouldn't want to be there... - If you reject forgiveness, then you won't be forgiveness - What about speaking a word against the Son of Man? - The disciples are all about to do that... one will betray, one will publicly deny, many will just run away and hide... THAT can be forgiven them - But to reject God's forgiveness cannot be forgiven - He has been speaking about the Day of Judgment - Everything that is hidden will be revealed - Fear the One who can kill and has power to cast into hell - I will confess you before God - Etc. - Don't be afraid of what the synagogues and magistrates and authorities will do to you, or even what you will say to them. The Holy Spirit will speak for you ##### Parable of the Rich Fool - Christ is saying all of these good things, and the whole time, what has this guy been thinking about? - Money, his no-good brother, his inheritance - The Lord's point is to question "why is this your concern? I'm talking to you about the Kingdom of God but you are concerned with the worldly things.... with possessions" - At the day of Judgment, God is not going to care who got the inheritance or who had the most money - The Rich Fool - From the perspective of the world, the guy is smart and he is wise - But from God's perspective, He is a fool - If all of our focus is earthly, and we don't care about heavenly, then we are fools ##### Don't Worry - Don't worry about life, food, body, clothing... If you live your whole life without eating well, being poor, not having nice clothes, but you're focused on the things that are heavenly, then you will be better off than even the richest man in the world who ends up in hell - God feeds the ravens... who feeds you? - God! You don't feed yourself... you are fed not because of how hard you work or how smart you are. It's not you. God feeds you. God gave you the smarts and the energy and the job and He put the food on your table. Not you. - If it's not you, why worry? - Who can make himself taller by worrying? - Grass is in the field and tomorrow is in the oven... but our souls are eternal. How much more does God care for us? - Seek the kingdom of God - By hearing the word of God and doing it # Luke 12c: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 12: 35 - 59 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-12-35-59-bible-study "LUKE 12: 35 - 59 ~ Bible Study")
#### The Faithful Servant and the Evil Servant 00:00 35 “Let your waist be girded and *your* lamps burning; 36 and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. 37 Blessed *are* those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down *to eat,* and will come and serve them. 38 And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find *them* so, blessed are those servants. 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” 41 Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You speak this parable *only* to us, or to all *people?*” 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom *his* master will make ruler over his household, to give *them their* portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed *is* that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. 45 But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for *him,* and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint *him* his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare *himself* or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many *stripes.* 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. - The Lord is still addressing the disciples and continuing to talk about greediness and covetousness and the love of money - As followers of Christ, we treat the accumulation of wealth and earthly goods with indifference because **no man knows when the end of those things will come**. - Let your loins be girded and Let your lamps be burning - Since we don't know when we will leave this world, our hearts should be focused on something else. Be like servants waiting for their master - let your loins be girded - Men and women wore long flowing robe. When they worked or walked or ran, it was necessary to tie up the flowing robe with a belt around their waste or it would obstruct their work or walking or running. - Girding loins means to be ready, be active, be diligent. Be ready for the coming of the Lord! - Lamps burning (Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path). - If my waste is girded but the road is dark, I cannot run... I will stumble. I need a lamp to enlighten my way. - Girded waste is the inner willingness to serve the Lord and inner readiness for the coming of the Lord. The burning lamp is the external service - the outwardly service that will shine before men (let your light shine before men that they may see your good works) or the Word of God enlightening my way. - St Augustine: "What does it mean to be dressed and ready for action? To control our passions and be chaste. Lighting our lamps is to light them brightly with good deeds and righteous work (let your light shine before men) - The master will gird Himself and make them sit down to eat and serve them. - I'm sure the disciples remembered these words on covenant Thursday - If he shall come in the second or third watch - The Jews had three watches: 6-10pm, 10pm-2am, 2am-6am - The Romans had four watches: 6-9pm, 9-12am, 12-3am, 3-6am - This is what we follow in our Coptic Tradition - 6pm Compile (12th hour) - 9pm Veil - 12am 1st Watch - 3am 2nd Watch - 6am 3rd Watch - 7am 1st Hour - 9am 3rd Hour - 12pm 6th hour - 3pm 9th hour - 5pm 11th hour - 6pm 12th hour (Compline) - We read this gospel at the 3rd watch to remind ourselves to be ready - even at the 3rd watch - 2nd and 3rd watch are the weary hours of the night when it is difficult to watch and be ready - Church Fathers said: - 1st Watch: Childhood and Infancy - 2nd Watch: Youth - 3rd Watch: Adulthood - 4th Watch: Seniorhood - Watching is more important in the 2nd and 3rd watch when one is busy with work, studying, marriage, kids, etc. Children don't have accountability and we don't expect them to watch! - A thief never announces his coming - The coming of the Lord will be at an unexpected hour - The way to be ready for a thief is to live in constant readiness - The way to be ready for the Lord is to live in constant readiness - The Lord is coming - Some will be faithful and ready - Some will be unprepared and unaware... the people of the world - What of the delay in His coming? - An opportunity for repentance - A test for the loyalty of the faithful - Peter asks if this parable is for the disciples or for all - The disciples are stewards of the Church and have a great responsibility in serving the Master - The multitude are stewards too! Each one for his own body and his soul, to preserve it and take care that he receives salvation - The parable is for every faithful and wise steward - Faithfulness and Wisdom - An owner of a business who wants to hire a manager will look for someone who is faithful and wise. - Wise to make good decisions and make a profit. - Faithful means he won't steal that profit. -
Faithful and wise stewards of God will use our talents to make a profit and render that profit to the Lord. (i.e. to give glory to God)
- Their portion of food in due season - Right food - Right amount - Right time - Cut in two - The person who harms the glory of Christ, or dares to scorn the flock of Christ is no different from an unbeliever who does not love God and does not know God - To be entrusted to tend the flock of the Lord needs love in the heart - At ordination, when he enters into the altar, the Bishop tells him "enter into the joy of your Master" as if to say "you were faithful over little now you are entrusted with more" - Degrees and Grades of Punishment... Degrees and Grades of Glory - He who is called to a service, God gives the ability to carry out this service... so there is no excuse tolerated in the end. - In heaven, there are different levels of glory and in hell, different levels of punishment #### Christ Brings Division 39:06 49 “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! 51 Do *you* suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. 52 For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. 53 Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” - Fire - Fire in the Old Testament - Purification - Discernment - Judgment - Presence of God - Holy Spirit - The Fire here is either the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost - Or the refining and purifying fire that the Lord will light in His Death and Resurrection that will transform the New Covenant people of God - "By this the Lord wanted to present to us a disciple full of blaze and fire ready to endure every risk" - Baptism - The Baptism of pain, suffering, death - the passion of the Lord - He knew that it must be gone through to bring about the result which He left heaven and became Man for - These words express the distress and trouble that Christ was in because His humanity is perfect... he experienced everything as a perfect Human... Agony, pain, death - "By His baptism, He means His death in the flesh. By being constrained because of it, He means that He was saddened and troubled until it was accomplished." - St Cyril of Alexandria - Division not Peace - The Lord is giving a warning that His gospel will not bring unification to the people, but it will be a source of conflict and division - even within families. This may be the price that one must pay to be a faithful and wise steward of Christ - House of Five - 2 are the Jews and Gentiles; 3 are Christians who believe in the Holy Trinity - **Father against son**: the devil who set himself as father to the nonbelievers. When Satan finds his son renouncing him and accepting Christ, to be son of the heavenly Father, then Satan will rise against his children who will leave him - **Mother against daughter**: the Jewish synagogue who attacked the Jewish Christians (like the man-born blind who was cast out) - **Mother-in-law against daughter-in-law**: the Jewish synagogue who attached the Gentile Church who accepted being united with the Bridegroom - The early church (i.e. the Jewish and Gentile Christians... the daughter and daughter-in-law) rejected the literal deeds of the Old Covenant - (Ambrose) 5 is the five senses - 2 are the hearing and the vision... if you isolate these two and make them totally sanctified, you see and hear what is pure and holy, then it will resist the wrongful physical pleasure which comes through taste, touch, smell - The 2 are against the 3 #### Discern the Time 51:00 54 Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is. 55 And when *you see* the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. 56 Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how *is it* you do not discern this time? - The Lord now turns His attention to the crowds and rebukes them for not discerning the time - This time is the time of the revelation of the Messiah... humanity waited 5000 years for Him and now He's in your midst and you cannot discern Him - You know the signs in the sky and can predict the weather, but you don't know the signs written in the Scriptures? - You should have recognized the signs and realized that judgment is near #### Make Peace with Your Adversary 52:59 57 “Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right? 58 When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.” - It's not that they didn't know what was right... but they did not act on their knowledge of what is right. - They were passing unrighteous judgment on the preacher of repentance - They accused John the Baptist of having a demon - Accusing the Lord Jesus that He is a drunkard - They heard the truth but did not act on it - If you wait until you stand before the throne of God, the Judge, it will be too late for you - There is urgency to get right with God now - Readiness - Watchfulness - Anticipation of the Return of Christ - St Augustine says that your adversary is the Word of God - When you sin, the word of God tells you not to do that - If you like to get drunk, it says to you "do not do that" - If you like to commit adultery, it says to you "do not do that" - If you like to go to clubs, it says to you "do not do that" - In whatever sins you wish to follow your own will, it says to you "Do not do that" - It is the enemy of your will until it becomes the assurance of your salvation. Oh, what an honest and helpful enemy! # Luke 13a: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 13: 1 - 21 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-13-1-21-bible-study "LUKE 13: 1 - 21 ~ Bible Study")
#### Outline 00:00 - 1-5: Repent or Perish - 6-9: The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree - 10-17: A Spirit of Infirmity - 18-19: The Parable of the Mustard Seed - 20-21: The Parable of the Leaven - 22-33: The Narrow Way - 34-35: Jesus Laments over Jerusalem #### Repent or Perish 1:12 1 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all *other* Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all *other* men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” - Who were these Galileans? - According to St Cyril, these were followers of Judas the Galilean, who is mentioned in Acts 5:37 - Acts 5 is when the high priest and council came together to imprison the apostles and Gamaliel stood up and reminded them of many who rose up before the apostles and perished... if this is from God, let them be lest you stand against God. If it is from men, then it will come to nothing. - One example he gives is "Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed." (Acts 5:37) - Judas the Galilean taught that no one should be called "master" or "lord" and they refused to call Caesar, Roman Emperor, "Lord" - So Pilate was enraged, sent a band of soldiers, and punished them by slaying them when they came up for Passover... so as they were coming to offer the Passover Lambs, he killed them and mixed their blood with the blood of the Passover Lambs. - Why did they tell Him about this? - They wanted the Lord to condemn Pilate as cruel and vicious, so they could report Him to Pilate and get rid of Him - Or maybe He would approve what Pilate did and this would be a good opportunity to criticize Him and bring Him in contempt with the people - Or to know His thoughts about those who were slain... were they wicked or not? Would He pass judgment on them or not? Would He consider their death as the right punishment or not? - The Lord knew their tricks... He neither approved nor condemned Pilate. He acknowledged their sins, but without condemning them but rather by saying they are not considered greater sinners just because they were taken like that - The Lord answered the indirect question indirectly - He turned the question of "why did this happen" to be "what does this mean to me" - Why did God allow this person to die in this way? - Why did God allow this pandemic? - This isn't the right question! But rather... What does this mean to me? - What does this mean to me? - Unless you repent, you will perish - I can die at any moment... so I need to be ready. - The Lord Spoke about Two Things - An evil done by a ruler - A natural disaster - Why do bad things happen to good people? - We usually think that people are either good or bad, and God will allow good things to good people and bad things to bad people... and we always ask "why do bad things happen to good people" - The Lord answers that question... - They were not more guilty than others. All of us are sinners and guilty. Unless we repent, we will perish. - When you see such tragedies, it will be an opportunity for you to examine yourself, continually change yourself, respond with humble repentance for my own sins. - In the Greek, two words are used for "repent" - In verse 5 - once you stop a sin you don't go back to it - In verse 3 - a continuing repentance or a life of repentance #### The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree 14:46 6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain *man* had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize *it.* 9 And if it bears fruit, *well.* But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ” - The point of this parable is to show the long-suffering of God for the sake of our repentance - God wants us to bear fruit in our life - The fruit shows what kind of a person you are - The fig tree was fruitless - The fig tree symbolizes Israel... God's chosen people who considered themselves the elect, but bore no fruits - 3 Years - Some say it represents the three major eras in Jewish history: Patriarchs, Judges, Kings... God was longsuffering with them for all those periods and waited on them the entire OT - Some say it represents the Law and the Prophets, with the third year being the Messiah - Some say it represents the three years of Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ - The Certain Man represents God the Father; the keeper of the vineyard represents God the Son - Dig around and fertilize it represents the sacraments - Baptism, Confirmation, Repentance and Eucharist #### A Spirit of Infirmity 23:30 10 Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise *herself* up. 12 But when Jesus saw her, He called *her* to *Him* and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” 13 And He laid *His* hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. - This story is only mentioned in the Gospel of St Luke - St John Chrysostom says that Christ was teaching in the synagogues peacefully (i.e. He was not against the Law, but came to fulfill the Law)... He was still permitted to teach in the synagogues - The woman - She used to go every Sabbath to the Synagogue - She had faith, which is a prerequisite for healing - She didn't come with any expectation or request, but rather she came to the synagogue to be taught... spiritual benefit. And the Lord did not just give her the teaching, but also healed her. ("But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) - Power of God - The woman did not have any strength to be healed, she was possessed by a demon who had control over her and her will - The Lord will manifest His power and break the bondage and give deliverance from Satan's hand, but it requires the desire, first, of the sinner to repent - Even if you doesn't have the strength or the will to repent, if you have the desire to repent, the Lord will give strength 14 But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” 15 The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead *it* away to water it? 16 So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” 17 And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him. - He was afraid to confront the Lord Jesus Christ, so he looked at the assembly instead. He tried to rebuke the Lord indirectly - The Lord did not respond to him in gentleness and confronted him because he rebuked the assembly... the woman did not even come to be healed! - The Lord gives many reasons to show mercy on this woman and heal her - Woman is made in the image of God - Daughter of Abraham - Woman of faith - Afflicted and bound by Satan... every day is a good day to oppose Satan! - She was afflicted for 18 years... long enough to suffer greatly - The Lord wanted to heal the people and give them a healthy relationship with God - The healing of the woman was a proof that the Kingdom of God is here and upon us #### The Parable of the Mustard Seed 18 Then He said, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.” - These parables are about how the Kingdom of God will expand to the rest of the whole world - Just like a small mustard seed grew into a large tree, so also the Kingdom of God will grow and expand to include the whole world (from all nations and all countries) in the Church - The Kingdom of God started as Jesus and a few followers... and it seems unlikely and improbable that it would spread across the whole world #### The Parable of the Leaven 20 And again He said, “To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.” - A little bit of leaven can cause an amount of dough to expand in size... in the same way. - The teaching of the Gospel of Salvation causes the Kingdom to expand and become much greater in size - Three measures of meal: - Number three is a symbol of completeness - St Cyril of Alexandria: Body, Soul and Spirit - The believers - St Ambrose: The leaven is the Lord Christ, the woman is the Church, and we are the flour - Christ leavens us by giving us His qualities. He took our human nature, but by the power of His divinity He works in us - not to change our appearance, but our inward nature. - Others say the Law, Prophets, Gospel - Christ was hidden in the Law and Prophets and manifested in the Gospel # Luke 13b: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 13: 22 - 35 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-13-22-35-bible-study "LUKE 13: 22 - 35 ~ Bible Study")
#### The Narrow Way 0:30 22 And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ 26 then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ 27 But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ 28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. 29 They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God. 30 And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.” - Journeying toward Jerusalem - "Lord, are there few who are saved?" - This question is a concern for many people and everyone asks "who will enter the Kingdom and who will not?" and "Is it only the Orthodox?" - Many people wonder about the Salvation of others - The Narrow Gate - From the beginning of God's relationship with man, through the gift of free will, man has always had the choice between two paths (two gates, two doors) - To go the way of obedience to God, or to go their own way - Deuteronomy 30:15-20 - If you choose to obey the Lord, you will live. But if you choose your own desires, that is the way to death. - Christianity before it was called that was called "The Way" - Strive - The gate is narrow and the way is different - Strive means "agonize" - Fight the good fight - Win the race - Narrow = you can't bring with you anything that's unnecessary - In old monasteries, the door of a cell was narrow in height and width - Forsake love of money, love of pride, love of pleasure, self-centeredness, hypocrisy - You cannot enter if you are carrying those things with you - Shut the Door = Differentiate between: - Those who pretend to be godly - Those who were religious church-goers - Those who know Christ and do His will - Those who were seeking to enter, and those who were striving to enter - Discipline yourself - The door is open right now - this is the time to repent and accept the Lord's invitation to enter. The time will come when it will be too late. - Eating and drinking, hearing His teachings - none of that will help you if you don't strive - So if they "depart from Him" where do they go? - A place of weeping and gnashing of teeth - Hell, The Lake of Fire - And you will see others entering the Kingdom of God - The surprise on Judgment Day - If you lived in the time of Christ, you would say Judas will enter the Kingdom and the thief crucified with Christ, would not - There are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last - Those who we consider first in the Church who will be last; those who we don't consider, or we think of as last, who will be accepted first - Israel was the first nation that believed in God... God said "Israel is my firstborn" - but was rejected. And the Gentiles, who were last, became first - In the Kingdom of Heaven you will find people from all parts of the earth - From every nation, people, tribe, and tongue - Without number - What is Heaven Like? - A place of rest ("sit down in the kingdom of God") - A place of company ("Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the prophets") - A place with people from all over the earth - A certain place ("They will come") - Many people nowadays try to say "heaven and hell are not a place, it's a condition or state of mind" - It's a place. Not a physical place, but a place nonetheless 31 On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, “Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You.” 32 And He said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third *day* I shall be perfected.’ 33 Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the *day* following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem. - Seems weird that the Pharisees would be concerned about Christ's well-being - Maybe they made up a threat to get Him to leave - They may have been offended by His words about the salvation of the Gentiles - Jesus' response is bold - Calling Herod "fox" because He knew the cruelty of his heart and his love for shedding blood - His response is that "I have a mission to do and I will continue to do it regardless of the threat of the danger" - With "today, tomorrow and the third day", He indicates that His mission will be over soon and points to His Resurrection (the perfection of His ministry) #### Jesus Laments over Jerusalem 34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen *gathers* her brood under *her* wings, but you were not willing! 35 See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until *the time* comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ” - O Jerusalem, Jerusalem - When the Lord repeats a name twice it indicates great emotion - The Lord has longed for Jerusalem's repentance and restoration to communion with God - but they rejected Him - When He sent the Twelve, He told them "don't go to the Gentiles" but "go to the lost sheep of Israel" - He came unto His own and His own did not receive Him - He wanted them to know His love - like a hen, He is willing to gather them under His wings - He predicted the destruction of Jerusalem - "Your house is left to you desolate" - The Temple will no longer be the dwelling place of God - He used to call it "My house" (in the OT) - But now He is calling it "Your house" - In 70 AD, the Temple was destroyed by the Romans - and from then until now, they attempted to rebuild it many many times. And every single one failed. The Lord told them "Your house is left to you desolate" - You shall not see Me until the time comes when you say "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord" - From the Early Church, the Eucharist is considered the Coming of Christ - That's why when Abouna does the Eucharistic Procession, we say "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" - "Emmanuel our God is now in our midst" - "Behold Emmanuel our God is with us today on this table" - "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" - Psalm 118:26 - They used to chant this psalm in the Temple during the Passover - The same verse was quoted on Hosanna Sunday by the people when He entered Jerusalem # Luke 14: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 14: 1 - 24 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-14-1-24-bible-study "LUKE 14: 1 - 24 ~ Bible Study")
#### Introduction 00:00 - In Chapters 12 and 13, we saw that the Lord was using references to food and meals in His teachings and parables. This trend started after the banquet of Pharisees that He was invited to attend in the Pharisee's house (Chapter 12) - In Chapter 14, the Lord will continue this trend after another meal in the home of a leading Pharisee ("one of the rulers") - He concludes the trend with the Parable of the Great Feast in Chapter 14 - References to food and meals in the teaching of Christ remind us with the Heavenly Food - the bread and wine that become the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist; the food we are called to humbly eat at the altar; the Lord's banquet. #### Outline 02:30 - 1-6: A Man Healed on the Sabbath - 7-14: Take the Lowly Place - 15-24: The Parable of the Great Supper - 25-33: Leaving All to Follow Christ - 34-35: Tasteless Salt is Worthless #### A Man Healed on the Sabbath 03:18 1 Now it happened, as He went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath, that they watched Him closely. 2 And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had dropsy. 3 And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” 4 But they kept silent. And He took *him* and healed him, and let him go. 5 Then He answered them, saying, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” 6 And they could not answer Him regarding these things. - The Lord and the Pharisees - Despite all the disputes with the Pharisees, the Lord didn't give up on them - He continued to associate with them - not to be like them, or to join them, but that He may win them - Sabbath Meals - This is a normal thing... but what's not normal is that "they watched Him closely" - Dropsy - Dropsy is a sickness when fluids gather throughout the body and cause swelling - Why would a man with Dropsy be invited to the Pharisee's house? Because this whole meal was arranged in order to test the Lord and see what He would do on the Sabbath - They were trying to provoke Him that they may accuse Him - This miracle is remarkable because Dropsy affects the man's appearance... so when he is healed, it is immediately visible and obvious to everyone present - An Opportunity to Teach the Pharisees - The Lord could have rejected their invitation, knowing their intention - "Jesus, answering..." - there was no question, but His answer is to their intentions - Two Questions - Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? - Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a put, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day? - They could not answer - If it's allowed to save animals on the Sabbath, how much more right is it to heal people created in the image of God - If they say to let the donkey or ox die, they are heartless and wicked - If they say to save the donkey or ox, then they prove they are hypocrites #### Take the Lowly Place 12:30 7 So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: 8 “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; 9 and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. 11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 12 Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite *the* poor, *the* maimed, *the* lame, *the* blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” - Seating Arrangement - Formal banquets like this adopted Greek Symposium traditions where they would sit around a table and each person's seating was based on their status (closer to the head of the table, higher status) - The Lord noticed that people were assuming for themselves the best places and spoke to them a parable - Parable - This teaching doesn't sound like a parable, but sounds like regular advice... Why did St Luke call it a parable? - Parables have a spiritual message through a real-life situation known to all - A wedding feast was the most important social occasions in Jewish life (and until now) - Etiquette Teaching - Not the main point - The Lord reminds the Pharisees of the shame that comes with self-exaltation - Spiritual Message - When we allow others (especially God) to raise us, then we don't have the danger of being put down in shame - Take the lowest part so that you don't desire the honor that belongs to you - If you take the lowest place and are elevated, you will have honor - It's not just table etiquette, but it is a way of life - "In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." (Philippians 2:3) - For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. - Some might take the place of lowliness in order that other people would notice how humble they are... this is dangerous. I am acting humble to be praised by others... this is an outwardly humbleness with pride and arrogance inside. - A monk came to St Antony the Great and insisted on sitting at the feet of St Antony. St Antony asked him several times to sit next to him, but he refused. He begged St Antony to give him a word of advice. This monk was known to not sit in his cell but to wander from one place to another. St Antony gave him advice: "It's better for the monk to be in his cell and not to move from one place to another because a monk is like a fish - when you take it outside the water, it dies. A monk outside his cell dies spiritually." The monk became very angry and defensive and St Antony asked him "where is your humility? You sat at my feet, refused to sit next to me, and when I gave you advice, you got angry? This humility was fake." The monk hid behind his fake humility a prideful soul. - Advice to the Host - The Lord noticed that all the guests are from the upper class, and the banquet was luxurious and costly - How to store up for yourself a treasure in heaven - If you associate or deal with people on the basis of what they could do for you, this is a self-centered living. The Lord demonstrated an others-centered living. - Self-centered: seeking an earthly reward - Others-centered: no earthly reward #### Parable of the Great Supper 26:33 15 Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed *is* he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!” - These words are not spoken mockingly. This individual was speaking sincerely and genuinely and greatly admired the Lord Jesus Christ - Although he said this genuinely, it also reflects his prideful spirit - we know this based on the below parable the Lord uses to respond. He is saying "Blessed is he who shall eat bread" is also saying "I am looking forward to eating that bread because I am a righteous Pharisee" 16 Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, 17 and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ 18 But they all with one *accord* began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ 20 Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here *the* poor and *the* maimed and *the* lame and *the* blind.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ 23 Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel *them* to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’ ” - The host of the banquet is God - His home is the Heavenly Kingdom - The banquet is the Banquet of the Righteous at the end of time - The servants are God's prophets and apostles and servants - The first invitation is to Israel (the Jews) - They were busy... too busy for God - First excuse: Love of money - Second excuse: Worries of the World - Third excuse: Personal Relationships - This group is represented by the Pharisees, Scribes, Sadducees. The ones who rejected the message of St John the Baptist - We pretend that the affairs of the world are so pressing that we cannot find time to attend to our souls - The second invitation is to the outcasts of Israel (publicans, sinners, tax-collectors, harlots, etc.) - The third invitation is to the Gentiles ####
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 14: 25 - 35 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-14-25-35-bible-study "LUKE 14: 25 - 35 ~ Bible Study")
#### Leaving All to Follow Christ 02:08 25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. - Great multitudes - These people are following Him to Jerusalem - This group of people includes disciples and friends, as well as enemies, and some following out of curiosity - Any leader would be happy if he found people following him... and he would think "how can I keep them?" Some leaders might even compromise some principles in order to keep the followers... but when the Lord saw the great multitudes, He turned and told them the requirements of discipleship - Requirements of Discipleship - Come to Me - Not only to hear His preaching, but to come and follow the Lord as a true believer with a sincere desire to be a disciple of Him; to be DISCIPLINED by His teaching and His example - Hate - This word troubles someone... how could the Lord (who is Love) use the word hate? - He doesn't mean hatred (opposite of love) but is using an exaggeration to stress the total commitment required of His followers - St Demiana is a real-life example from the Church History of this Commandment when she told her father "I would have rather heard that you died for the name of Christ than that you denied Christ and saved your earthly life." Because of this message, her father, Mark, went and confessed his faith and was martyred. - No earthly affection should ever come into competition with our love for God - This word also relates back to when the Lord said that He did not come to bring peace but a sword, and will turn parents against children and children against parents, etc. - Bear Your Cross - Some assume that if you are a Christian, your life will be void of hardships... this is not true. - We will be hated, persecuted, walk the difficult path - but when compared with eternal glory, it is nothing. That's why Christians carried their cross joyfully... their eyes were fixed on the glory to come. - Carry "Your Cross" - there is a cross suited to each individual - This is before the Crucifixion; they knew the Cross as a torture device for death and humiliation. If someone took up his cross, he never came back; it was a one-way journey 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has *enough* to finish *it*— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see *it* begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. - Calculate the Cost before making the decision of following the Lord - Two Examples: - Building a Tower - Going to Battle - These require: - Good planning - Good decision making - Building a Tower - Built high up to see an enemy when he is coming - Built strong so that it could not be taken - The building of a tower is the building up of the Christian Life in the Heart and the Life - Reminds us of the "wise man who built his house on the rock" - our life needs to be built on a solid Foundation - It is a serious thing to be a disciple - HH Pope Shenouda used to say "the only difference between us and the saints is seriousness... they took the spiritual life seriously" - Warfare - Christian life is warfare - Spiritual warfare - fighting against principalities and powers... evil spirits. (Ephesians 6:12) - The Disciple Must Calculate the Cost - Anything in his old life that is a hindrance to traveling the narrow path or entering the narrow door - He must separate himself from those things or people who will not help him advance in faith and spiritual maturity - Release attachment of material possessions - Many who were following Jesus in these last weeks of His ministry were not truly sincere. The Lord gives them an uncompromising picture of what ought to be the life of His real followers #### Tasteless Salt is Worthless 35:11 34 “Salt *is* good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, *but* men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” - In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord told us "You are the salt of the earth" - If we are Christians by name, but we don't meet the requirements of discipleship, then we become like salt that has lots its flavor - Salt is only useful... if it has flavor! We cannot fulfill the purpose for which we were intended - The salt is not even good for the dunghill which is used as fertilizer - He who has ears to hear, let him hear - Take My Teaching seriously # Luke 15: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 15: 1 - 10 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-15-1-10-bible-study "LUKE 15: 1 - 10 ~ Bible Study")
#### Introduction 00:00 - The Lord Jesus Christ gives three parables concerning God's patience and mercy in calling sinners to salvation - The Lord uses common examples of daily life as usual in His parables - In each of these three parables, the Lord answers the criticism of the Pharisees and the religious leaders of Israel who used to accuse Him of associating with sinners and tax collectors - St Ambrose wrote: "By the parables of the sleep that stray and was found, the coin which was lost and was found, and the son who was dead and came to life, we may cure our wounds being encouraged by a threefold remedy: a threefold cord will not be broken. Who are the father, the shepherd and the woman? They are God the Father, Christ and the Church. Christ carries you on His body, He who took your sins on Himself. The Church seeks, and the Father receives. The shepherd carries. The mother searches. The father clothes. First mercy comes, then intercession, and third reconciliation. Each complements the other. The Savior rescues, the church intercedes, and the Creator reconciles." (Exposition on the Gospel of Luke) #### Outline 4:17 - 1-7 The Parable of the Lost Sheep - 8-10 The Parable of the Lost Coin - 11-32 The Parable of the Lost Son #### The Parable of the Lost Sheep 4:38 1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying: - In Chapter 14, the Lord found many multitudes following Him and He gave them the requirements of discipleship - Now we see that the tax-collectors and sinners heard these words and drew near to Him - The Pharisees and Scribes thought themselves righteous, interpreted the law, were of high status, and were the rulers of the people. They considered mingling with tax-collectors and sinners would make them ritually unclean, and not fit for worshipping God. - They separated themselves from these unclean sinners who were not fit to enter the Temple or offer a sacrifice - The Pharisees and Scribes are the first group of invitees in Luke 14. The tax-collectors and sinners are the second group of invitees in Luke 14. - This is not the first complaint by the Pharisees - In Chapter 5, the Lord answered with the parable of the Pharisee and the tax-collector 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found *it,* he lays *it* on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together *his* friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. - God cares about all the sheep in His flock. When one becomes lost, God makes every effort to bring this person back to the flock. And when the one is restored, God rejoices in his restoration. - It's not strange that the shepherd would seek the lost sheep... but it's strange that he would leave 99% of his flock... so either the safety of the 99 is assumed, or there is already joy for them. The point of the Parable is not the neglect of the 99%... but the rejoicing over the 1%. - This is a responsibility on the shoulders of the clergy and Sunday School servants... if the servant and clergy do not take action, the sheep will remain lost - God not only receives those who return to Him, but He actively seeks those who are lost - The Lost Sheep can represent the whole human race that was lost, and the 99 are the angels, and God descended and was incarnate and died on the Cross to save us. - The Shepherd yearns for rejoicing with his fellows - The 99 just persons who need no repentance... these are the Pharisees who BELIEVE they need no repentance. God's call to repentance is for EVERY single person. Everyone needs repentance because all fall short of the glory of God - "And when he comes home" refers to the Ascension and "his friends and neighbors" are the angels who rejoiced over the salvation that the Lord performed on the earth #### The Parable of the Lost Coin 25:23 8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds *it?* 9 And when she has found *it,* she calls *her* friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” - The Parable of the Lost Sheep reveals the love of the Shepherd - He gave up Himself, came down to earth, in search of the lost person and in love, He embraced him and carried him on His shoulders, and brought him back to the heavenly - The Parable of the Lost Coin, the Lord offers a picture of what the Church should be like - The Church has the same qualities toward the fallen ones and searches for them lovingly and is tender with them and rejoices in their coming back - Silver Coin - The coin is what it is (i.e. has its value) because it has on it the King's image - Man is precious because he, too, has the Image of the Great King - Intellect - Free Will - Immortality - The sheep that was lost strayed away from the sheepfold, but the coin was lost in the house... the Lord implies that there is a possibility that a soul, precious in the sight of God, may be lost even within the society of the believers (or the Church) - How did the woman search - The woman brought light - Swept and cleaned the house - Searched carefully until she found the coin - How does the Church search - Bring the light: The word of God; the Truth - "The word of God is a lamp to my feet" - Sweep and clean any wrong teachings in the church, mishandling of the commandment of God, wrong interpretations of the Scripture, etc. These things can make people lost INSIDE the church - "If we, or angels from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:8) - St Paul heard about false teachings in Galatia and was firm in "cleaning" and sweeping the church - Why did the Ecumenical Councils gather against Arius, Nestorius, Macedonius? To clean the Church so that the Lost Coin may be found - Find those who are lost --- ####
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 15: 11 - 32 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-15-11-32-bible-study "LUKE 15: 11 - 32 ~ Bible Study")
#### The Parable of the Lost Son 00:00 11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to *his* father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls *to me.*’ So he divided to them *his* livelihood. - The Lord starts the parable by setting the contrast between the two sons - The younger son left the house because he thought he wanted the absolute freedom to live as he wants - The older son, the heir, dutifully served the father and stayed at home - The younger son asked for the portion of goods motivated by foolishness and greed - The Lord used the example of a father and two sons, not a master and two servants - The Father clearly illustrates the love of God - His love allowed the rebellion of the younger son - Because He loves us, God respects and allows the freedom of our human will - The father knows that the son is making a foolish and greedy request, and yet allows him to make it 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him *anything.* - *Far* Country is the state of the Gentile world - Worshipping idols and wandering far from God - The younger son symbolizes the Gentiles, the older son symbolizes the Nation of Israel - The younger son was completely to blame for his foolishness - We cannot blame the father... definitely, the father advised him, but the son's free will is what brought on the prodigal living - Famine - We cannot blame the severe famine... but he was affected by it - Sometimes God allows us to go through difficult times so that we might return to our house - The Famine is a famine of hearing the word of God - “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God, “That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the Lord." - Citizen of that country is Satan - Satan sends him to feed swine (unclean animals) - Driven by hunger and need, the son accepted work that was unacceptable and offensive to any Jew - After he was an honored son in his house, now he is feeding swine and even desires to feed his mouth with the pods of the swine - This misery drove him to repent and return to his father's house 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’ - Nothing the world gives us can give satisfaction to our souls - In his clear thinking, he did not blame his father, his friends or his brother or anybody... but he recognized that it was his own bad choices and decisions. He didn't focus on the misery, but on the right solution - The solution is in the father - "When he came to himself" - these years in the far country he was not himself. The true and real self is the repentant. The false self is the old man with afflictions and lusts. The true self is the one who recognizes God as our Father. - "How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare" - what a testimony to the nature of the home - When he lived there, he did not recognize the nature of the home - When he was out with all his money, he did not recognize the nature of the home - While he was living in the house, his heart was apart from the house - His mind and his heart were in lustful pleasures - The father's house never came to his mind as a house of love - it was a house of bondage and misery - Many of us perceive the Church as a house of bondage... rules, rules... why all these rules? Don't do this and don't do that - But when we go to the far country and suffer from hunger and thirst, we recognize that the Father's house is the house of love - Realizing the beauty of the house is the firstfruits of repentance - He took full responsibility and confessed his actions to his father without giving any excuses. He knew that he is not worthy to be a son, so he pleads with the father to treat him as a servant - The first impulse of the repentant heart is to take the lowest place - like the parable of the tax-collector and Pharisee - He didn't say it out of humbleness, but because he saw himself in the meanest way "I am not worthy... the hired servants are better than me" - He thought it would be an honor to him to be the lowest person in that house - To be a doorkeeper in that house is better than to continue in this hungry and starving condition - "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness." (Psalm 84:10) 20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put *it* on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on *his* feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill *it,* and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. - He did not just feel sorry or think about repentance, but he actually did it. He got up and went - Many people who went to the far country never left the far country - Not because the Father is not welcoming them, but because they had no desire to return to the father's house - The father ran - God does not oblige anyone to return, He respects our free will - But when He sees us coming from afar, He will run for us - The son started to recite his prepared speech, but the father did not even allow him to finish it - "Don't even finish that sentence - YOU ARE MY SON - The four things are not necessities - but they are more than that - Best Robe - The garments of praise and of righteousness - The new life and immortality that we receive when we return to God - The wedding garment of the righteousness of Christ - Ring on his hand - The seal upon the right hand - The seal of the Holy Spirit that we receive in the Confirmation - Sandals on his feet - The preparation and readiness - When we are eager to go out, we put on our shoes - Fatted calf - The Eucharist - St John Chrysostom: "The father did not address his son when he returned, but rather he addressed the servants. The repentant son came to the father pleading, but the father spoke to his servants to show the merciful peace of the father through the servants" - Who are the servants? - The priests, the ministering souls who perform the baptism and pray the Eucharist, in order to vest the returning soul with the garment of righteousness - In the vow of commitment, at the ordination of a priest, he says "I will receive the repentant when he returns" - When a repentant returns to the church, we should not close the doors of the church in front of him, but to receive him joyfully - When a repentant returns, he receives communion to abide in Christ - All of this explains the joy at the return 25 “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ 28 “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to *his* father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ 31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ” - The older son never lived a prodigal life - he was always working hard in the field - Joy and happiness - In those days, music and dancing was customary to express joy and happiness - We should all rejoice at the return of any prodigal son - Some people wish that the parable had ended at verse 27 with the rejoicing - The children of God have two types - One who lives afar off (like the younger son) - Some people who are self-righteous and still living inside the house - We should not forget that self-righteousness is as sinful as no righteousness - The Pharisees need repentance, and so do the publicans and tax-collectors - The older son thought that he was not wicked like his brother... but the self-righteousness is worse because it's easier to deceive - It's easier to repent from a sin, than to repent from self-righteousness - God offered salvation to both on the Cross - the Pharisees and the Sinners - The older son drew near to the house but did not enter - People who go to the church, attend liturgies, etc. but never have a personal connection with the Lord - "I have been serving you" - In the Greek "I have been your slave" - He regarded the yoke of service not as freedom but as bondage - He did not call his father "Father" - He was obedient, submissive, conforming to the rules... but all of this by fear. Obedience of slaves not obedience of children. - "I never transgressed your commandment at any time" - Self-righteousness - The language of the Pharisees - "And yet you never gave me a young goat" - Blaming his father - "This son of yours" - Did not acknowledge him as his brother - Great contempt - Joy vs Anger - Joy comes from forgiveness - "to whom little is forgiven the same loves little" - Because of self-righteousness, no forgiveness, thus, no joy - The Father's Response - The Father showed empathy, even though he did not nothing wrong - He reminds him that his brother is "his brother" - This is the message of the parable: "Yes, it is right to rejoice over a sinner who has repented" - The Fate of the Older Son - The Parable ends before telling us if the older son entered the house - But we know from the Book of Acts that many of the Jews rejected the Economy of God for the restoration of the Gentiles into the family of God # Luke 16: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 16: 1 - 18 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-16-1-18-bible-study "LUKE 16: 1 - 18 ~ Bible Study")
#### Introduction 00:00 - In Luke 15, the Lord showed clearly the love of God through three parables - the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, the Lost Son - This awesome love has to be met (from our side) with love and wisdom - God created us in His own image - He gave us a perfect free will - We should, by our own free will, accept this fellowship with God and use our wisdom and intellect to understand that one day we will give an account of our stewardship - In this chapter, the Lord offers a parable and a real story that urge us to accept His fellowship by our free will - The parable is the Unjust Steward - The story is Lazarus and the rich man - Teachings about: - Use and abuse of money and wealth - Accountability and judgment in the last day - The Parable and story are separated by four verses in which the Lord condemns the Pharisees for their love of money and gives a quick teaching about the Law #### Outline 3:17 - 1-13 The Parable of the Unjust Steward - 14-18 The Teaching of the Lord about the Law, the Prophets and the Kingdom - 19-31 The Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus #### The Parable of the Unjust Steward 3:47 1 He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. 2 So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’ 3 “Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.’ 5 “So he called every one of his master’s debtors to *him,* and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ So he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ So he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ 8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light. 9 “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. 10 He who *is* faithful in *what is* least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in *what is* least is unjust also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true *riches?* 12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? 13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” - The unjust steward represents the Scribes and Pharisees - Why did the Lord address the disciples instead of the Scribes and Pharisees? - Because the disciples are stewards and they should know at the beginning of their ministry that they will give an account of their stewardship - We will all give an account of everything in our life to God: - Our service - Our time - Our talents - Our body - Our children - #### The Law, the Prophets, and the Kingdom 14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. 16 “The law and the prophets *were* until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. 17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail. 18 “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from *her* husband commits adultery. -
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 16: 19 - 31 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-16-19-31-bible-study "LUKE 16: 19 - 31 ~ Bible Study")
#### The Rich Man and Lazarus 0:00 19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ 27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ” - # Luke 17: HG Bishop Youssef
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 17: 1 - 19 ~ Bible Study (English & Arabic - عربي)](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-17-1-19-bible-study-english-arabic "LUKE 17: 1 - 19 ~ Bible Study (English & Arabic - عربي)")
#### Introduction 00:00 - The events from Luke 14-17 are connected with each other - In Luke 14, we read about the Lord having dinner at the home of a wealthy Pharisee and healed a man on the Sabbath. He told the Pharisee and the people attending about humility and the mercies of God - Then He left the dinner and continued to teach the crowds who followed him - huge multitude. He told them about the Principles of Discipleship, How to use Material Wealth without being a lover of money, rejection of the secular world, obedience to the law, and that these are necessary for discipleship. The teaching went from Luke 14-16. - Now He turns to the disciples and addresses them "Then He said to the disciples" #### Outline 02:07 - 1-2: Jesus Warns of Offenses - 3-4: Forgiveness - 5-10: Faith and Duty - 11-19: Ten Lepers Cleansed - 20-37: The Coming of the Kingdom #### Jesus Warns of Offenses 02:34 1 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe *to him* through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. - Chapter 16 ended with Lazarus and the Rich Man. The Lord taught the disciples that eternity is real. There is real life after death! No one will come from the Paradise to warn us... so we need to be careful. When the rich man asked Abraham to send Lazarus to warn the people, Abraham refused and said "they have the Law and the Prophets. This is enough for them. If they don't follow the Law and Prophets, then even if one rose from the dead, they will not believe." - How we live, and how we reflect the image of Christ to others will count and determine our eternal salvation - Since the fall of Adam and Eve, this world became corrupted. Because of the corruption of the world, it is impossible that no offenses should come. If you are expecting a world without offenses, that is not realistic. - This shows the corre #### Forgiveness 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” - #### Faith and Duty 5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? 8 But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ” - #### Ten Lepers Cleansed 11 Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up *their* voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 So when He saw *them,* He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on *his* face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where *are* the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” -
[His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef "His Grace Bishop Youssef ~ عظات نيافة الانبا يوسف") · [LUKE 17: 20 - 37 ~ Bible Study](https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/luke-17-20-37-bible-study "LUKE 17: 20 - 37 ~ Bible Study")
#### The Coming of the Kingdom 20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” 22 Then He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see *it.* 23 And they will say to you, ‘Look here!’ or ‘Look there!’ Do not go after *them* or follow *them.* 24 For as the lightning that flashes out of one *part* under heaven shines to the other *part* under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. 25 But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed *them* all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. 31 “In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods *are* in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two *men* in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. 35 Two *women* will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. 36 Two *men* will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.” 37 And they answered and said to Him, “Where, Lord?” So He said to them, “Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” -