New exercises
Greeks want to see Jesus (John 12:20-26)
In John 12:20-26, a group of Greeks seeks to meet Jesus. Their request signals that His mission is extending beyond Israel to all nations. Jesus responds by declaring that His “hour has come,” using the image of a grain of wheat that must die to produce many seeds. He teaches that true life comes...
Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-19)
This passage describes Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. A large crowd gathers to welcome him, waving palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the king of Israel!” Jesus enters the city riding on a young donkey, fulfilling the prophecy from...
Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany (John 12:1-11)
Six days before Passover, Jesus arrives in Bethany, where Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead, is living. A dinner is given in his honor. Martha, ever faithful in her role of service (διακονέει [diakoneō]), tends to the needs of those present. Meanwhile, Mary performs a profound and symbolic...
Topics
Easter
Traditionally, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, several texts make up the theology and significance of Easter. In the Gospels, Easter closely aligns with the passion narrative (Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, and Luke 22-23). The text that opens Easter...
Heptads
The term heptad comes from the Greek word for "seven" and is used to refer to groups or series of seven in various contexts. In the context of the Biblical book of Revelation, heptads refer to several sets of seven that are significant in the symbolism and structure of the text. These...
Pilgrim Psalms
The "Psalms of Ascent," also known as the "Pilgrim Psalms" or "Songs of Degrees," are a collection of psalms in the Biblical Psalter. These are fifteen psalms from Psalm 120 to 134. This designation, found in the titles of each of these psalms, refers to their pilgrim nature. The Psalms of Ascent...