Life of Christ – Part 9 – Second Galilee Ministry(16) – Return to Nazareth

Text: Matthew 13:53-58

When Jesus had finished these parables, He departed from there. He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.

Mark 6: 1-6

Jesus went out from there and came into His hometown; and His disciples followed Him. When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.” And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He wondered at their unbelief.

We need to remember that the last time Jesus was in Nazareth, they had tried to kill him.  I believe though that the reason Jesus’ family came to see him was that so he could be informed it was safe to return or they had some sort of news that made his return a necessity.  It has been about a year and this means tempers have cooled and the people of Nazareth are realizing that Jesus does them good even if he does not always do things they way they would want. He is once again allowed to teach in the synagogue and the people are still astonished but they are also offended because they cannot wrap their heads around the idea that one of their own could truly be the Messiah.  To them, he is just the son of the carpenter and is one child of many.

Jesus expects this and remarks that a prophet is not without honor with one exception: among his own people and kin.  Because they know you so well it is hard from them to see anything but what you were.  Jesus does a few miracles but it is stated that because they did not believe that is all he could do.

Next: Jesus Begins His Third Tour of Galilee

Theology for Dummies – Example Theory of Atonement

I am going to say it: There is not a lot of difference between this theory of atonement and the Moral Influence Theory of Atonement.  The difference seems to be along the lines of where the respective theories place their emphasis.  Example Theory seems to point to how we should live more and Moral Influence seems to point to Jesus’ love for us as a power in atonement.  The difference seems to be in what transforms us: Example Theory looks to being obedient to Christ’s example; Moral Influence looks to Obedience and God’s Love.  It is splitting hairs in many respects and really they seem to be two sides of the same coin.  I almost want to call Example Theory “Moral Influence Theory – Lite ”.

The strengths and weakness of this theory are pretty much the same as I outlined in Moral Influence Theory.  They also would have similar conflicts with Penal Substitutionary Theory that Moral Influence Theory possesses as well.

For myself, I find the whole Moral Influence/Example Theory strong in that they do take Jesus’ works and actions seriously in atonement but they are also both weak in taking some of the other aspects of salvation into account.

Next: Commercial Theory of Atonement

Life of Christ – Part 9 – Second Galilee Ministry(15) – Jesus’ Mother and Brothers Seek Him

Text: Matthew 12:46-50

 While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. Someone said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You. ”But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.”

Text: Mark 3:31-35

 Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him.  A crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You.” Answering them, He said, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.”

Text: Luke 8:19-21

 Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him. A crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You.” Answering them, He said, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.”

As harsh as these statements seem to us, they were far harsher to those of the ancient world where family is known to the third cousins and obligations because of family are great in eastern society.  Jesus was saying something here that was close to societal rebellion in his own culture.  He however is establishing a different criteria for being in the family of God, which if taken even as stated here, would mean that the real children of God are those that: 1) Here the word of God and keep it and 2) Are doing the will of Jesus’ Father in heaven.

On a practical note, I can see Jesus immediately after saying this, going out to great his mother and brothers.  I don’t think Jesus is telling them to abandon their earthly family, what I do think he is doing is causing people to see a distinction between their earthly families that are temporary and the family that is the kingdom of God which is eternal.

It should be noted that Jesus does indeed return to Nazareth after this.  They might have simply had news for him and that it may have required his return to his home town.

Next: Return to Narareth

The Book of Revelation – Part 33 – The River and Tree of Life

Revelation 22 opens with another vision and it appears to be inside the New Jerusalem as there is mention of ‘middle of the street’ and the place where the throne of God is.  The picture is of a straight river that runs to the tree of life.  The tree of life itself gives off a different fruit every month and their are twelve of them.  Given all the other changes like no sun or moon this seems to be the only way to tell time in the new earth.  There will no longer be any curse and the Lord will be the light so there is no more night because the Lord is always with the people.  The picture is the picture of eternal life with Christ.

To the people of the seven churches, the symbolism would have been obvious from Genesis.  Particularly the Jewish Christians would have recognized the Tree of Life and God dwelling permanently with his people.

The section ends with an affirmation that these things will be done and that the person who heeds this prophecy will be blessed.  In response even John himself falls at one of the angels feet, but the angel reminds him that he is just a servant of God like himself.  There is only one thing left for John to write.

Next: The Final Message

Life of Christ – Part 9 – Second Galilee Ministry(14) – Why Christ Taught with Parables

Text: Matthew 13:34-52

All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, and He did not speak to them without a parable. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

“I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”

Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” And He said, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels. So just as the tares are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous,  and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes.” And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”

Text: Mark 4:33-34

With many such parables He was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to hear it; and He did not speak to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples.

Both Matthew and Mark remark about Jesus’ teaching in parables but they have different things to say about it and Matthew gives us a little insider information about Jesus, the parables and the disciples.  Both remark at this time Jesus did not speak to the crowds except in parables.

Mark’s explanation is short and only adds that Jesus was saying the parables to everyone but was quietly explaining things to his disciples.

Matthew goes a lot farther.  It is my theory that Matthew had Mark as a source and when he saw that Mark briefly mentioned that Jesus was explaining things privately to his disciples, he decided to show us some more of that event.  The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares is unique to Matthew and so then is his explanation of that parable.  When the disciples say they understand, Jesus then gives them three parables that are unique that are just to the disciples.  All three of these parables deal with the fact that what they are learning is not only precious and valuable, but also requires great sacrifice and care.  In a way, Jesus ends with a fourth parable about the head of the household that reminds them that they need to couple what he has taught them before with what they are learning now.

Matthew also brings up the point that Jesus’ teaching in parables is a fulfillment of prophecy (Psalm 78:2) but it should also be noted that Jesus is attempting to reveal truths that have been hidden way since before the world was created.  By teaching in parables Jesus is fulfilling prophecy, revealing truth to those who can understand it and concealing it from those who are not ready or who are his enemies.

Next: Jesus’ Mother and Brothers Seek Him

New Pages for the Pub

Sometimes you just have to organize your stuff.  Especially if other people are using it.  Right now I am in the process of organizing some pages for the pub that should allow you to find some things easier.  I have already created two of them. One of which is still under construction.

Life of Christ Page: trying to get my whole series of series on the Life of Christ together in a page so that you can just drop down and find the part you want and then find the post you want.  Should make searching a little easier.  This is still a work in progress so it will grow over time.

The Theology Pub Posts: All of these are now under one page and as a new one is written it will join them.

Future Pages:

Open Theism: I am going to put all my posts on open theism under a page with probably a couple sub pages for different areas.

Theology for Dummies: I will probably have to organize these according to topic so it may take a while.

Rabyd Opinion: Just a Page with all my opinion posts.  For what that’s worth. 

Series?  – I put a question mark behind this one because I may want to organize some of the series’ into groups like: Sex, Marriage and Nudity and Biblical Series.  Don’t want to get carried away with pages but I can see the necessity of organizing things by topic.

When all is said and done, I hope to have a pub where you can find your favorite brew of theology and then kick back and enjoy.  It should help my three barmaids serve you faster too.  Remember to tip your waitress and drink responsibly.

Naked Before God – Part 2 – You’re Already a Spiritual Nudist; You Just Don’t Know It.

Part of the human struggle with nudity and our relationship with God is that we do not recognize the wholeness of what it means to be a human being.  Even in Christian theology there is the argument that we were created in two parts – body and spirit or three parts - body, soul and spirit.  The real tragedy in my opinion of this argument is that it focuses on man and what he is now and not what he was created to be.   A living soul – a single entity - and part of that was the human body and at the beginning there were no clothes — there was simply nakedness.

I believe that our naked state best reflects this wholeness of being and wholeness of being involves everything we are made of including our spiritual side.  There are moments, whether we are conscious of this unity of flesh and spirit or not, that this comes through and the reality of it touches us regardless of how we are raised, our culture or society.  There is simply too much life that we live not to experience that feeling of wholeness from time to time because sooner or later we all end up being spiritual nudists because sooner or later we have to take off our clothes and be without them for a time.  There are going to be some moments in these times where we will feel this wholeness of being, the way we were created by God, whether we do this consciously or unconsciously.  Usually this happens when we are relaxed and also naked.

This post is addressed to the masses of western Christians and others who have been taught in many ways to avoid these moments.  You have been taught by your parents, culture and religion that being naked is sinful.  You may be devout in your faith and are firmly convinced that this is true and everything I am saying you are ready to argue with and challenge in your heart.  There are others though who are also devout, but they know Christianity involves meditating on and praying through the issues.  I urge you to do so with this one.  I want to use the rest of this post to highlight how in our lives we at some time or another have engaged in spiritual nudity whether we recognized it or not.

Bathing

I think the most obvious place we engage in spiritual nudism is when we are bathing is some way or form.  I have lost count of the number of personal revelations from God I have received while taking a bath or a shower.  I know of at least three people who came to Christ and became Christians and when asked where they made the decision they replied that they were bathing or taking a shower.  I think we have to freely admit that we bathe for more than just the process of getting clean.  We also bathe for release.  There is something about bathing or showering that allows us to drop our guards and relax and we often enter a state of mind and heart that is meditative.  That opens us up to hearing from God.  Part of this is that we must shed our clothes to do so.  It is this shedding of clothes that is not only symbolic of casting off the cares of this world, it is also in a very real way relieving us of the barriers that protect us in life which allows us to just be ourselves.  Nudity in bathing is actually relaxing and not shameful and most of the time we simply just acknowledge this is true.

Changing Clothes

Sooner or later you have to change and in that process you are at times going to be naked while you are looking for something to wear.  Usually we do this in our rooms so we feel relaxed and because we are also naked, at least momentarily, we can also experience the same kind of meditation state as in bathing.  This form of spiritual nudism is not as pronounced as bathing, in my humble opinion, but the spiritual state can be similar if a person slows down and breathes deeply.  Perhaps you have gotten guidance or peace in such times and I submit to you that your nakedness at the time may have contributed to this, whether your recognized it at the time or not.

Sleeping

Next to bathing this one is the best for achieving a meditative state and it allows Christians to actually take seriously one of the more common Biblical ways that God speaks to us – dreams.  Less than 10% of Americans sleep in the nude but those that do know its health benefits which include health, better sleep, confidence and better sex.  More than that the same relaxation principle applies to the idea of sleeping from a spiritual point of view.  In the Bible dreams that guide people are a regular occurrence.  Part of the reason dreams no longer seem prevalent is that we have been taught the negative side of dreams too much so we don’t take them as seriously as we should.  Also I would say that it has been shown that westerners don’t sleep as well as they used to and part of the cure for that is to sleep naked.  Also by sleeping naked you create a better meditative state as you fall asleep so your receptivity to dream increases at least in my opinion.  Many people who do sleep in the nude know what I am talking about and would probably acknowledge that their nudity was in some way responsible for having better and more productive dreams and a better night’s sleep.

Sex

This may be more limited to those in a relationship, particularly committed married couples, but anyone who has genuinely made love knows there was more to the pleasure and wonder of it than just the mechanics of foreplay and having sex.  Part of sex is spiritual through the knowing and loving each other and good reason for that is that as a couple we find our selves back to the way God intended man and woman to be – unashamed and NAKED.  One of the more enjoyable parts of sex for me has been the afterglow when you are laying in each others arms.  In that moment, if you are paying attention, you can truly feel like you are one flesh and part of that is your openness to each other by being naked.  There is more than physical satisfaction at this point; there is a spiritual joining to each other and in large part the intensity of this spiritual feeling is because we are naked at the time.

Breastfeeding

Now you don’t necessarily have to be all the way naked to breastfeed but even I as a man cannot deny there is more to the act of breastfeeding that involves an element that most people in western society think is sinful — a woman baring her chest.  Something is exchanged that is more than milk between a mother and child in these times and don’t think men don’t get some spiritual satisfaction out of this as well.  Some of my more relaxing times when our children were infants was when I was watching my wife nurse.  There is something about that just makes a lot of things that are wrong with this world just fade away and that is a spiritual thing brought on by a form of nakedness.

Everyday Activities

A woman gets up out of bed after sleeping naked, puts a load of laundry in the washer, takes a shower, puts on her makeup and does her hair and THEN she gets dressed.  In households all over we find ourselves at times doing things naked and often times it is either we are not really conscious that we are wrong or it is simply more convenient.  We are safely at home. Why get dressed before doing the laundry, if in a few moments your going to shower?  Why get dressed after you shower, if your right where you need to be to do your hair and makeup? We may not do this all the time but sometimes it is just more convenient and easier to wait to get dressed.  Sometimes we just forget because we are at peace in our own home and relaxed.  We simply do not see a need to get dressed.  In these times we can experience much the same wholeness and open quality that we find in many of the above activities.

There are many more activities that I could list that we may have experienced in our lives but the main point is that not all of our experiences in being naked are bad ones.  Some are downright pleasant and relaxing.  In all of these cases our nakedness actually is part of the equation that helps us relax and open our hearts minds and spirits to what God may want to reveal to us.  The real problem is that as Christians we do not take these moments seriously because we are often rushed as we need to get dressed so we are no longer ‘sinners’ by being naked.  Truth is that idea is not a biblical one but a church and religious culture concoction.  There is nothing wrong with nakedness itself.

What I want everyone to see, that is probably more a standard ‘I am not a nudist’ Christian, is that you do not necessarily have to become a nudist or change your life in major ways to practice spiritual nudism.  You don’t have to join a nudist colony, head to a nude beach or resort.  Most of what it may involve for you is: 1) Simply taking the times you are naked more seriously as times you can grow spiritually or 2) simply slowing down and not being in a rush to be clothed.  It is in these moments, you can simply open yourself up to meditation, prayer, worship and even study and gain some benefit from being naked before your God.  In these times you can truly be who you are and He can truly show you who you are.  It is an opportunity for spiritual growth if handled properly and it should not be wasted.

Over the next few posts I will attempt to show how nakedness affects certain spiritual disciplines and we will start with meditation.

Next: Naked Meditation