Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-19)
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...
Plot to Kill Jesus (John 11:45-57)
John 11:45-57 illustrates how human opposition to Jesus ultimately serves God's salvific purpose. The passage highlights Jesus' sacrificial death, the gathering of believers, and the blindness of those who reject him. After Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, many Jews believe in him (ἐπίστευσαν...
Judges
The book of Judges portrays Israel's repeated cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, reflecting a nation in spiritual and moral decline after Joshua's death. Each generation drifts further from God's covenant, succumbing to idolatry and disobedience. Despite Israel's persistent...
Raising Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:1-44)
The passage describes the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, falls ill, and his sisters send word to Jesus. However, Jesus delays going to them, stating that the illness will serve to glorify God. By the time Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has...
Paul's Direct Quotations of Greco-Roman Philosophers and Poets
Paul directly quotes or alludes to Greco-Roman philosophers and poets in only a few places in the New Testament. These instances include Acts 17:28, 1 Corinthians 15:33, and Titus 1:12. In Acts 17:28, Paul addresses the Areopagus in Athens, engaging with Greek philosophical and religious thought...
The Temple Sermon (Jeremiah 7:1-11)
In Jeremiah 7:1-11, the prophet delivers a message from God to the people of Judah, emphasizing the importance of true worship and moral behavior over superficial rituals. The passage, known as the "Temple Sermon," rebukes the people's misplaced trust in the temple as a guarantee of safety while...
The Power of the Gospel (Romans 1:16-17)
Romans 1:16-17 is a foundational passage in Christian theology, emphasizing the power and universality of the gospel and the principle of justification by faith. Paul declares that he is "not ashamed" of the gospel (εὐαγγέλιον [euangelion]), for it is the power (δύναμις [dynamis]) of God for...
Jesus is Rejected by the Jews at the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22-42)
This passage takes place during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in Jerusalem, where Jesus is walking in the temple courts, specifically in Solomon’s colonnade. The Jewish leaders confront Jesus, asking him to clearly state whether he is the Christ (the Messiah). Jesus responds by pointing to his...
Spiritual blindness (John 9:35-41)
In this passage, Jesus hears that the man born blind, whom he healed earlier, has been cast out of the synagogue after being interrogated by the Pharisees. Jesus steps in to teach the last part of the whole narrative event. When Jesus seeks him out he asks him, if he believes in the Son of Man...
Praise the Lord, All You Servants of the Lord (Psalm 134)
Psalm 134:1-3 is a short but profound call to worship. It is part of the Songs of Ascents, a collection of psalms sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. This particular psalm invites the servants of the Lord to bless him, especially those who minister by night in the temple. It ends with a...
Behold, how good and pleasant it is (Psalm 133)
Psalm 133 is a short pilgrim psalm attributed to David, celebrating the beauty and blessings of unity among God’s people. It uses vivid imagery to describe how good and pleasant it is to dwell together in unity. The passage emphasizes the sacredness of communal harmony through two key similes: the...
Lord, remember David (Psalm 132)
Psalm 132 is a part of the Songs of Ascents, a collection of psalms sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. This psalm has two main sections: verses 1-10, which are a petition for God to remember David's devotion and promises concerning the ark of the covenant; and verses 11-18, which recount...
Elisha and Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:8-37)
2 Kings 4:8-37, portrays a story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman, demonstrating themes of faith, hospitality, divine promise, and resurrection. This passage serves as a powerful testament to God's compassion, the efficacy of faith, and the hope of resurrection. The narrative unfolds in three...
Pharisees Investigate the Healing (John 9:13-34)
In John 9:13-34, the story revolves around a man born blind who was healed by Jesus. After his healing, the man is brought before the Pharisees for questioning. The Pharisees are divided over Jesus’ actions because the healing occurred on the Sabbath, which they consider a violation of their laws....
Lord, my heart is not proud (Psalm 131)
Psalm 131:1-3 is a short yet profound passage attributed to David, describing a deep sense of humility, contentment, and trust in God. Psalm 131 teaches the virtue of humility (גָּבַהּ [gavah] and רָמוּ [ramu]) and the importance of trust in God. The psalmist’s refusal to engage in matters...
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind (John 9:1-12)
John 9:1-12 narrates the story of Jesus healing a man who was blind from birth. The whole chapter 9 is divided into three main sections: the healing of the blind man (verses 1-12), the investigation by the Pharisees (verses 13-34), and the spiritual implications and the man's subsequent faith in...
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord (Psalm 130)
Psalm 130 is a profound expression of repentance and hope. It captures the cry of an individual deeply aware of their sinfulness, yet hopeful in the mercy of God. This psalm is notable for its intense emotional depth and theological richness, emphasizing themes of repentance, forgiveness, and...