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.
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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.
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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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- 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
April 2024
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