PROGRAM 5: “Ripples of Darkness, Waves of Light”
INTRODUCTION
While many of the events in the life of Jesus are reported in only one of several of the Gospels, all four Gospels tell about Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion and death. The importance of those events is evident also in the Apostle’s Creed which mentions only three people by name: Jesus; Mary; and Pontius Pilate, the man who signed Jesus’ order of execution. “Ripples of Darkness, Waves of Light” tells the story of Pilate, the man who became famous not because of his success as a Roman politician but because of his brief encounter with Jesus of Nazareth.
In addition to what was known about Pontius Pilate from the Bible and Jewish historians, Dr. Paul L. Maier, author of First Easter, tells about new discoveries in secular sources regarding the Roman governor. The film also shows the involvement of Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin (The Jewish Council) in the trial and conviction of Jesus.
Week Seven Yeshua News
“The Bread of Sacrifice”
INTRODUCTION
This video traces the events of the last weeks of Jesus’ life. His reference to Himself as the “Bread of life” (John 6:35) and His followers’ reactions to that image become understandable when put into the historical perspective of the ancient practice of human sacrifice.
Viewers also learn the circumstances surrounding the raising of Lazarus from the dead, and the significance of that event for the developing conflict between Jesus and the leaders of the people. We are reminded that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and claimed to be “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25) The film concludes with a detailed look at the fulfillment in 70 A.D. of Jesus’ prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem.
Week Six Yeshua News
The YESHUA study visits Capernum, a city on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus calls most of his disciples to follow him. During his ministry there, Jesus heals many people among them a leper and a blind man. He tells them, “Don’t tell anyone about this!” His goal is to help people without incurring the wrath of religious authorities. When he heals the Woman at the Well in Samaria, his words become a faith experience for her that she shares with fellow villagers. Join us as we continue to explore and enlarge our understanding of God’s plan for the world!
Week Five Yeshua News
Join us this week as we meet John the Baptist who was “the voice crying out in the wilderness” announcing the coming of the Messiah. John is somewhat a mystery whose father was a Temple priest, orphaned early in life, grew up in the desert and may have been raised in Qumran a religious community.
In this episode of YESHUA we learn of the Dead Sea Scrolls, most ancient of all Biblical manuscripts. Hidden in caves by members of the Qumran community as they fled Roman soldiers. Included among them is a complete manuscript of the book of Isaiah.
The promises of Isaiah may have inspired John the Baptist. Today Christians believe Isaiah’s text points to Jesus. From this point on at his baptism by John at the River Jordan, Jesus’ ministry of healing and preaching began.
John declares “Behold the Lamb of God.” A voice from the heavens declared, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” “Son of God” is a title which gives us clues to the mystery concerning the person of Jesus. In Jesus, God draws near to His people. In Jesus, God confronts His people with His rule.
Week Three Yeshua News
In weeks 1 and 2, we explored the logistic basis for the importance of the Palestinian Peninsula which was occupied by one great force after another. The takeovers of the Assyrians to the north and the Babylonians in the south led to the exile of major landowners and persons in positions of leadership in governmental and religious circles. God granted Cyrus the Great with taking over the Mediterranean countries and releasing those Jewish exiles who wanted to return home. After that time, the Greeks and then the Romans took over the land and the people God called his “chosen children” suffered, especially under the Romans. Their one great prayer for many centuries stemmed from a promise that a Jewish King would arise and save his people. This week, we are afforded the opportunity to “see things the way they really are in the Christmas narrative and reassess our understanding of the story of the birth of the Christ child. The central message of Christ is that, in the coming of Jesus Christ, God kept His promises to Abram and to the Hebrew people when Jesus was born for all of us. Join us as we hear the story anew!
Week Two Yeshua News
After being conquered by the Amorites and the Egyptians, the children of God are released from Egypt into the wilderness area and wander for 40 years before Joshua led them into the “Promised Land.” Bit by bit the Hebrew people conquered the land promised in Genesis to Abraham. The Kingdom of Israel became two Kingdoms in the North and the South, before being conquered again by the Babylonian Empire and sent into exile. The return of a remnant under the Persian Empire finds the land once again dominated by another power, the Greeks and then, the Romans who made Israel a “puppet state” with a half-Jew named Herod on the throne. Herod, a master builder and politician, eventually secured for Israel all the land given to it by God. Herod had visitors, astrologers from the East, asking, “Where is the one born King of the Jews?” The promise given to Abraham in the covenant had been fulfilled by the birth of Jesus. All the history in between led to that fulfillment and demonstrated God’s faithfulness. Kingdoms rose and fell but the kingdom of God endured and His purposes were achieved just as the Song of Moses had proclaimed!
Yesh
ua, the Hebrew name for Jesus, is a Bible study that offers a fascinating new view of Jesus’ life. Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, best known as an American clergyman and broadcaster, guides us through Yeshua revealing ancient customs and beliefs with exceptional clarity and detail. He narrates the ten sessions of this story of God’s plan and acquaints us with special guest presenters. The story spans more than 2,000 years of history, from the time of Abraham through the efforts of the Jews to possess and hold the Promised Land, to the birth and life of Jesus.
After viewing Yeshua, you will listen to Scripture readings with new insights and read familiar prophecies, psalms and parables with fresh appreciation. You are invited to join Pastor Linda for this ZOOM Bible study on Monday mornings, 10:00 to 11:30 AM beginning on September 14 for ten weekly sessions (except October 12 Columbus Day). Each week we will share the onsite video materials captured in the Holy Land and listen to Dr. Hoffman and guest presenters explaining special elements discovered in recent years.
Although it will be possible to join the class at any time, you are encouraged to sign up on line by emailing Pastor Linda.
Materials for joining in our discussions during class and for following along with the video will be available. You will be able to receive them in one of two ways: By internet download in advance or by picking up a personal copy of the information on the picnic table at the back door of the office during the first full week in September.
Please join us in our study. I am looking forward to sharing this adventure together!
