​In the first century, "store up treasure in heaven" was a common phrase used as an idiom for charity. 

In this week's lesson, we explore the background of this phrase as it is developed from the Old Testament - through the Apocryphal writings of the intertestamental period - and into the New Testament. 

When you give to those in need, you store up treasures in heaven, and God becomes the guarantor of your loan.

Class Handout:

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

The transfiguration of Jesus - Matthew 17:1-7 - is a challenging event to understand because of its mystical nature. 

What does this event tell us about the reality of who Jesus is?  

In this lesson, we explore the transfiguration from the perspective of Jewish mysticism. 

​We will look at numerous examples from the first century that will help us understand what is actually going on.

​Class Handout:

Matthew 13:24-31 is commonly referred to as the Parable of the Weeds or the Parable of the Tares. 

In today's video, we will look at the plant that underlies the parable and how knowing the characteristics of that plant gives us a greater understanding of the parable. 

When Jesus tells a parable, he is precise with his details.

​We must learn to look at the characteristics of those details to see how they are pointing toward the overall message.

Class Handout:

Listen on Apple Podcasts

​​As translated in English, Matthew 11:12 is a problematic verse for many.   
​
In today's video, we explore this verse to see if there is a better way of understanding what is being stated.
 
We look to a Messianic prophecy from the Old Testament that serves as the background for the verse. 

When we understand the underlying messianic prophecy to Matthew 11:12, we begin to understand what Jesus means in this enigmatic statement. 

Class Handout

Aesop - The Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

In this video, we explore the idea of Measure for Measure.  Most Christians are unaware of this idea's prevalence within the Biblical text (unlike our Jewish brothers and sisters). 

Measure for measure is part of God's justice and woven into the fabric of the cosmos. 

The more aware of Measure for Measure we are, the more we pay attention to our own behavior. 

Additionally, a deep understanding that God's justice will reach all actions allows us to forgive others and release the responsibility for justice to God.

Class Handout: 

Listen on Apple Podcasts