October 11, 2010
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Lots of thought-provoking questions from my classes…
Why did it seem to be “no big deal” that Esther married a pagan foreigner, when during the same time period, Ezra and Nehemiah were actually sending away the foreign wives and children? When Ezra heard of intermarriage with the pagans, he even said, “I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled. Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of this unfaithfulness of the exiles” (Ezra 9:3-4; see also Nehemiah 10:30).
The large crowds called “Hosanna!” to Jesus as he entered Jerusalem–hoping he would battle the evil invaders. Probable background in the minds of the whole crowd was the Maccabeans, with Simon Maccabeus 200 years earlier coming into Jerusalem, and defeating the pagan invaders. Yet then what did Jesus do–instead of attacking the hated foreigners, he “cleansed” fellow Jews by his actions in the temple. Thus, the crowds quickly turned against him.
We learn in Acts 6 that the Hellenistic Jews were to serve tables. Then why, right after this, do we see 2 of them preaching! (Stephen–chp. 7; Phillip–chp. 8). What does it mean then, “to serve tables”?
Why does Hebrews 11.30 switch from “by faith…(name of person)” to say “by faith…the walls of Jericho fell”? Why does it not say that Joshua had faith? Or that the people marching had faith?
In Acts 3:6 Peter boldly proclaims: “Silver and gold I have none.” According to many, he was not talking about money, but about idols. What is the OT context?: idols were made out of gold and silver. So what was Peter saying: “I don’t have idols, but I do have the Messiah!” (Thus: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” Acts 3:6).
Here’s some pictures of some Chicago adventures:
Jonathon getting some reading done on the train to downtown Chicago…
The kids looking out the “Skydeck” at the 103 floor at the Sears tower! (er, Willis tower)….
