first century israel

  • A Clash of Empires

    In first century Israel, Jesus was tortured and executed brutally by the Roman Empire. What was the reason? Did the Empire accomplish its goal in killing him?

  • A Different Emperor

    Jesus preaches the Empire of God that he will bring to the Earth and rule it as its Emperor. What kind of an Emperor would he be? What taste does he give us of his upcoming rule in his teachings, parables and miracles?

  • Healing on the Sabbath

    When he heals people on the Sabbath, the relgio-political leaders of Israel accuse Jesus of breaking the law. Jesus' response to them brings out the spirit of the law. What exactly is that spirit?

  • Jesus Feeds the Multitude

    Jesus feeds thousands of people in the wilderness. How does he manage that feat? Does he turn stones into bread? Or does he demand his followers do something for such a miracle to happen?

  • Jesus in the Roman Empire

    When Jesus enters the scene, what was the state of the society in Israel under the Roman Empire? And why was the title 'son of god' so controversial in those times? Who was its original owner?

  • Like Father, Like Son!

    Yahweh, the God of the Old Testament is usually portrayed as an angry, vengeful god who somehow became benevolent in the New Testament with the arrival of his son. Is this an accurate depiction?

  • The Lord of the Sabbath

    When the disciples pick grain on a Sabbath day, the Pharisees accuse them of breaking the Law. In his response, Jesus says the Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath. What does he mean by that?

  • The Trial of Jesus in the Wilderness

    Before Jesus commences his ministry, he is taken to the wilderness and tested. What is the significance of his first trial? How is it connected to the history of Israel and the Empires that oppressed the people?

Scriptures, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scriptures indicated NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

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