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Showing 1276 to 1300 of 4963 results

1276. Elijah Flees to Horeb

1 Kings 19:1-8

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... are you doing here, Elijah?, v. 13), his answer is exactly the same as before (vv. 10, 14). The entire point of the demonstration appears, like the LORD himself (v. 11), to have passed him by. Privileged like Moses to see (Exod. 33:12–23), he remains steadfastly like Jonah: slow to understand. There is, indeed, just a suggestion that he does not particularly wish to understand. He has always claimed to “stand before the LORD” (Hb. ʿmḏ lipnê YHWH; cf. the NIV’s “whom I serve” in 17:1; 18:15 ...

1277. Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab

1 Kings 22:1-28

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... cf. v. 17). The LORD’s deception of Ahab has succeeded; Ahab’s attempted deception of the LORD has failed. It was the only possible outcome. 22:37–40 Two of the prophecies of 1 Kings 20–22 have come to pass (20:41–42; 22:17, 19–23). It remains only to hear about the dogs and the blood they licked up, as Ahab’s chariot is washed at a pool in Samaria (v. 38; see the additional note on 21:19). The NIV’s translation here is strange, and its footnote unhelpful. The Hebrew is lit. “He (possibly ...

1278. Athaliah and Joash

2 Kings 11:1-21

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... aunt Jehosheba, baby Joash is hidden with his nurse in the temple of the LORD. He survives, perhaps unrecognized rather than undetected, since the palace and temple are in such close proximity, for the six years of Athaliah’s rule. He is apparently all that remains to shield David’s “lamp” (8:19) from the winds of irreversible change. 11:4–16 It is not immediately clear who the Jehoiada is who organizes the coup that eventually unseats Athaliah, but in the course of the narrative we learn that he ...

1279. The Book of Law Found

2 Kings 22:1-20

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... to have in the temple. Nor would the priests have wished to provoke him by leaving it there. Whether Hilkiah really found it, of course, or whether his choice of words is dictated by a desire to remain distanced from it until he discovers how Manasseh’s grandson will react, must remain open to question. The circumstances in which it “comes to light” are entirely veiled in mystery. 22:14–20 The prophet chosen by Josiah’s officials for consultation was not Jeremiah, whose ministry had begun five ...

1280. A Rebellious Nation

Isaiah 1:1-31

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

... and primitive structures where lookouts kept watch or the family slept during harvest to protect their crop, or like a city under siege—which is exactly what she has been. Is left/had left us some survivors announces a major theme in Isaiah, the remnant or remains that are all that is left after decimation (see on 4:2). But at least that is something; they might have been destroyed as comprehensively as Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:24–29). On the title the LORD Almighty, see on verse 24. 1:10–15a ...

1281. The Glory of Zion

Isaiah 60:1-22

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

... . to adorn the place of my sanctuary where I rest my feet (v. 13). Jerusalem’s significance lies not in being the audience’s city but in being the place where their God is worshiped. Readers are still entitled to a modicum of suspicion. The fact remains that it is conveniently the audience’s city that is glorified in the name of their God. In encouraging them with this promise, the prophet takes the risk that they will be more concerned for their glory than for Yahweh’s. The same issues are raised ...

1282. Ezekiel's Call

Ezekiel 1:1-28, Ezekiel 2:1-3:15, Ezekiel 3:16-27

Understanding Series

Steven Tuell

... the references to the “house of Israel” in Ezekiel reflect this priestly usage. But “house of Israel” also refers in Scripture to the northern kingdom of Israel, which broke away from the southern, Davidic kingdom in 922 B.C., after the death of Solomon (1 Kgs. 12:1–17), and remained independent until its fall to Assyria in 722 B.C.—particularly in the 8th-c. prophets Hosea (1:6; 5:1; 6:10; 11:12), Amos (e.g., 5:1, 3, 4; 6:1, 14), and Micah (1:5; 3:1, 9). In Ezekiel, that usage is assumed in ...

1283. An Unholy History

Ezekiel 20:1-29, Ezekiel 20:30-49

Understanding Series

Steven Tuell

... consecration of firstlings that was commanded by the Deuteronomic code and the substitution that was allowed were totally inadequate from the Priestly perspective. (Hahn and Bergsma, “Canonical Approach,” p. 217) This is a very tempting solution to a vexing problem; unfortunately, it remains finally unconvincing. Apart from Ezek. 20:26 and Exod. 13:12–13, the expression kol-peter rakham appears four times in the HB (Exod. 13:15; 34:19; Num. 3:12; 18:15). Of these, only Exod. 34:19 possibly fits Hahn ...

1284. Jesus as the Isaianic Servant of the Lord

Matthew 12:15-21

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... , now identified as Jesus by Matthew, will not even break off a reed bruised at its bending point, though this seems a natural enough thing to do. And while it is commonplace to snuff out a wick that no longer has a flame but only a bit of smoke remaining, the Lord’s servant will not even do this. This fits Matthew’s vision of Jesus as merciful Messiah (see 8:3; 9:36; 14:14; 15:32). till he has brought justice through to victory. For a second time the Isaiah 42 citation accents the theme of justice ...

1285. Jesus’ Compassion and Authority to Feed and Heal

Matthew 15:21-28, Matthew 15:29-39

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... temporal priority of Jesus’ messianic ministry in 10:5–6; 15:24 (see also 8:5–7; this priority is evident in Acts as well). So we can draw from the Old Testament to frame Jesus’ own ministry, in which mission to Israel matters and remains the focus of his ministry until after the resurrection. He truly is the one who will “save his people from their sins” (1:21). The powerful inclusivity of salvation available to all nations (28:18–20) is accented when we acknowledge, with Matthew, that it ...

1286. The Disciples Confess Jesus as the Messiah

Matthew 16:1-4, Matthew 16:5-12, Matthew 16:13-20

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... discipleship (as in their right confession here) as well as the ways that they fall short of discipleship ideals. Preaching both sides of the picture requires us to explore how Jesus meets them in their weaknesses. The following lyric, based on Hebrews 12:1–3, expresses how Jesus remains with us even as we fall short of the mark. Trembling limbs as the race begins I wonder if I’ll finish this course I’ve begun; Looking in I see all my sin, And it drags me down, keeps me from moving ahead. But far, far ...

1287. Jesus Is Anointed and Celebrates the Passover with His Disciples

Matthew 26:1-5, Matthew 26:6-13, Matthew 26:14-16, Matthew 26:17-30

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... 17–19), Matthew narrates the plot against Jesus by the Jewish leaders (26:3–5; also 12:14; 21:45–46). The woman who anoints Jesus (26:6–13) is the first of a number of women highlighted in the Passion Narrative who display discipleship qualities or remain with Jesus when the Twelve desert him (27:19, 55–56, 61; 28:1–10). The scene in which Jesus shares the Passover with his disciples (26:17–30) highlights Judas’s betrayal (26:23–25; see 26:14–16, 47–50) and Jesus’ sacrifice and death ...

1288. The Resurrected Jesus Is Vindicated by God and Given All Authority

Matthew 28:1-10, Matthew 28:11-15, Matthew 28:16-20

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... the church will receive (16:19; 18:18). In this commissioning scene it becomes clear that their authority is a derivative one. Jesus, who has been given all authority, goes with them, so that they participate in his authority only as they remain with him and follow his lead. Theological Insights: Jesus and Divine Prerogatives Matthew asserts that Jesus is granted universal lordship upon his resurrection (28:18; cf. 11:27). According to Richard Bauckham, this is one of two central divine prerogatives (only ...

1289. Caring for the Needy and Commissioning Apostles

Mark 3:7-12, Mark 3:13-19

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

... its purpose. Ministry is much the same. True disciples minister in the authority and power of Jesus. In John 15 Jesus taught the truth that in order to be effective in ministry and to accomplish God’s purposes, we must remain “plugged in” to him. Talk to the congregation about ways to “remain plugged in to Jesus.” The joy of ministry Testimony: Find someone in your church who has a great testimony to share in regard to the joy of ministry. Look for someone who has found that the cost of ministry ...

1290. The Rejection of Jesus in His Own Hometown

Mark 6:1-6

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

... 1 Cor. 15:7), and Acts 1:14 (with the 120) and 1 Corinthians 9:5 (engaging in mission) do support the likelihood that all four became followers. We know little of his sisters. P. R. Kirk suggests that Jesus’s sisters had married local men and remained in Nazareth while the rest of his family moved to Capernaum to live with him.1Some have thought that these brothers and sisters were sons of Joseph from an earlier marriage or perhaps cousins (often in support of a doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary ...

1291. Spiritual Blindness and the Way to Overcome It

Mark 8:22-26, Mark 8:14-21

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

... on the fact that the Passover celebration demanded unleavened bread (Exod. 12:15), as did the grain offering (Lev. 2:11). In fact, all leavened bread was removed before the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), and the house was swept to make certain that no leaven remained in it. Here the meaning is, “Beware of the spreading evil of the leaders.” of the Pharisees and that of Herod. In Luke 12:1 it is the “hypocrisy” of the Pharisees, and in Matthew 16:6, 12 it is their “teaching.” Here it is a ...

1292. Praying in Faith

Mark 11:20-25 (26)

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

... ” in him may “ask whatever you wish, and it will be done” (15:7). Clearly there is a new depth and breadth to the effective power of prayer. The primary condition is “remaining” and asking “in Jesus’s name,” with both aspects similar to the place of faith here. It connotes a God-dependent, Christ-centered prayer stance. Jesus in his exaltation “sat down at the right hand” of God and “went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle,” thereby opening up for ...

1293. Jesus Proclaims Judgment on the Temple and the Nation

Mark 13:1-31

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

... in Olympic history is the story of Derek Redmond’s run in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Representing Great Britain in the 400 meters, Redmond began very strong, posting the fastest time in the first round and winning his quarter-final race. With just 250 yards remaining in his semifinal heat, Redmond’s hamstring tore. He hobbled and then fell to the ground in pain. Stretcher-bearers came to get him, but Redmond refused to quit. He had begun to hobble on one leg to the finish line when his father came ...

1294. Jesus Is Tested in Gethsemane

Mark 14:32-42

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

... into the situation. (3) Yet there are times when the ordeal is God’s will, and then, like Jesus, we must surrender to the Lord and trust that it will indeed “work for good” (Rom. 8:28). (4) We must determine never to fall asleep spiritually but instead to remain vigilant in every area of our lives. (5) All of us have a “weak flesh” and easily give in to our baser instincts; it is essential that we depend on the strength of Christ at all times. Teaching the Text 1. To pray is to surrender to God ...

1295. Mary’s Song—the Magnificat

Luke 1:46-56, Luke 1:39-45

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... Testament. He is the mighty warrior who overthrows those who oppose him, but he is also the God of the covenant whose love and faithfulness ensure the ultimate blessing of his chosen people. So the theme of God’s fulfillment of his Old Testament promises remains central to this passage. Mary’s joyful exultation celebrates the entire scope of his saving work. But it is focused on his choice of an obscure and socially insignificant girl to be his servant and so to be advanced to the highest honor. This is ...

1296. The Baby Messiah Recognized

Luke 2:21-40

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... us to think that Jesus, like Samuel (1 Sam. 1:28), was actually dedicated to God’s service rather than “redeemed” for normal life. But although Jesus was welcomed into the temple by Simeon, he, unlike Samuel (e.g., 1 Sam. 2:11, 18), did not remain in service there; so probably Luke simply leaves the regular payment to be assumed. 2:25 Simeon. Luke tells us little about him, though the fact that he “blessed” the family may suggest that he was a priest, and most readers assume from the opening of ...

1297. The Boy Jesus in the Temple

Luke 2:41-52

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... s adolescence, Luke bridges the thirty-year interval between Jesus’s infancy and the beginning of his public ministry. His special relationship with God that is revealed in this story begins to fill out the promises associated with his birth. Mary and Joseph remain central to the story, as Jesus is still in their care; Mary in particular continues in her role as a thoughtful observer of her son’s development (cf. 2:19, 34–35). But the setting in the temple among the religious teachers also foreshadows ...

1298. John the Baptist

Luke 3:1-20

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... the story proper, and it begins, as chapter 1 led us to expect, not with Jesus but rather with John, the forerunner. At 3:21 the focus will turn to Jesus, but John’s call to repentance, and the considerable impact that it had on public opinion, will remain in the background of Jesus’s own ministry. In many ways Jesus will be, as he was popularly perceived to be, the successor to John (7:33–34; 9:7–9, 19; 11:1; 20:1–8), and Jesus himself will emphasize the pivotal importance of John’s ministry ...

1299. Interpreting the Times

Luke 12:54-59, Luke 12:49-53, Luke 12:35-48

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... . They have also aggressively sought Penelope’s hand in marriage to further advance their intentions. Penelope is aware that she could break her vows to her absent husband and choose a new husband who would be king and who would kill Odysseus. However, she remains faithful to Odysseus during his twenty-year absence, inventing reasons why she cannot choose a suitor, working hard to trick those who seek her hand. The device that works the longest for her is when she informs her suitors that she is weaving a ...

1300. Use It or Lose It

Luke 19:11-27

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... Rome as local client rulers. Such appointment was not automatic. When Herod died in 4 BC, two of his sons, Archelaus and Antipas, both claimed the kingship and went to Rome to lobby for it. Neither was successful: they remained “ethnarch” and “tetrarch” of their respective territories. An official Jewish delegation had followed Archelaus to Rome, requesting his deposition, and it was in response to them that the title “king” was refused. Similar representations from his subjects eventually led ...

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