For two thousand years, the story of Jesus walking on water (Mark 645:52; Matthew 14:22-33) has fascinated and perplexed us. How are we to understand the events of that night, and what might be the story's overall meaning?
 
In this and the following lesson, we explore these events through the perspective of Ancient Near East (ANE) symbolism.
 
Throughout the Ancient Near East and the Bible, similar symbols express the chaotic forces that exist in the world.
 
Join us as we take a unique look at this well-known story.

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This week's video brings the history of the Zealots closer to Jesus' ministry.

We explore some of the political events - leading up to the time of Jesus' birth - in the region of Galilee that involved the zealots and set the stage for the movement in the first century.

​We briefly explore the city of Sepphoris which was the administrative center of Galilee and how this city intersects with the zealots and with Jesus' upbringing.

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Josephus Quotes on the Zealots

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​Today's lesson begins a short series that focuses on the Zealots and the Zealot movement in first-century Israel.
 
The headquarters for the Zealot movement was located in a city near the Sea of Galilee called Gamla (see the links below to read more about Gamla).
 
Jesus continually interacts with the Zealots or those whose thinking had been influenced by the Zealots. He even has a disciple named Simon called "the Zealot" (see Mark 3:18).
 
Raising our awareness of the Zealots will help us understand the actions of many of the disciples and those who wanted to make Jesus their king.

Class Handout:

Zealot Historical Timeline:

Resources:

Bargil Pixner - Paths of the Messiah

Gamla - Wiki

Gamla - Jewish Virtual Library

Judah the Galilean - Jewish Virtual Library

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The number three carries significant meaning in the Biblical narrative, Judaism, and Christianity.

This lesson explores the significance of the number three and its inference toward a spiritual journey toward restoration.

braham, Moses, Joshua, and Jesus have a "three" or "third day" associated with their spiritual journey.

This lesson will help raise your awareness of how this number is used throughout scripture.

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The stories of Jesus feeding the 5000 and the 4000 are full of details that help us understand the overall message of what the miracles are telling us - that Jesus is the "bread" for the whole world.

Each story contains a different set of numbers. The details of the numbers are essential for us to understand the overall message as they apply to the audience that is specific to each miracle.

Join us as we compare these two events as told in the Gospel of Mark. Feeding of 5000 - Mark 6:30-44. Feeding of 4000 - Mark 8:1-10.

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