Happy Christmas

Messiah (Handel's)

For over 380 years the remarkable "Messiah" has been performed, in whole or in part, not least at this time of year.. The music was composed by G.F. Handel (HWV 56), to suit text supplied by Charles Jennings.

Below are the sentences used in the Messiah, but here taken from English Bibles of today.

Jesus: His Prayer

That Jesus prayed is quite clear. All four Gospels tell us that Jesus prayed. At least 8 times are mentioned, though not usually the words he used. He also spoke and taught about real prayer and gave models for us. 

So - like this, we are told Jesus prayed:

Jesus: the world [Edn 2]

Introduction*

Jesus answered (the Governor), “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36, NRSVUE) 

Jesus: Way. Truth. Life.

extended 26-28/10/23

I (Jesus) am the way, the truth and the life

Access. Direction. Arrival.

The South Downs Way (in England; above) became well established over many, many, long years and walkers have a secure right to pass that way. The path is clearly marked and may be entered, or left, at various points… I dare say to just randomly veer off the Way would be to risk problems! To reach the point aimed for is a lasting achievement. A family member walked here in October, 2023. (The UK weather may not have been exactly great for such activity at the time.)

Photo record of the walk in that Way - probably have to copy and paste: https://www.flickr.com/gp/65422756@N06/rv58225980

Who could say: I am the way; I am the truth; I am the life? - Jesus.

About this blog?

Long ago I published an original "about us" (you and me) page. Since modified (a lot), that post now appears a long way in! You can search back, or find it via this link:  

https://jesussaviour4unme.blogspot.com/2018/05/aboutcontact-updated.html

Jesus and the Work(er)

For the vast majority of people it is necessary to earn a living. Though not in an approving manner, Jesus himself was identified as “the carpenter”. 

Local 2023 housing construction

Jesus' closest followers included fishermen, and at least one government administrator. 

Jesus: and faith (Edn2+)

As I went by there was a team clearing a block. The picture is what I saw...

I hope they ended their day safely!

Jesus vs THEM and Us

 Separation, distinction, rejection, diminishing, disrespecting, segregation, labelling, cruelty -

these are all too often evident. (Australia, again, can not validly claim the high moral ground!

Jesus: Wrapped, or, Who took the wrap?

How a dead body is treated is prescribed by culture and law. Jesus’ body was wrapped with spices, but how, and for how long!?

Jesus: After the cross (v2)

What is reported to us from after the death of Jesus?

First thing: Brave Joseph of Arimathea (secret disciple, as John* tells it) had been given permission to place Jesus' remains in an unused tomb without delay, which he did.

Jesus: All four say..

The four Gospels devote a considerable amount of space to Jesus’ final week, and the resurrection day. Following is a compilation extracted from information limited to that found in all of the accounts.

Jesus: Temple time

Jesus had arrived in Jerusalem, possibly via this road, to spend time in the Temple there, etc.  (Those trees were there recently.) This was not Jesus' first visit, but it was his last before the crucifixion.

Jesus: and YOU (v.2)

YOU have decided to follow Jesus? Fantastic.

You are a forever member

Jesus: and Friends

Issues about friends, contamination, undesirables, acceptance, and sin became a problem

Jesus: your servant

Jesus: your servant

 
Background: The disciples had been contesting their place in their (expected) “pecking order”. Jesus gives them (us) a rebuke and gave a weighty explanation of his role in the flesh.

Jesus: told his betrayal

They were told; 

there was an agenda, but, whose was it?

The first four books of the New Testament, the Gospels, clearly recount that Jesus told his friends, and others, what was to befall him at the "end". The first (but different) such encounter in the text comes in John. (Was that the chronological first - I wonder? For the John pericope, see previous post: “Jesus: Lifted Up”.)

Matthew, Mark and Luke have several clear reports, with increasingly detailed words from Jesus.

Jesus: Lifted Up (v.2)

Jesus: "lifted up"

I wonder how the original hearers reacted when they heard Jesus say this:

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him (John 3:14-15, CEV).