New Testament

In Jesus’ day there was no “New Testament.” His Bible was what we call the “Old Testament” or “Hebrew Scriptures.” The words were written on scrolls, which were unrolled and read in the synagogue. One day Jesus comes into the synagogue in Nazareth on the Sabbath day and is asked to read from the prophet Isaiah. So he unrolls the scroll and reads, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, for the Lord God has anointed me to bring good news to the poor….” When he is finished reading he rolls the scroll back up and says, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” What does he mean? What thoughts go through the minds of the teachers and people around him? Scandalous! Arrogant! Untrue! Jesus is telling them that he IS the New Testament. Of course, he doesn’t use those words, but he is telling them that with him there is a new beginning, a fulfillment of the old, an inauguration of a new way of living. And yes, it turned things upside down.

This Sunday, Jan. 26, we continue Making Sense of the Bible with The New Testament in Fifteen Minutes.  As you would expect I’ll talk about Jesus and his main things, and some about the apostle, Paul. One thing to think about…how does Jesus ask us to continue his New Testament story? Come and see….

A prayer for today:  Come, Holy Spirit, and fill our hearts with your peace.  We ask for your guidance for our daily lives, for decisions we must make, for words we need to say, for work we do.  Bless us with your grace. Give us your heart of love to overcome hearts of anxiety, fear, and anger. Give your wisdom to our government, world leaders, and all leaders that they might seek the best for your people. Give your wisdom to our church that we might carry out your mission in the world. Strengthen and uplift this day and always.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings, Sharon