CLICK HERE for the corresponding devotional in Yeshua Adored<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nEarly calls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
JOHN 1:15-51<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nOur focus shifts to John the Baptist and, particularly, the question about his identification with Elijah. The answer lies in understanding the difference between Old Testament times and Gospel times. When it was stated that the spirit and power of Elijah could restore all things<\/em> (Matthew 17:11), we need to consider this in an Old Testament mindset, with the accent on outward deeds and by outward means. But \u2018the spirit and power\u2019 of the Elijah of the New Testament, which was to accomplish inward<\/em> restoration through the reality of the Kingdom of God, could only accomplish that object if \u2018they received it\u2019, if \u2018they knew him<\/em>.\u2019 So, John was not really Elijah to Israel but represented him in his mission to call people to repentance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis question was posed by a \u2018deputation\u2019 sent from Jerusalem. This would have been from the Sanhedrin, with the Pharisees (Perushim<\/em> \u2013 separated ones) taking the leading role. History has shown us that the Pharisees of this time were not held in too high esteem by some Rabbis. The Talmud talks of seven kinds of Pharisees, being quite insulting to six of them and also speaks of \u2018a plague of Phariseeism\u2019 in one or two places. Nevertheless, they were closer to God\u2019s Word than the liberal and worldly Sadducees, who rejected the traditionalism of the Pharisees and also had contrary views on the afterlife, Angels and the concept of predestination; in fact, they rejected all three!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe day after Jesus had left the wilderness, John saw him and remarked, \u2018Behold, the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sin of the world!\u2019<\/em> he was considering \u2018The Servant of Jehovah<\/em>\u2019 from Isaiah 53, but also the Passover lamb and the daily sacrifice. All three ideas are expressed in this single exclamation. It is from the teacher, Hillel, that much of the symbolism is expanded, the importance of this sacrifice regarding the forgiveness of sin. The Hebrew word for lambs is kebhasim<\/em> and this is derived from kabhas<\/em>, \u2018to wash\u2019, from where we make the connection, \u2018because they wash away the sins of Israel.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\nWe next find Jesus in the Galilee area with the calling of his first disciples, followed by the events at Cana, with the wedding. The circumstances suggest the wedding of a virgin, rather than a widow and tradition demanded that this would be on a Wednesday (or perhaps the Tuesday night). This serves to cement events into reality, with Jesus returning from the wilderness on a Friday, followed by John\u2019s remarks. Then, on the Sabbath. He met the two disciples, returning to Galilee on the Sunday \u2013 the beginning of his active ministry<\/em> – followed by the wedding at Cana three days later.<\/p>\n\n\n\nReturning to that Sabbath, John the Baptist stood with Andrew and one other (probably the gospel writer, John, himself). They had come to be taught by him, but not for long. The call to follow Jesus was compelling. It needed no direction of John, no call from Jesus. But as they went in modest silence, in the dawn of their rising faith, scarcely conscious of the what and the why, they referred to him as Rabbi<\/em>, \u2018my Teacher.\u2019 His response, \u2018Come and see<\/em>\u2019 is among the most common Rabbinic formulae. Andrew then recruited his brother, Simon, to the cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThen it was Sunday morning. He was preparing to return to Galilee. It was probably a distance of about twenty miles from here to Cana. By the way, two other disciples \u2013 Nathanael (God-given<\/em> \u2013 later known as Bartholomew) and Philip – were to be added. He now had five disciples (possibly six, if John had recruited his brother James by then).<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is an extract from the book, Jesus : Life and Times<\/strong>, available for \u00a314.99 at https:\/\/www.sppublishing.com\/jesus-life-and-times-a-clash-of-kingdomsand-the-triumph-of-mercy-376-p.asp<\/a> (Finalist for Academic Book of the year<\/em> at 2023 CRT awards)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"13th November 2023 CLICK HERE for the corresponding devotional in Yeshua Adored Early calls JOHN 1:15-51 Our focus shifts to John the Baptist and, particularly, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[29,8],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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