This week's lesson delves into the fascinating concept of the "Heavenly Man," a profound aspect of the mystery of the Logos. The phrase “Heavenly Man” is found in the writings of Philo of Alexandria and is later used by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 15:44-49). Genesis 1:26 tells us that humanity – the first Adam – is made in the image of God. Yet God has no image. How is this possible? The Jewish mystics resolve enigma through the notion of the "Heavenly Man"—a divine archetype that serves as the original template for humanity. Through this lens, the Logos, or the "Word," becomes more than an abstract principle; it is intimately connected to the image we were initially created to reflect. Join us to discover how we are called to transform into the image of this Heavenly Man, with Jesus Christ as our ultimate model. Jesus embodies the "telos," the end goal of our spiritual journey and transformation. This video offers a deeper understanding of how the Logos relates to our identity and purpose, encouraging us to strive towards becoming more like Christ. Handouts from previous lessons on the Heavenly Man - Part 1 and 2
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Today's lesson delves into the fascinating connection between John's use of "the Word" and the Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible, known as Targum. Scholars have long interpreted the Gospel of John through a Greek philosophical lens due to its Greek composition and the term "Logos" used for Jesus. However, recent scholarship has shed light on the profoundly Jewish nature of John's Gospel, revealing a rich background tied to the Aramaic term "Memra," meaning "word." In this lesson, titled "The Gospel of the Memra," we explore the Targum's significant role in shaping Jewish thought during the time of Jesus. The Targum, the Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible, were crucial for many Jews returning from Aramaic-speaking Babylon who no longer understood Hebrew. These translations, often accompanied by interpretative additions, frequently mentioned "the Memra of the Lord" at critical moments when God interacted with creation. We will examine what a Targum is and provide examples showing how the Targum expresses the same truths found in John's Gospel. In first-century Judaism, the "Memra of the Lord" was understood as the agent through whom God created, revealed, and healed. This understanding allowed John to begin his Gospel with the profound declaration, "In the beginning was the Word." Join us as we uncover the rich Jewish context behind the Gospel of John, enhancing our understanding of how first-century Jews perceived Jesus as the embodiment of the divine "Memra." This exploration offers a deeper insight into the religious thinking within first-century Judaism and enriches our comprehension of John's profound theological message. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on our latest teachings!
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document. As we continue our journey to understand the concept of the Logos from John 1:1, we turn our attention to Philo, a first-century Jewish philosopher from Alexandria, Egypt. Alexandria was a significant city, and Philo was a distinguished scholar, philosopher, and statesman. In his doctrine of God, Philo extensively writes about the Logos – the emanation of God's mind that extends into finite creation. Join us today as we explore some of Philo’s writings and compare them with the Prologue of John’s Gospel. Scholars have found many similar characteristics in both Philo’s description of the Logos and John’s Prologue, indicating that these thoughts about the Logos were well-developed and circulating throughout first-century Jewish thought. Don't miss this enlightening lesson as we delve deeper into the historical and philosophical context of John's Gospel and its profound connection to Philo's teachings. Lesson Handouts:
Philo Quotes
Daniel Boyarin - Logos, A Jewish Word
Join us in this exploration of the profound connection between the Hebrew concept of "Word" (Dabar) and "Wisdom" (Chokmah) and the Greek Logos, as presented in the Gospel of John. While the Gospel of John is written in Greek and uses the term Logos to describe the "Word," it is essential to understand the rich Jewish heritage that shapes John's portrayal of Jesus as the pre-existent "Word" and "Wisdom." In this video, we delve into the Hebrew Bible, revealing how both the Word and Wisdom were present at the beginning of creation. The Word of God not only creates but also heals, saves, and accomplishes the divine will. Similarly, Wisdom is depicted as holding sway over the nations, bringing order to the cosmos. Discover how John, with his Jewish background, uses the concept of Logos to bridge the infinite, transcendent God with finite creation, portraying Jesus as the divine intermediary present from the beginning. This video provides a deeper understanding of the biblical narrative and enriches your comprehension of how the Hebrew Bible's presentation of Word and Wisdom informs John's theological framework. Download Class Handout - HERE
In today's lesson, we delve into the profound concept of the Logos, a pivotal term from John's Gospel that bridges Greek philosophy and biblical theology. We begin by exploring the Greek word 'Logos,' traditionally translated as "Word," and its deep roots in ancient philosophical texts, including its usage by philosophers like Heraclitus and later by the Stoics. We uncover how Logos was understood in the first-century Greco-Roman world—not just as a word but as a fundamental principle of rationality and order in the cosmos. The lesson highlights how the Gospel of John presents Jesus as the divine Logos—embodying reason, order, and the active principle that continuously shapes the universe. Join us to explore how this ancient concept enriches our understanding of Jesus as the "Word of God" and our interpretation of the scriptures. Be sure to download the brief summary of the Greek concept of Logos below:
Today’s lesson explores the rich, dual-cultural context of the Gospel of John. Born and raised in Israel, the Apostle John later moved to Ephesus, a vibrant city in the Roman province of Asia Minor. This geographical shift profoundly influenced how John communicated his truth about Jesus and the kingdom of God. This lesson introduces how we can read John’s Gospel through both a Jewish and Greco-Roman cultural lens. The Gospel of John is a thoroughly Jewish document proclaiming Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and the sovereign King of Israel. Yet, John's narrative is not solely confined to a Jewish audience. His teachings also reached out to the communities in and around Ephesus, where the presence of various Greek deities permeated everyday life. In this lesson, we will examine how John communicates a Jewish message about Jesus as God’s anointed Messiah while also addressing the diverse spiritual landscape of Asia Minor, asserting Jesus' supremacy over all gods. Our primary goal is to uncover how the Gospel was relevant to its first-century audience in Ephesus and what that means for us today. By understanding John's Gospel's original context and audience, we gain a deeper appreciation of its timeless message and its relevance in a pluralistic world. This session is crucial for anyone looking to enrich their understanding of the Gospel of John and its application across different cultures and eras.
At the heart of our faith lies an orchard, a place of deep contemplation and spiritual nourishment. This orchard, known in Hebrew as PaRDeS—a Persian loanword meaning "walled garden" or "park"—serves as a gateway to exploring the boundless wisdom of the Bible. But how do we navigate this orchard to uncover its rich fruits? PaRDeS represents an acronym that unveils the layered depths of the Bible:
Far from mere academic exercises, these layers are the methods employed by Jesus, His disciples, and the early church leaders to engage with Scripture. On this journey through God's orchard, we'll see the Bible's beauty and wisdom and learn key principles to understand its profound teachings. Our exploration features a remarkable example from the Gospel of John, where a Remez weaves Abraham's narrative with John's revelations about God and His one and only Son. This simple "hint" brings forward the rich meaning of the story of Abraham and Isaac into that of God the Father and Jesus. Join us on this enlightening adventure to pick and relish the nutritious fruits of the Bible.
In today's lesson, we dive into the ancient and enduring methods used by both Judaism and Christianity to interpret the sacred texts of the Bible. Throughout history, scholars and spiritual leaders have recognized that Scripture offers layers of meaning that can only be unlocked through diverse approaches to interpretation. In this video, we introduce the four levels of interpretation, revealing how each layer offers unique insights into the divine messages contained within the Bible. The tradition of examining scripture across these four levels has been a cornerstone in the spiritual teachings of both faiths, aiming to enrich the congregation's understanding of God, Christ, and the Bible. Every level is a step on the spiritual ladder, drawing us closer to the divine from the literal to the mystical. However, the challenge of interpretation is evident. Not all scripture can or should be taken at face value, especially regarding narratives, the poetry of the Psalms, or the prophetic imagery. A literal interpretation can sometimes obscure the deeper truths that guide us in our spiritual journey. This is particularly true for parables, which are not mere stories but profound lessons wrapped in fiction designed to reveal hidden truths about God's kingdom. At the heart of our exploration today is the mystical or anagogical level of interpretation, derived from the Greek word 'Anagoge,' meaning to ascend or climb. This level invites us to engage with scripture on a spiritual plane, where our soul strives for a mystical union with our divine Bridegroom. Join us as we explore the significance of reading Biblical stories through each of these levels, understanding that it's not just about intellectual knowledge but about allowing our spirits to be drawn ever closer to God. This lesson is not just an academic exercise; it's a spiritual journey aimed at deepening our connection with the divine through the sacred texts of Judaism and Christianity. Whether you're seeking to deepen your understanding of scripture or looking for ways to enhance your spiritual practice, this video will offer valuable insights into the multifaceted ways of engaging with the Bible. Lesson Handout:
In the Gospel of John, scholars identify a foundational literary structure known as the "Mystical Way" or the "Mystical Path." This path represents the journey toward the ultimate desire of mystics—the profound union with God. John's approach to guiding believers towards this union is subtly integrated into his gospel, utilizing selective narratives rather than explicit declarations. For John, achieving union with God involves an enlightening process that bestows "New Life" upon the faithful. Followers of Jesus within John's community are encouraged to embark on this path, which promises a gradual but continuous drawing closer to God as the true essence of reality unfolds before them. Class Handout:
Gospel of John (pt. 1)Gospel of John - A Mystical Text?In this lesson, we embark on the first installment of our upcoming series, where we delve into the Gospel of John from a mystical perspective. The Gospel of John, often regarded as a mystical text, can be a source of confusion for many. In this session, our aim is to shed light on various aspects of Jewish mysticism and how they harmonize seamlessly with the Gospel of John. Mystics are captivated by the essence of reality and often seek to perceive, with the mind, the mysteries beyond our ordinary sight. During this session, we will explore specific Bible verses that are central to mystical contemplation. These verses often revolve around moments in the Bible where the barrier separating humanity from God is momentarily lifted. One such example is found in Ezekiel's first of two visions, as described in Ezekiel chapter One. The story commences with the heavens opening up, leading to a remarkable vision of the divine likeness on the throne—a likeness resembling a human form. This apparent paradox raises intriguing questions: How can the formless God possess an image resembling a man? Join us as we embark on a journey to demystify the mystical and reveal how John's Gospel communicates the profound message of who Jesus truly is.
Gematria and the 'Lamb of God'Fig Tree FiveGematria and the Lamb of GodIn today's session, we dive into the intriguing world of Mystical Judaism and explore a unique technique known as Gematria. Gematria is a profound method for exploring the depths of the Hebrew scripture, revealing hidden connections within God's cosmos. Join us as we uncover the mystical significance of Gematria, which harnesses the dynamic nature of the Hebrew alphabet, encompassing letters, numbers, and symbolic meaning. We will focus on the Gospel of John, a profound mystical text where John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God." Discover the profound connection between Jesus' name in Hebrew and the phrase "Lamb of God." Remarkably, these two hold an equal numerical value, showcasing the divine connection between Jesus and His role as the Lamb of God for the entire world.
Week 2 of 2Parables of Jesus (pt. 9)
** This lesson was originally recorded in November 2020 **
Parable of the Minas: Unlocking the Meaning of this Complex Parable
Is your relationship with God based on fear or Love?
As it turns out this will affect how we interact with God as well as how we view others who are made in the "image of God." God is a gracious, merciful, loving God, who wants us to take risks in the name of building his kingdom.
Listen of Apple Podcasts
Week 1 of 2Parables of Jesus (pt. 8)
** This lesson was originally recorded in November, 2020**
Parable of the Ten Minas: a Relationship or Fear or Love?The Parable of the Minas is a complex parable that even includes reference to a historical event involving Herod Archelaus. With this parable, Jesus calls us to live with the highest level of responsibility towards the resources that have been given to us. God is a good King who wants us to take risks to expand his kingdom. If the wicked king rewards the servant who takes risks, how much more will a good King reward us for trying!
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Meaning of BaptizingIn the Greek language, the word "baptize" takes on a fascinating range of meanings, from a short-term "to dip" to a more extended "to dye" as in coloring clothing. But the truest sense of its meaning lies within the context of the verse. Within the New Testament, baptize or baptism can mean to dip (short-term) or to dye, as in clothing (long-term). Within the context of the long-term process of making a disciple, it appears that the 'baptizing' we find in Matthew 28:19 should be interpreted on the longer-term end of the scale. An example of this can be found within Greek literature and has to do with pickling a vegetable. Pickling involves the immersion – baptism- into an agent that permanently changes the vegetable. What was once a cucumber is now a pickle. This is the essence of Baptizing when it comes to making a disciple. The agent of change is the 'reality of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.' When we immerse an individual in the long-term process of becoming a disciple, the result is a permanent change that cannot be undone. Join us in this lesson as we explore the profound meaning of the word Baptizing in the context of making a disciple.
The Great Commission? (pt. 3)Understanding DiscipleshipIn the Great Commission, Jesus commands us to make disciples. But what exactly is a disciple? What was Jesus envisioning when He gave us this command? How did discipleship take shape within the unique context of the first-century world in which Jesus lived? In this lesson, we will delve into the essence of discipleship and uncover what it meant to be a disciple within the framework of the first-century Rabbi-disciple model. The answer will likely surprise you. During the first century, individuals typically embarked on their journey as disciples around the age of fifteen. By the age of thirty, they often ascended to the esteemed position of a Rabbi and began making their own disciples. It's worth noting that according to Luke, Jesus commenced His ministry at thirty. Consequently, this would mean that the disciples who walked alongside Him were, in essence, teenagers! This fact may challenge some preconceived notions. Two key factors contribute to the misconception surrounding the age of Jesus' disciples. Firstly, there's a gap in our understanding of the cultural context of the first-century Rabbi-disciple dynamic in Israel during Jesus's time. Secondly, historical art representations have often depicted Jesus and His disciples as aging, balding men in their sixties or seventies—a far cry from reality. Join us on this journey as we explore the significance of making disciples of Jesus and why the first-century Rabbi-disciple model holds the power to profoundly impact God's kingdom and the world.
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Teacher Scott Broberg - I have a Masters of Divinity (MDiv) from Bethel Seminary - San Diego - Biblical Studies with and emphasis on the Old Testament. Categories
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Favorite Websites:
- Ladder of Jacob
- Our Rabbi Jesus - That the World May Know - Early Jewish Writings - Early Christian Writings - Abarim Publications - Hebrew 4 Christians - Holy Land Photos - Biblical Archaeology Society - Ancient Hebrew Research Center - First Fruits of Zion - Jerusalem Perspective - Rabbi Jonathan Sacks - Flavius Josephus.org - Bible Archaeology Report - Hebrew Streams - Biblical Resources Archives
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