The text recounts biblical narratives, starting with creation and humanity’s fall from grace. It then shifts to Abraham’s test of faith and God’s promise of salvation. The focus moves to the birth, ministry, miracles, and teachings of Jesus. The pivotal events of his betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection are described. Ultimately, the text emphasizes Jesus’s redemptive power to overcome sin and death, offering a path to restored relationship with God for all.

A Study Guide: Exploring the Story of Jesus

Quiz

Answer each question in 2-3 sentences based on the provided text.

1. According to the story, what was the consequence of Adam and Eve eating fruit from the Tree of Knowledge?
2. What promise did God make to Abraham, and what event tested his faith?
3. How was Jesus’s birth different from that of other people, according to the text?
4. What did John the Baptist say about Jesus’s role and power?
5. What was the significance of Jesus interacting with the Samaritan woman at the well?
6. Describe one miracle performed by Jesus and explain its significance.
7. What was Jesus teaching when he healed the woman on the Sabbath, who had been bent over for eighteen years?
8. Why did the religious leaders want Jesus crucified?
9. According to the text, what events occurred after Jesus’s death?
10. How, according to the text, does one achieve salvation through Jesus?

Quiz Answer Key

1. Adam and Eve’s act of disobedience destroyed the harmony of the garden. They were banished from the Garden of Eden and cursed to lives of toil, hardship, and eventually death.
2. God promised to bless Abraham and to bless all nations through him. Abraham’s faith was tested when God commanded him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, but God provided a ram instead.
3. Jesus’s birth was miraculous because his mother, Mary, was a virgin. The Holy Spirit conceived him, making him the Son of the Most High.
4. John the Baptist declared that Jesus was much greater than himself and that he was not worthy to untie Jesus’s sandals. He also said Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
5. Jesus’s interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well demonstrated his willingness to engage with those considered outcasts. He revealed himself as the Messiah to her, and many Samaritans believed in him as a result.
6. Jesus healed a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years simply by her touching his robe. This demonstrated his power and compassion, as well as restoring her honor after years of shame.
7. Jesus was teaching that God’s love and healing extended to all, even on the Sabbath. By healing the woman, he showed that compassion and restoration were more important than strict adherence to religious laws.
8. The religious leaders wanted Jesus crucified because they believed he was misleading the people and blaspheming by claiming to be the Messiah and the Son of God. They feared his growing influence and the potential consequences from the Roman authorities.
9. After Jesus’s death, his body was placed in a tomb. On the third day, the tomb was found empty, and Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and later to his disciples, proving his resurrection.
10. According to the text, one achieves salvation through Jesus by turning away from sin, believing in him as the Messiah, and following him in faith. This includes trusting in his sacrifice on the cross, praying to God, and being part of a community of believers.

Essay Questions

Consider these questions in essay format, using evidence from the source material to support your arguments.

1. Discuss the role of women in the story, highlighting how Jesus interacted with them and how this defied social norms of the time.
2. Analyze the concept of salvation presented, including what humans are saved from and what they are saved for.
3. Explore the ways in which Jesus challenged the established religious and social hierarchies of his time.
4. Examine the significance of Jesus’s miracles within the narrative, discussing what they reveal about his power and his compassion.
5. Compare and contrast the portrayals of God in the Old Testament and the New Testament portions of the story.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Messiah: The promised deliverer of the Jewish people, prophesied in the Hebrew Bible.
• Salvation: Deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Jesus.
• Kingdom of God: The spiritual realm over which God reigns, both present and future.
• Sin: An act against God’s will or law.
• Resurrection: The act of rising from the dead, especially Jesus’s rising from the tomb on the third day after his crucifixion.
• Gospel: The “good news” about Jesus, his life, death, and resurrection.
• Miracle: An extraordinary event regarded as an act of God.
• Disciple: A follower of Jesus.
• Prophet: A person regarded as inspired to speak for God.
• Baptism: A Christian rite of initiation, typically involving immersion in water, symbolizing purification or regeneration and admission to the Christian Church.

Biblical Narrative: Creation, Redemption, and the Life of Jesus

Okay, here’s a detailed briefing document summarizing the key themes and ideas from the provided excerpts of “01.pdf”.

Briefing Document: Analysis of “01.pdf” Excerpts

Document Overview:

The provided text appears to be a narrative retelling of key events in the Bible, focusing on creation, the fall of humankind, God’s covenant with Abraham, and the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The story is presented through the lens of personal experiences, particularly that of Mary Magdalene and another character named Rifka. It aims to present a message of redemption, forgiveness, and the possibility of a restored relationship with God.

Main Themes:

• Creation and the Fall: The narrative begins with the biblical account of creation – God’s creation of the Earth, Adam and Eve, and the Garden of Eden. The story highlights the initial harmony and closeness between God and humanity, which was broken by Adam and Eve’s disobedience (“Adam and Eve’s shameful Act of Disobedience destroyed the harmony of the garden”). This act introduced sin, suffering, and separation from God.
• God’s Covenant and Plan of Redemption: Despite humanity’s fall, God initiates a plan to restore harmony and honor. This plan is revealed through figures like Abraham, whose willingness to sacrifice his son demonstrates his trust in God (“Abraham trusted and honored God and God promised to bless Abraham and to bless people of all Nations through him”). The sacrifice of the ram in place of Isaac is presented as a foreshadowing of God’s ultimate provision for humanity’s redemption.
• The Incarnation and Ministry of Jesus: The narrative emphasizes the miraculous birth of Jesus to the virgin Mary, emphasizing the Holy Spirit’s role in his conception (“Jesus’s conception was truly a miracle from the spirit of God”). Jesus’s ministry is characterized by teaching, miracles, and compassion for the marginalized. He is portrayed as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (“the scripture come true but only the Messiah can fulfill that promise”). His teachings emphasize love, forgiveness, and inclusion, even towards those considered outcasts (“Love your enemies and do good to them…”).
• Sacrifice, Death, and Resurrection: The narrative culminates in Jesus’s betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection. Jesus’s death is portrayed as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of humanity (“when Jesus died on the cross he took upon himself our curse my curse of sin and death”). His resurrection signifies victory over sin and death, and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in him.
• Transformation and Redemption: The story highlights the transformative power of Jesus, particularly in the lives of marginalized women like Mary Magdalene and the woman healed from bleeding. Jesus is depicted as restoring their honor, freeing them from shame, and offering them a new life of purpose and belonging (“Jesus restored my honor…I wanted to do what pleased God”). The narrative emphasizes that God’s love and forgiveness are available to all, regardless of their past.
• Faith and Trust: The narrative emphasizes that a close relationship with God is possible through faith and trust in Jesus Christ (“the criminal on the cross as he was dying believed in Jesus and Jesus promised him today you will be in Paradise with me”).

Key Ideas and Facts:

• God’s Creation: The creation of the world, Adam, and Eve, emphasizing their initial harmonious relationship with God.
• The Fall: Adam and Eve’s disobedience, the introduction of sin, and the resulting separation from God.
• Abraham’s Covenant: God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s descendants.
• Jesus’s Miraculous Birth: Born to the virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit.
• Jesus’s Ministry: Teaching, miracles, compassion for the marginalized, fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
• Key Teachings: Love for enemies, forgiveness, inclusion, and the Kingdom of God.
• Jesus as Messiah: Jesus is repeatedly identified as the Messiah, the promised savior.
• The Crucifixion: Jesus’s death on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
• The Resurrection: Jesus’s rising from the dead, signifying victory over sin and death.
• Redemption and Forgiveness: The possibility of a restored relationship with God through faith in Jesus.
• Eternal Life: The promise of eternal life in Paradise for those who believe in Jesus.
• The Great Commission: “Go then and teach All Nations baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Quotes:

• “Adam and Eve’s shameful Act of Disobedience destroyed the harmony of the garden.”
• “Abraham trusted and honored God and God promised to bless Abraham and to bless people of all Nations through him.”
• “Jesus’s conception was truly a miracle from the spirit of God.”
• “the scripture come true but only the Messiah can fulfill that promise”
• “Love your enemies and do good to them…”
• “Jesus restored my honor…I wanted to do what pleased God”
• “when Jesus died on the cross he took upon himself our curse my curse of sin and death”
• “the criminal on the cross as he was dying believed in Jesus and Jesus promised him today you will be in Paradise with me”
• “Go then and teach All Nations baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Potential Audience/Purpose:

The text seems intended for an audience unfamiliar with the basic tenets of Christianity, or for those seeking a personal and relatable presentation of the gospel message. The use of personal stories and simple language suggests a desire to make the message accessible and emotionally engaging.

Limitations:

This analysis is based solely on the provided excerpts. A more comprehensive understanding would require examining the entire document and its context.

The Story of Jesus: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about the Story of Jesus

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the story described in the provided text:

• What is the central message of the scriptures as presented in the narrative?
• The narrative emphasizes God’s plan to restore harmony and honor to His creation, which was disrupted by the disobedience of Adam and Eve. This plan involves God blessing all nations through Abraham and ultimately sending Jesus, the promised Messiah, to destroy the curse of sin and death, restoring a relationship with God for those who follow Him.
• What is the significance of the story of Adam and Eve in understanding the story of Jesus?
• The story of Adam and Eve illustrates the original perfect relationship between God and humanity, which was broken by sin. This act brought suffering and separation from God. Jesus’s mission is presented as a means to undo the damage caused by this original sin, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
• How is Jesus portrayed as different from other prophets or teachers?
• Jesus is depicted as more than just a prophet; he is presented as the Son of the Most High, conceived through a miracle by the Holy Spirit. He is seen as the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, capable of performing miracles, casting out demons, healing the sick, and even raising the dead. He is proclaimed as the Messiah who can save people from their sins and give them eternal life.
• What role do women play in Jesus’s ministry and teachings according to the text?
• Women are prominently featured as followers and beneficiaries of Jesus’s ministry. The narrative highlights women like Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of Jesus), Elizabeth, and the Samaritan woman, demonstrating that Jesus treated women with respect and compassion, restoring their dignity and honor, regardless of their past. He heals them, engages in theological discussions with them, and includes them in his teachings, defying societal norms of the time.
• How does Jesus challenge societal norms and traditions in his teachings?
• Jesus challenges several societal norms, including traditional religious practices and social hierarchies. He eats with tax collectors and outcasts, speaks with Samaritan women, touches those considered unclean, and prioritizes compassion and forgiveness over strict adherence to the law. His teachings emphasize love for enemies, mercy, and treating all people with dignity, regardless of their background or status.
• What is the meaning and importance of Jesus’s death and resurrection?
• Jesus’s death on the cross is presented as a sacrifice that takes upon itself the curse of sin and death. His resurrection is depicted as a triumph over evil and death, proving his divine power and offering the promise of eternal life to those who believe in him. His sacrifice is seen as the ultimate act of love and redemption.
• What are the key elements to trusting and following Jesus?
• The narrative suggests several elements for trusting and following Jesus: repentance from sins, belief in his identity as the Messiah and Son of God, prayer, obedience to his teachings, and fellowship with other believers. It also includes sharing the good news with others and being baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• How can one establish a personal relationship with God according to the text?
• A personal relationship with God is established through faith in Jesus Christ. By acknowledging one’s sins, accepting Jesus’s sacrifice as payment for those sins, and inviting Him into one’s life, one can be forgiven and reconciled with God. Prayer, obedience, and fellowship with other believers are essential for nurturing and growing this relationship.

The Life, Teachings, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The sources describe Jesus Christ as the Messiah, the Son of God, whose life, death, and resurrection have great significance.

Key aspects of Jesus Christ discussed in the sources:

• Miraculous Birth: Jesus was born to Mary, a virgin, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Ministry: Jesus traveled, taught, and performed miracles. His message included bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming release to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and setting the oppressed free.
• Compassion: Jesus showed compassion by healing people, including those considered unclean, and restoring their dignity. He also demonstrated authority over evil spirits and death.
• Teachings: Jesus taught about loving one’s enemies, doing good to others, and being merciful. He emphasized that God seeks to rescue and restore even the worst sinners.
• Death and Resurrection: Jesus was crucified and died, taking upon himself the curse of sin and death. However, he rose from the dead, triumphing over evil and death.
• Sacrifice: God sent Jesus to die in place of humanity, restoring the relationship between God and those who follow him.
• The Messiah: Only the promised Messiah sent from God could perform the miraculous things that Jesus did.
• Following Jesus: The path to follow Jesus involves faith, obedience to his word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.
• Eternal Life: Those who trust in Jesus will escape eternal punishment and live with God forever.

God’s Plan: Harmony, Redemption, and Eternal Life

God’s plan, as described in the sources, is centered on restoring harmony and honor to creation and humanity’s relationship with God. This plan involves addressing the consequences of sin and offering redemption through Jesus Christ.

Key components of God’s plan include:

• Restoration of Harmony: God’s plan aims to restore the harmony that was lost due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. This involved mending the relationships between humanity, between man and woman, and between humanity and God.
• Blessing through Abraham: God promised to bless Abraham and all nations through him. This promise is fulfilled through Jesus Christ, who is a descendant of Abraham.
• Sacrifice of Jesus: God sent Jesus to die in place of humanity, providing a way to restore the relationship between God and those who turn and follow him. Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross addresses the curse of sin and death.
• Redemption and Freedom: Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, people can be rescued from the power of darkness, redeemed from a life of fear and shame, and freed from the clutch of evil.
• Eternal Life: Those who put their trust in Jesus will escape eternal punishment and live with God forever. The promise to the criminal on the cross, “today you will be in Paradise with me,” exemplifies this.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in God’s plan, including the conception of Jesus and enabling people to worship God in spirit and truth.
• New Covenant: God’s plan involves a new covenant, where people can worship God not tied to a particular place but through the power of the Spirit.
• The Great Commission: Followers of Jesus are called to teach all nations, baptize them, and share the teachings of Jesus, with the assurance of his presence always.

God’s plan is characterized by compassion and love, extending even to those considered outcasts or sinners. Jesus embodies this compassion by healing the sick, restoring dignity to the marginalized, and offering forgiveness to those who repent. The plan aims to bring people back into a close relationship with God, offering them eternal life and freedom from sin and death.

God’s Plan: Restoration, Redemption, and Eternal Life

God’s plan is focused on the restoration of harmony to creation and humanity’s relationship with God, achieved through addressing sin and offering redemption via Jesus Christ.

Key aspects of God’s plan, according to the sources, include:

• Restoration of Harmony: God intends to restore what was lost due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience. This includes mending relationships between people, between men and women, and between humanity and God.
• Blessing through Abraham: God promised to bless Abraham and all nations through him. Jesus Christ, as a descendant of Abraham, fulfills this promise.
• Sacrifice of Jesus: God sent Jesus to die in humanity’s place, providing a means to restore the relationship between God and those who follow him. Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross addresses the curse of sin and death.
• Redemption and Freedom: Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, people can be rescued from the power of darkness, be redeemed from fear and shame, and be freed from evil.
• Eternal Life: Those who trust in Jesus will escape eternal punishment and live with God forever. The promise to the criminal on the cross, “today you will be in Paradise with me,” exemplifies this.
• Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is crucial in God’s plan, including Jesus’s conception and enabling people to worship God genuinely.
• New Covenant: God’s plan includes a new covenant where people can worship God through the Spirit, not tied to a specific location.
• The Great Commission: Followers of Jesus are called to teach all nations, baptize them, and share Jesus’s teachings, with the assurance of his constant presence.

God’s plan involves compassion and love, extending to outcasts and sinners. Jesus embodies this by healing the sick, restoring dignity, and offering forgiveness. The plan aims to bring people back into a close relationship with God, offering eternal life and freedom from sin and death.

Mary Magdalene: Transformation, Devotion, and Witness

The sources present Mary Magdalene as a follower of Jesus who experienced significant transformation and healing.

Key aspects of Mary Magdalene, based on the sources:

• Deliverance from Evil Spirits: Jesus drove evil spirits out of Mary Magdalene, restoring her honor after years of shame.
• Transformation: Mary became a follower of Jesus after her healing, dedicating herself to doing what pleased God.
• Devotion: Mary left everything to follow Jesus, drawn by the hope he offered amidst disappointment and struggle.
• Witness to the Resurrection: Mary Magdalene was among the women who went to Jesus’ tomb on Sunday morning and found it empty.
• Encounter with the Risen Jesus: Mary encountered the resurrected Jesus and was tasked with sharing the news with his brothers. She was the first to proclaim that she had seen the Lord.
• Daughter of Abraham: Jesus called Mary Magdalene a daughter of Abraham, signifying that she was a cherished daughter whom God wished to bless.
• Example of God’s Love: Mary’s story illustrates that none need to live in fear or shame and that all are cherished by God.

The Holy Spirit: Role and Significance

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the events and teachings described in the sources.

Key aspects of the Holy Spirit are:

• Jesus’s Conception: The Holy Spirit is responsible for Jesus’s miraculous conception, as it is stated that the Holy Spirit would come upon Mary and God’s power would overshadow her, leading to the birth of Jesus.
• Baptism: John the Baptist prophesied that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, indicating a greater baptism than his own with water. The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove after his baptism.
• Worship: God is spirit, and the Holy Spirit enables people to worship God genuinely. By the power of God’s spirit, people can worship the Father as he truly is, offering him the pure worship that he wants.
• Empowerment: Jesus says the spirit of the Lord is upon him because he has been chosen to bring good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people.

Forgiveness of Sins Through Jesus Christ

The sources emphasize that forgiveness of sins is a significant aspect of God’s plan, made possible through Jesus Christ.

Key points about forgiveness of sins from the sources:

• John the Baptist’s Message: John the Baptist urged people to turn away from their sins and be baptized so that God would forgive them.
• Jesus’s Sacrifice: God sent Jesus to die in place of humanity to destroy the curse of shame and guilt, offering forgiveness through his sacrifice. Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection restored the relationship between God and those who turn and follow him.
• Redemption and Freedom: Jesus’s sacrifice and resurrection freed people from the clutch of evil, rescued them from the power of darkness, and redeemed them from a life of fear and shame.
• Call to Repentance: Jesus called outcasts to repent, indicating that forgiveness is available to all, not just those considered respectable.
• The Adulterous Woman: Jesus forgave the adulterous woman, telling her to go and leave her life of sin.
• Trust and Faith: Forgiveness is received by trusting in Jesus.
• Prayer: Forgiveness can be sought through prayer, asking God for forgiveness and expressing a desire to follow Jesus.
• Eternal Life: Those who put their trust in Jesus will escape eternal punishment and live with God forever.
• Compassion: God’s plan is characterized by compassion and love, extending even to those considered outcasts or sinners. Jesus embodies this compassion by offering forgiveness to those who repent.

The Original Text

over here can’t see me you can’t see me oh over here you can’t see me never catch me now oh look how beautiful is the Masterpiece God paints every evening it reminds me of his vast love for me for you The God Who created all of this I doubt he even sees me much less knows me perhaps God Almighty would love a holy man but not someone like me Rifka if only you had walked with me during those three years he taught us the prophet Jesus saira would you tell us about him Mary Magdalene yes please tell us your story yes I will come in [Music] well we must start at the beginning when you met Jesus no in order to understand Jesus’s story we must start at the very beginning as the holy scriptures teach us in the beginning God created the Earth and all the plants animals birds and creatures of the [Music] sea from the soil he formed the first man and he breathed into his nostrils the Breath of Life the first man was called Adam God said it is not good for man to live alone I will make a suitable companion to help him so God took one of Adam’s ribs and from it he made a woman named Eve Adam and Eve lived in God’s presence in a beautiful garden he had prepared for them called Eden [Music] God walked and talked with them in the garden and there was no suffering no oppression and no death God told Adam you may eat of all the trees in the garden except from the Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil if you eat fruit from that tree you will die but one day Satan tempted Eve she picked the fruit and took a bite she also gave some to her husband who was with her and he ate [Music] it Adam and Eve’s shameful Act of Disobedience destroyed the harmony of the garden the harmony between the man and the woman woman and the harmony between them and God a man was cursed to a life of painful toil and the woman to increased hardship in childbirth and to be ruled over by her husband but God also gave a promise that someday the seed of the woman her own offspring would crush the snake’s head in the Holy scriptures God the compassionate speaks of a plan to restore Harmony and honor to his creation he revealed part of this plan to the prophet Abraham Abraham trusted and honored God and God promised to bless Abraham and to bless people of all Nations through [Music] him one day God tell tested Abraham he told Abraham to take his son and sacrifice him Abraham knew that it was through this son God had promised to give him many descendants and bless all nations yet he trusted God and obeyed him God called out Abraham now I know that you obey me because you have not kept back your beloved Son from me Abraham saw a ram nearby so Abraham sacrificed it to God instead of his son God’s provision of a ram in place of Abraham’s son was a picture a glimpse of his great plan this plan would destroy destroy the curse of sin and death and restore men and women to an intimate relationship with [Music] [Applause] himself there was a young girl living in Nazareth who was promised in marriage to a man named Joseph her name was Mary [Music] the Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you don’t be afraid Mary God has been gracious to you you will become pregnant and give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus but I am a virgin how can this be the holy spirit will come and God’s power will overshadow you the child you bear will be great and he will be called the son of the most high even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age and she who was said to be Barren is in her sixth month for Nothing is Impossible with God I am the Lord’s servant may it happen to me as you have said [Music] so Mary hurried to visit her cousin Elizabeth Elizabeth Mary cousin Mary oh it is true but you’re the most blessed of all women and and blessed is the child you will bear why should this great thing happen to me that the mother of my Lord comes to visit me for as soon as I heard your greeting the baby Within Me jumped with gladness my heart praises the Lord my soul is glad because of God my savior for he has remembered me his lowly servant from now on all people will call me blessed [Music] Jesus was born in Bethlehem in a place where animals were kept because there was no room for Mary and Joseph in their relatives house and a multitude of angels proclaimed his birth when the time came for the baby to be circumcised he was given the name Jesus which means God Saves and Mary and Joseph took the child to the temple to present him to the Lord when I heard her story I knew Jesus would be more than an ordinary Prophet what did the angel mean when he called Jesus the son of the most high surely you don’t mean that God had relations with a woman no no no no remember Mary was a virgin Jesus’s conception was truly a miracle from the spirit of God God is able to do anything don’t you believe this because of his miraculous Beginnings Jesus was born of a woman like you and me yet he was so much more turn away from your sins and be baptized and God will forgive your sins God himself spoke of this when Elizabeth’s son John the Baptist was baptizing men and women in the Jordan River I baptize you with water but someone is coming who is much greater than I am I’m not good enough even to untie his sandals he will baptize you with the holy spirits and fire he has his threshing fork with him to thresh out all the Grain and gather the wheat into his [Music] bom and the Holy Spirit came down upon Jesus in the form of a dove and a voice came from heaven and said you are my own dear son I am pleased with [Music] you after his baptism Jesus traveled through the region teaching and his message affirmed his authority is that not Mary’s son yes it is be silent the spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor he has sent me to Proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind to set at Liberty those who are oppressed and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people he speaks well this passage of scripture has come true today as you heard it being read the scripture come true but only the Messiah can fulfill that promise how do we know doubt his words stirred many to wonder and his miracles caused many to [Laughter] believe it’s her she’s at it again [Laughter] who is it it’s that teacher from Nazareth Jesus hello hello turn around you’re not wanted here teacher leave her you should not defile Yourself by even looking at [Music] her Mary what do you want with us Jesus of Nazareth we know who you are the Holy One Of God be quiet evil spirits come out of this woman she’s dead he’s killed her he’s going to touch her no a holy man wouldn’t do such a thing Mary daughter of Abraham daughter of Abraham she’s all right she’s alive it’s a miracle who is this man even the spirits OB Bey him it’s a miracle it’s a miracle how could it be thank you thank you thank you thank [Music] you from that day on I became his follower I wanted to do what pleased God [Music] for years I had lived in shame but Jesus restored my honor his power drove out those evil spirits saira Dina you heard Jesus teach and saw many of his miracles yes then you know why I left everything to follow him and I was not the only one we were hungry physically and spiritually and we needed someone to show us the way to God after years of disappointment and struggle most of us were unable even to Hope yet Jesus seemed to offer hope wherever he went [Music] who who is it a young man the only son of a [Music] widow young man get up [Music] a great prophet has appeared Among Us God has come to save his [Music] people if you love only the people who love you why should you receive a blessing for even Sinners love those who love them and if you do good to those who do good to you why should you receive a blessing even Sinners do that how could he touch her how could he talk to her disgusting no love your enemies and do good to them and lend expecting nothing back and then you will have a great reward for you will be sons of the most high God for he is good to The Ungrateful and to the wicked be merciful just as your father is merciful Jesus taught that God treats even the worst Sinners not as enemies to destroy but as lost sheep whom he seeks to rescue and restore to his flock we didn’t know this way of valuing and loving people was meant even for those we had despised for centuries half breeds with foreign traditions we found offensive until Jesus chose to travel through Samaria who is this woman the old despise she’s a Samaritan isn’t that enough come on we have to buy food and we don’t want to keep the teacher waiting [Music] will you give me a drink you are a Jew I am a Samaritan woman how can you ask me for a drink if you only knew what God gives and who it is that is ask asking you for a drink you would ask him and he would give you lifegiving water sir you have nothing to draw water with and the well is deep where would you get that water it was our ancestor Jacob who gave us this well he and his children and his flocks all drank from it you don’t claim to be greater than Jacob do you everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again but whoever drinks the water I give them will never be thirsty again the water I give them will become in them a spring welling up with eternal life sir give me that water then I will never be thirsty again nor will I have to come here to draw water go and call your husband and come back I I don’t have a husband you are right when you say you don’t have a husband you have been married to five men and the man you live with now is not really your husband you have told me the truth I see you are a prophet sir my Samaritan ancestors worshiped God on this mountain him but you Jews say Jerusalem is the place where we should worship God believe me woman the time will come when you will worship the father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem you Samaritans do not really know whom you worship but the time is coming and is already here when by the power of God’s spirit people will worship the father as he really is offering him the pure worship that he wants God is spirit and only by the power of His Spirit can people worship him as he truly is it’s that woman what is he doing talking to her does he know who she is I know the Messiah will come and when he does he will tell us everything I am he I am he [Music] come and see the man who told me everything I’ve ever done could he be the Messiah Mah Messiah is a promis profet no it can’t be come and see [Music] come teacher have something to eat I have food to eat that you know nothing about did someone bring him food my food is to obey the will of the one who sent me and to finish the work he gave me to do the crops are now ripe and ready to be [Music] [Music] harvested look how many are coming it’s the good news for Samaritans too [Music] the people of the Town came to Jesus and begged him to stay and teach them we stayed 2 days and many Samaritans believed in him which of you by being anxious can add to the length of your life if you cannot do such a small thing why do you worry about the rest consider the lies how they grow they neither toil nor spin yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like a single one of them if God so clothe the wild grass today which tomorrow is thrown onto a fire how much more sure is he to clothe you oh you of little faith make our faith greater if you had Faith as big as a mustard seed you could say to this mury tree pull yourself up by the roots and plant yourself in the sea and it would obey you Temptations to sin are sure to come but woe to him by whom they come it will be better for him that the stone were tied about his neck and he were cast into the sea and that he should cause one of these little ones to sin what is the kingdom of God like it is like this a man takes a grain of mustard seed and plants it in his field the plant grows and becomes a tree and the birds make their nests in its branches I’m not sure what he’s talking about why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and other Outcast Outcast people who are well do not need a doctor but only the those who are sick I have not come to call respectable people to repent but [Music] outcasts if I can only touch his [Applause] robe I will be healed [Music] who touched me someone touched me for I knew it when power went out of me [Music] it was I who touched [Music] you I have suffered for 12 years with [Music] bleeding I spent all I had on doctors who could do [Music] nothing but when my fingers touched you I was [Music] healed daughter your faith has made you [Music] well go in peace go in peace thank you he called her daughter yes someone who had been unclean for 12 years according to our laws he saw her shame and restored her honor I don’t know which brings greater healing Jesus his power or his compassion do not be afraid Little Flock for your father is pleased to give you the kingdom sell all your belongings and give the money to the poor provide for yourself perses that don’t wear out and save your riches in heaven where they will never decrease because there no Thief can get to them and no moth can destroy them for your heart will always be where your riches are woman you are free from your sickness no look she’s cured it’s a miracle look look she’s cured come and see another miracle praise to the Lord 18 years God keep you Rive there are six days in which we should work so come on one of those days to be healed but not on the Sabbath you Hypocrites anyone of you would untie his ox or his donkey and take it out from the stall to give it water on the Sabbath now here is this daughter of Abraham whom Satan has kept in bonds these 18 years should she not be released on the [Music] Sabbath s adulterer adulterer adulterer teacher this woman was caught in a very Act of committing adultery in our law Moses commanded that such a woman be stoned to death Stone her guilty Stone her what do you say [Applause] [Music] teacher we have the testimony of two witnesses what do we do with this woman [Music] whichever one of you has committed no sin let him throw the first stone at her [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] woman where are they is there no one left to condemn you no one sir then neither do I condemn you [Music] then go now and leave your life of sin [Music] please pick me up onto my shoulder can you see now I can see [Music] Jesus he defies the law a so went out to sew his seed breaking the Sabbath as he scattered the grain some of it fell by the path converting with Sinners if we let him go on in this way everyone will believe in him and the Roman authorities will take action and destroy our Temple and some seeds fell in good soil they failed to trap Jesus or slow his following but they determined that his claims to be the promised Messiah must stop and they found someone willing to betray him Jesus often took his followers to the Mount of Olives to pray that night he seemed deeply troubled why are you sleeping get up and pray that you do not fall into temptation [Music] Judas is it with a kiss that you betray the son of man Lord shall we strike with a sword come on arrest him enough of this did you have to come with swords and clubs as though I were an outlaw I was with you every day in the temple and you did not try to arrest me but this is your hour to act when the power of Darkness [Music] rules arrest him his friend betrayed him one of his own followers someone we all knew well and trusted guard him well that night the guards mocked him him and beat him who hit you guess prophesy who’ll hit you next stop it stop it I said bring him before the council tell us are you the Messiah if I tell you you will not believe me and if I ask you a question you will not answer me but from now on the son of man will be seated at the right side of almighty God are you then the son of God you say that I am he has spoken blasphemy what further need of real Witnesses who gives him the authority to say now you’ve heard his blasphemy guilty we ourselves have heard what he said guilty and he deserves to die we will take him to Pilot yes yes away with me so they brought him before the Roman Governor pontious pilot a ruthless ruler pilate was responsible for the crucifixion of thousands and what do you want here at this hour of the morning we caught this man misleading our people he caus an uproar in the temple Market we found him guilty telling them not to pay taxes to the emperor claiming himself the Messiah a king a king are you the king of the Jews so you say we have no King but the emperor we have a law and by our law he ought to die because he claimed to be the Son of [Music] God this man has done nothing to deserve death so I will have him whipped and let him go if you free him you no friend to the emperor crucify him yes crucify [Music] him you you whip him everyone who claims to be a king is a rebel against the emperor what are you waiting for pilot away with him kill him crucify him he’s done nothing [Music] wrong crucify him [Music] [Applause] back get back get back get away keep away from it he move get back back get back get take move get out you out of the way move what I tell you get up you carry it come move [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] no raise the cross [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] forgive them Father well they don’t know what they’re doing Aunt you the Messiah save yourself and and us don’t you fear God we received the same sentence he did but he has done no wrong remember me Jesus when you when you come as [Music] king I promise you today you will be in Paradise with [Music] me at about noon the sky became dark for 3 [Applause] hours father into your hands I commit my spirit glory be to God certainly this was a righteous [Music] man there was a righteous member of the religious Council who had not taken part in condemning Jesus his name was Joseph of arthea he obtained permission from pontious pilate to lay Jesus’s body in a nearby tomb before the Sabbath began at sundown [Music] forgive us we are following the body of Our Lord all are welcome but come the Sabbath is approaching why did they have to kill him if he was from God why did he let them kill him I’ve asked all of those questions Jesus had power over evil spirits even the dead listened to him couldn’t he have stopped this I followed him for 3 years hoping he was the promised Messiah but now he was gone and where would I go this is a sad story but it has a glorious ending early on Sunday morning the third day after Jesus was crucified we went back to the tomb carrying the spices we had prepared to anoint his body the Stone’s been rolled away [Music] Peter James John listen the stone was rolled away we entered but the body of Our Lord was gone they have taken the Lord from the tomb and we don’t know where they have put him what the body of Our Lord gone go and see for yourself [Music] after examining the tomb Peter returned to the other disciples but I remained outside wondering and weeping the soldiers must have taken him or the Pharisees they killed all we hoped for at least they could have left us his body [Music] woman why are you crying they’ve taken my Lord away and I do not know where they have put him woman why are you crying who is it that you are looking for sir if you took him away tell me where you have put him and I will go and get him Mary teacher do not hold on to me for I have not yet ascended to the father you are alive Lord go and give this news to my [Music] brothers you have not forgotten us God has not left us tell [Music] them I have seen the Lord I have seen the [Music] Messiah he came back to life yes how death could not hold him then why did he have to die to conquer death oh I did not understand that day but Jesus appeared to us several times after that and he taught us hundreds of years before Jesus came the prophets foretold in the scriptures that the promised Messiah would suffer Isaiah wrote he was pierced for our transgressions he was crushed for our iniquities the punishment that brought us peace was upon him and by his wounds we are healed the prophet Moses declared anyone hanging on a tree is cursed by God when Jesus died on the cross he took upon himself our curse my curse of sin and death his sacrifice and Resurrection freed us from the clutch of evil rescued us from the power of darkness and redeemed us from a life of fear and shame [Music] this blessing is what God promised our ancestor Abraham when he declared that all people on Earth would be blessed through him all people even women Jesus called me a daughter of Abraham you are a cherished daughter a daughter he wishes to bless like the woman he heals healed from 12 Years of [Music] bleeding or like me none of us need to live in fear or shame we no longer need to feel unseen or unheard Jesus said of himself the spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor he has sent me to Proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind to set at Liberty those who are oppressed and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his [Music] people Jesus touched people even women ravaged by diseases though they were considered unclean and he healed them he taught children men and women the rich and the poor the righteous and The Sinner restor ing their dignity and demonstrating his great compassion he healed people casting out demons freeing men women and children from the bonds of Satan this demonstrated his authority over evil and every Spirit Jesus brought back daughters and sons from the Dead showing he has power even over death and though Satan and the evil spirits believed they had achieved the victory when they nailed Jesus to the Cross Jesus rose from the dead triumphing over all the powers of evil and death then he was the Messiah mhm only the promised Messiah sent from almighty God could do the miraculous things that Jesus did and only someone as compassionate and powerful and trustworthy as Jesus deserves our trust and devotion when God created the world he formed man and woman to live in his presence and feel his joy that was his [Music] plan but we didn’t believe him and disobeyed his command this shameful act separated us from God and marred the close relationship between the woman and the man we too have continued this Disobedience the scriptures declare there is no one who does not sin the result of this sin is death and separation from God but God was not satisfied for us to remain cut off from him and his love living in shame and fear so just as he provided a ram to die in place of Abraham’s son God sent Jesus to die in our place Jesus’s life death and Resurrection restored the relationship between God and all those who turn and follow him and this close relationship with almighty God will not end even though we die the criminal on the cross as he was dying believed in Jesus and Jesus promised him today you will be in Paradise with me those who put their trust in Jesus will escape Eternal punishment and live with God forever how by following him in faith but how can he accept me he accepted Mary and [Music] me how can I know trust him ask him talk to [Music] him God my Father in Heaven you are holy and righteous thank you that you love me I have sinned against you thank you that you sent the promised Messiah Jesus to destroy the curse of Shame and guilt thank you that he died in my place I want to follow my living savior thank you for forgiving me and accepting me amen amen amen thank you thank [Music] you Jesus said my sheep hear my voice I know them and they follow [Music] me he knows you Rifka and he loves you this is the beginning of an eternal relationship that grows as we know him better and Trust trust him more we grow by obeying his word by praying to him in faith and by being with those who follow and we tell others about him keeping in mind what Jesus said the Lord bless you and keep you all power is given to me in heaven and in Earth go then and teach All Nations baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you and surely I Am With You Always even to the end of the world

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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