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Yeshua in Context >> Forgiveness of Sins

Yeshua On Repentance

August 29th, 2011 | Add a Comment

When he came to his senses he said, "How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!" -Luke 15:17 Yeshua dined with sinners. Those of us who eat bread with him today are infinitely thankful for this. It is not, contra E.P. Sanders, that Yeshua offered the kingdom without repentance or light without trial. Those who dined with Yeshua did not think this is what he was offering. One said, "Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor" (Luke 19:8). Yeshua is at once inviting and imposing, welcoming and formidable. You may be to him the hundredth sheep, the one rejoiced over that was lost, or a whitewashed tomb. You may hear from him, "your faith has made you ... Read entire article >>

Filed under: Applying the Gospels , Discipleship - Formation , Forgiveness of Sins , Judaism Today & Yeshua , Preachable Points , Teaching of Yeshua

Discipleship and the Fig Tree

February 7th, 2011 | 5 Comments

The following commentary is important for illustrating a key point of discipleship for Yeshua. To understand the basis for these comments on Mark 11:12-14 and 20-25, it is important for me to disclose what I think is the meaning of Yeshua's resistance to the Temple state. I do not, as some commentators and historians, think Yeshua was against the Temple itself, but against the corrupt administration which turned the Temple state into an instrument of oppression of the lower classes and used it as an instrument for power and position for themselves. After the commentary, I will suggest a few points of application for discipleship in our time. MARK 11:12-14, 20-25 Yeshua curses a fig tree (vss. 12-14). In between is Yeshua's Temple protest action (vss. 15-19). The next morning's lesson from the fig tree ... Read entire article >>

Filed under: Aims of Yeshua , Applying the Gospels , Discipleship - Formation , Enactments and Symbolic Actions , Forgiveness of Sins , Kingdom Future , Kingdom Present , Temple and Torah

Mark 2, The Riddle of the Son of Man's Authority

December 28th, 2010 | 1 Comment

Is it easier to say "your sins are forgiven" or "get up, take your pallet, and walk"? There are two interpretations of the paralytic story and the saying about "the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" which would take Yeshua's words in a lesser manner, not as a self-claim to such great authority. There is also a profound wisdom lesson in Yeshua's riddle. This is a story that carries more complexity and meaning than many realize. ... Read entire article >>

Filed under: Forgiveness of Sins , Identity of Yeshua , Son of Man