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: 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.

Jesus: The Good (?)[?]

I think we all heard stories of brave heroines and heroes who had to undertake an enormous challenge, to achieve something big, or something impossible, to complete a great task, if they were to gain..... 

January Cross Buns

I snapped a photo at a supermarket, on 2nd January, 2021:

Peace to You

"I give you peace.."Jesus used the word "peace"; at some points in a confronting way. Today we celebrate the condition of "peace" in various ways.

Abandoned! Jesus' Solitary Death

Jesus on the cross was abandoned - or was he?

Lamb of God

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away (does away with, or removes) the "sin of the world".

Mary

Jesus' mother was named Mary. Despite the interest of the Gospel writers in the role of women in the Christ-event, references to this Mary are actually sparse, apart, naturally, from the “birth narratives”. This final NT mention has her in Jerusalem during the waiting period between Jesus’ death and resurrection and his sending of his replacement (the Holy Spirit).

Christ

Christ

Matthew has this account of a week of special significance to the Biblical understanding of Jesus:
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”  He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 

"Save"

Paul knows the meaning of Jesus’ saving crucifixion. He is very clear about him, the one who saves all who will.

Salvation

"Salvation" is a fairly common word in English Bibles (ie, translations).

"Stickies" (R)

Parts of the Bible are sticking points for some (many?) folks. Consider a small extract from Paul containing descriptions of Christ's work (alternative translations below).

He Rose Again!

Christ Was Raised to Life