Resolution - to read the Bible

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John Chapter 7 begins with Jesus deciding to remain in Galilee rather than going to Jerusalem for the festival. He sends his disciples on ahead. He later decides to go as well to go quietly. However after a few days in the city he began speaking publicly in the temple. ‘The Jews’ argue with him. It is difficult to know who John means when he refers to ‘the Jews’. Certainly it was not all or most Jews; Jesus and his disciples were Jews as were most of the crowd that followed him. My understanding has been that it was the religious leaders in the temple who challenged him. They may have at others who were questioning. Certainly when he compares himself to Moses and claimed to be superior to Moses some of the crowds found this hard to except in turned back to the teachings of the religious leaders.


Chapter 8 begins with the story of Jesus and the woman who was about to be stoned for adultery. Many Bibles today and in a footnote saying that the story was not in the earliest copies. But the necessarily mean, in my mind anyway, that it didn’t happen. As I said above I believe that John’s Gospel, and probably the other Gospels as well, were compiled from various oral and written accounts and the story have been inserted at any time before the cannon was established. I hope it was authentic; I like this story. By the way I don’t see anything in the story to identify this woman as Mary Magdalene although I understand some denominations see it that way.


Jesus continues in the temple speaking of himself as the son of God. When he compares himself favourably to Abraham the crowds are about to stone him he hides himself from them leaves the temple.
 
Seeler ----your quote -------. By the way I don’t see anything in the story to identify this woman as Mary Magdalene although I understand some denominations see it that way.

unsafe says -----Just to clarify ----------You don't see anything in the story that identifies this woman as Mary Magdalene because the woman was not Mary Magdalene ---Mary Magdalene was cured by Jesus of seven demons and obviously came from an influential background cause she financially funded Jesus Ministry along with other women -----So if some denominations see Mary Magdalene as the woman who was a prostitute and who was caught in adultery then their Pastor of that church needs to Read His Bible and Preach the Truth not put His or Her own twist on what the Word of God says which says it is truth and God inspired -----True Christ--ians don't have to have proof of what God's word says or when it was said ---True Christ--ians just believe by Faith that what the word says is the truth and is God inspired cause it says it is -------

Luke 8 (GW)
Women Who Supported Jesus
8 After this, Jesus traveled from one city and village to another. He spread the Good News about God’s kingdom. The twelve apostles were with him. 2 Also, some women were with him. They had been cured from evil spirits and various illnesses. These women were Mary, also called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; 3 Joanna, whose husband Chusa was Herod’s administrator; Susanna; and many other women. They provided financial support for Jesus and his disciples.
 
Some one else's ailments healed ... tis a bitch for the unknown and dark to be touched by awareness!

Jesus de light was condemned for that ...
 
Next on my reading list is John Chapter 9. John devotes this entire chapter to the healing of the man born blind and the subsequent questions and discussion. We have already discussed whether many people including the disciples believed that illness is punishment for sin. Jesus corrected this belief saying that neither this man nor his parents' had caused his affliction.
I don't believe John's explanation that 'he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him'. I don't believe that a loving God would intentionally cause a person to be born blind and to continue in blindness until an adult. I believe it was something that just happened. The I is a marvellous and complicated organ. There are many things that can go wrong: myopia, stigmatism, crossed eyes, walleyes, cataracts, macular degeneration, and many more. It is a wonder that more people are not born blind or developed by problems. I have no explanation for how Jesus healed this man. But I know that Jesus would have pity on him and help him.
 
Can men be blind in relations with love children? God's por! Demos alien things coming here spontaneously ...
 
The reading goes on to John 10 verses 1 to 21. This reading covers two of the I AM statements: I am the gate of the sheep fold, and I am the good shepherd. Then the Jews have trouble understanding. Some claimed he was demon possessed. Others said these are not the words of one who has a demon, can a demon open the eyes of the blind?

Regarding the healing stories I do not believe that these were miraculous cures. I warned blind do believe that being loved, and loving and trusting go a long way in healing. For one born blind it is difficcult to understand how this happened. Perhaps it refers to spiritual blindness and the open the eyes to the spiritual truth.
 
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The reading goes on to John 10 verses 1 to 21. This reading covers two of the eye and statements: I am the gate of the sheep fold, and I am the good shepherd. Then the Jews have trouble understanding. Some claimed he was demon possessed. Others said these are not the words of one who has a demon, can a demon open the eyes of the blind?

He was related to the common folk and their myths ... thus demos and demonic?
 
Have we gone through Mark 7 where Jesus himself declares all foods clean? This hugely surprised me. I'd always gone for the post-crucifixion Peter dream?
 
Have we gone through Mark 7 where Jesus himself declares all foods clean? This hugely surprised me. I'd always gone for the post-crucifixion Peter dream?


Bette,
My post #616 , August 29, covers Matthew 15 and Mark 7
Matthew and Mark are very similar in their report of the Pharisees criticizing Jesus about him and his disciples eating with unclean hands. They both speak about what goes into the body does not defile it but what comes out. However Matthew does not containMark's short sentence declaring all foods clean. I didn't pick up on it either. You are right that the story of Peter realizing this as told in Acts is better known. I well remember the Sunday school picture of the sheet coming down from heaven and all the unclean animals on it, and Peter being told to eat them.
 
Can you believe in consuming the whole thing ... or does something need to be denied to allow elimination? Castor bean treatment ... patience for the constitution ... there are amendments ... no end to them ... eschatologically ... thought is crap to the wills ...

One has to get into that ethereal black state of the mind known as abstract ... where spontaneous creation is recessed ... backed off and retarded there ... watching into reality! That's con-science ... observation only? Do no harm ... cause no dissonance to nature ... when riled she can be bad ... alas that was never respected ... thus counter dissonance ... cory O' lis ... Lisa as going in that down word swirl ... thoughts lying out ... well laid?

All poetic non sense ... as we don't know! Tis enigma ... mystique ... people love curiosities? Some hate them thus this irrational place in deep cosmos ... with scattered aesthetics and adepts ... one should search them out ...

In one story there are said to be hated prophets ... Po' folk ... those that come unscrewed as Alice said when at the Tea Party ... so much to unravel from the gently crazy ... spun words? Is there something behind that?
 
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Today's reading is fairly long and contains many short stories and parables that are familiar to many people who attend church and/or the Bible.
The first story in chapter 10 is about Jesus sending out the 72 disciples (or followers). What struck me in this reading was Jesus advice that they should travel simply and stay with whoever offers their hospitality in whatever town or village they stop in. They are not to move around perhaps excepting offers of hospitality that would be more comfortable if they become well-known but stay with the common people. Perhaps some well-known religious leaders of today could follow this advice and not arrive in a private jet and stay at the luxurious hotel, but instead walk into town and is the shelter.
Jesus next has a warning for those towns that reject his followers. He compares them unfavourably to Sidon and Tyre.
Next we have Luke's version off the parable of the good Samaritan; an answer to the question of which is the greatest commandment.
At the end of chapter 10, has Jesus visit the home of Martha and Mary – another familiar story.
 
Have we gone through Mark 7 where Jesus himself declares all foods clean?
I'd like to introduce him to the package of naan thins I found at the back of the cupboard last weekend and opened on a whim. They had no expiry date on them. Upon opening I was confident they had expired.
 
Chapter 11 in Luke begins with Jesus to teach in the disciples to pray. Here we have Luke's short version of the Lord's prayer. He then gives examples of the way God answer our prayers.
Again accused of working with Beelzebub, Jesus says, a house divided against itself cannot stand. I think somebody needs to warn Trump. Unlike Mark and agreeing with Matthew, Luke has Jesus say: whoever is not with me is against me.
Jesus then speaks about the sign of Jonah.
Jesus urges his followers to have the light within them.
Jesus continues discussions with the Pharisees's as opposition against him builds up.
 
Turning now to John 10 we find Jesus continuing to teach in the Temple in Jerusalem.
The crowds demand that he tells them plainly whether or not he is the Messiah. He answers that his works help provide for him. 'I and the father are one'. This angers his Jewish opponents and they picked up stones intent on stoning him for blasphemy since he is merely a man. Again he refers them to the work he has done. Before they could seize him he escaped and went back across the Jordan to the place where John baptized. In that place many believed in Jesus.
 
Hi,
It is difficult to know who John means when he refers to ‘the Jews’.
John is not averse to irony, which is consistent with rabbinic Judaism. I am inclined to consider ‘the jews’ an ironic reference to those who manage the temple economy (priest & levite). These may claim roots in Abraham. They are actually wholly compromised by the way of power. By which the land and its peoples are oppressed. Jesus being present as liberator of the oppressed.

With others, very appreciative of your shared reading experience.

George
 
Hi,
John is not averse to irony, which is consistent with rabbinic Judaism. I am inclined to consider ‘the jews’ an ironic reference to those who manage the temple economy (priest & levite). These may claim roots in Abraham. They are actually wholly compromised by the way of power. By which the land and its peoples are oppressed. Jesus being present as liberator of the oppressed.

With others, very appreciative of your shared reading experience.

George

I like that irony comment George ... sort of like metaphor, simile, and smiles from the ambiguous Hebrew folk that roam across the pagebuoyd ... as Yeomen? Horse of another shade as a different carrier or medium? At one time these images were fitted with wings and given another handle ... just to cause chaos in those that didn't really want to know ... much an anything or everything ... like Shakespeare attributed to word ... some question what he really meant! Tis a mental thing ... some consider essence that isn't here just now ... departed ghost of stinking winds ... like Pede dah PEW ... the seat of where to come down on Sunday morning ... stop, look and listen carefully ... telos is profound!

The piercing of the apple of god with eros?
 
Seeler -----it seems that your Resolution is not to read Bible and get any spiritual meaning from it ----it seems your Resolution is to skim over the Books of the Bible just giving a small human summary of what you yourself get from what you read without any thought of what the Spiritual message might be by relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance in what the real message is -----Anyone who can read can read the words of the Bible but not everyone can get Spiritual meaning behind the words of the Bible -----you skipped over the Good Samaritan story altogether in this Chapter ---no mention of it in your short summary ----

The Resolution should be to get the Spiritual message of what the words are revealing in each Chapter -----For example ----

Your Quote ----- At the end of chapter 10, has Jesus visit the home of Martha and Mary – another familiar story.

unsafe says ----How do you know that everyone who reads your posts is familiar with this story ----This scripture has much to give in revealing a Spiritual message but you seem to be more interested in talking about the well known Religious leaders and what material things they have then you are about giving the Spiritual message that Martha and Mary convey in their encounter with Jesus ---


Just in case anyone might be interested in any of the Spiritual messages in Luke 10 which has many ---I am posting Matthew Henry's Commentary on this Chapter --


Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise)
<< Luke 9 | Luke 10 | Luke 11 >>
(Read all of Luke 10)
Complete Concise

Chapter Contents
Seventy disciples sent forth. (1-16) The blessedness of Christ's disciples. (17-24) The good Samaritan. (25-37) Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary. (38-42)

Commentary on Luke 10:1-16
(Read Luke 10:1-16)

Christ sent the seventy disciples, two and two, that they might strengthen and encourage one another. The ministry of the gospel calls men to receive Christ as a Prince and a Saviour; and he will surely come in the power of his Spirit to all places whither he sends his faithful servants. But the doom of those who receive the grace of God in vain, will be very fearful Those who despise the faithful ministers of Christ, who think meanly of them, and look scornfully upon them, will be reckoned as despisers of God and Christ.

Commentary on Luke 10:17-24
(Read Luke 10:17-24)

All our victories over Satan, are obtained by power derived from Jesus Christ, and he must have all the praise. But let us beware of spiritual pride, which has been the destruction of many. Our Lord rejoiced at the prospect of the salvation of many souls. It was fit that particular notice should be taken of that hour of joy; there were few such, for He was a man of sorrows: in that hour in which he saw Satan fall, and heard of the good success of his ministers, in that hour he rejoiced. He has ever resisted the proud, and given grace to the humble. The more simply dependent we are on the teaching, help, and blessing of the Son of God, the more we shall know both of the Father and of the Son; the more blessed we shall be in seeing the glory, and hearing the words of the Divine Saviour; and the more useful we shall be made in promoting his cause.

Commentary on Luke 10:25-37
(Read Luke 10:25-37)

If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samaritan. This poor man fell among thieves, who left him about to die of his wounds. He was slighted by those who should have been his friends, and was cared for by a stranger, a Samaritan, of the nation which the Jews most despised and detested, and would have no dealings with. It is lamentable to observe how selfishness governs all ranks; how many excuses men will make to avoid trouble or expense in relieving others. But the true Christian has the law of love written in his heart. The Spirit of Christ dwells in him; Christ's image is renewed in his soul. The parable is a beautiful explanation of the law of loving our neighbour as ourselves, without regard to nation, party, or any other distinction. It also sets forth the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward sinful, miserable men. We were like this poor, distressed traveller. Satan, our enemy, has robbed us, and wounded us: such is the mischief sin has done us. The blessed Jesus had compassion on us. The believer considers that Jesus loved him, and gave his life for him, when an enemy and a rebel; and having shown him mercy, he bids him go and do likewise. It is the duty of us all , in our places, and according to our ability, to succour, help, and relieve all that are in distress and necessity.

Commentary on Luke 10:38-42
(Read Luke 10:38-42)

A good sermon is not the worse for being preached in a house; and the visits of our friends should be so managed, as to make them turn to the good of their souls. Sitting at Christ's feet, signifies readiness to receive his word, and submission to the guidance of it. Martha was providing for the entertainment of Christ, and those that came with him. Here were respect to our Lord Jesus and right care of her household affairs. But there was something to be blamed. She was for much serving; plenty, variety, and exactness. Worldly business is a snare to us, when it hinders us from serving God, and getting good to our souls. What needless time is wasted, and expense often laid out, even in entertaining professors of the gospel! Though Martha was on this occasion faulty, yet she was a true believer, and in her general conduct did not neglect the one thing needful. The favour of God is needful to our happiness; the salvation of Christ is needful to our safety. Where this is attended to, all other things will be rightly pursued. Christ declared, Mary hath chosen the good part. For one thing is needful, this one thing that she has done, to give up herself to the guidance of Christ. The things of this life will be taken away from us, at the furthest, when we shall be taken away from them; but nothing shall separate from the love of Christ, and a part in that love. Men and devils cannot take it away from us, and God and Christ will not. Let us mind the one thing needful more diligently.

unsafe says ---
There is the human side of scripture and then there is the real side of scripture which is the Spiritual Side which is the most important side to understand in my view ---- like Matthew Henry says in the Mary -Martha story ------The things of this life are temporary and we are separated from them at death ---- but nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ who True Christ-ians will reside with in the Spiritual realm for eternity -----
 
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