As we have seen, there were many wonderful, and many problematic, ways in which Judaism had been developing. Through it all the expectation of a coming Messiah and messianic age had continued growing in the general population. Those who had been counting knew that it was getting close to Daniel’s 69th ‘seven’, during which Messiah would be revealed.
They needed deliverance from Roman occupation, and Hellenising influences, which clashed with maintaining the purity of the Jewish people and their religious practice. Not long before they had needed deliverance from self-rule, which had degenerated under the Hasmonaean dynasty into such bitter conflict that all sides had called for Roman intervention. Yet still there were many who glorified in the Maccabean revolt and engaged in guerrilla warfare, seeking to re-live such a victory in their day and hoping that their courage in battle would induce Messiah to come to their rescue and supernaturally destroy the Roman army and all heathens in the way of establishing their glorious kingdom.
Messianic hopes and expectations were many and varied. The religious practice of much of the population was fervent and genuine. The wall the Pharisees were building around the Torah was becoming ever higher and thicker and governed every conceivable aspect of devout Jewish life. These were a people in need of seeing the reality of their God.
In Section 2 we take an in-depth look at Yeshua‘s life in the context of this culture which we have seen develop in the centuries leading up to His birth.
As with all Bible studies and commentaries, what is presented here is not infallible, that designation belongs to scripture alone. While every effort has been made through years of research to present as accurate an account as possible, there are many things that we do not know and many areas that even the best Bible scholars, and historians, disagree on. If you disagree with anything written in these blogs please feel free to do so, but don’t dismiss what I have written until you have first searched the scriptures afresh to see what God has to say on it – then please share with us what He reveals to you through His word. The purpose of this work is not to establish doctrine, a standard by which other works are judged, but to provide a perspective that broadens and deepens your understanding of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Messiah / the anointed one) so as to grow in your love for Him, in your discipleship of Him, and in your effectiveness in discipling others in Christ Jesus.
As language is an essential part of culture, names will often be written in their original Hebrew (along with the English translations that most of us are more familiar with).
We also have a grouping of seven blogs (in the section ‘INTERLUDE‘) on the authors of each of the four gospel accounts. Again, the purpose of studying such is to help deepen our understanding and appreciation of our wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Now to “A Child is Born“…
The Jews through prophesies were highly expecting the messiah who will come and deliver them from the hands of the Romans. Their expectations were so high in that they thought the Messiah would be like an earthly King who would rule with an iron hand and the Jewish leaders as his ministers and drive away their bitters anemy Rome away.
But the messiah’s kingdom was not to be equated with the kingdoms that arose through prophesies.
The messiah’s kingdom was not going to be felt by those to whom he came.Their cultural expectations would not be compromise and the Jews will not see the Messiah.
when Christ was born the Nation of Israel had great expectations since they were waiting for a deliverer that will set them free from the hands of the ROMAN Empire
Going through these blogs or topics on the Gospels have brought an unspeakable joy to my soul, and have given more love and appreciation for the writers of these Gospels. I first and fore most thank the blessed Holy Spirit who has given me the zeal to read and understood these passages, and again I am most thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ who took upon himself to come on this earth to die for my sin and have saved me from the power of darkness into his eternal glory, again I am highly indebted to our heavenly Father by sending his only begotten Son to come and die for all mankind.
My final gratitude goes to the President, and Founders of Renewal Ministries Fellowship in Australia by adding me to this reading program which has brought ever lasting gift to my soul, not forgotten all donors both in prayers and cash that are making this program a success. May the Lord richly bless you all by helping us to learn what we are learning without paying any fees towards this golden opportunity.
Opoku-Asamoa Kwaku
Inter African Christian Missions
Monrovia Liberia
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In the book of The Acts of the Apostles 1: 6-7, even the disciples whom have sat down with Jesus , heard his teachings about the Kingdom of God, saw the miracles he performed, begin to ask political question when the Kingdom of Israel would taken from the Romans occupation. They were thinking on worldly powers while Jesus was thinking on spiritual powers to enable them go all over the land Israel, not Jerusalem alone. And not even Israel alone, but to the end of the earth. Jesus was the Messiah who was revealed not save the Jews only but the entire world. Anyone that believes in him will have eternal life, and will be redeemed from Satanic slavery and become a free man or woman. In Mathew 11:28 Jesus extended an invitation to all whom are caary heavy loads to come to him and he will give them rest to their souls.