As I've shared before, as we follow the journey through the gospels, it seems like the core of Jesus' ministry lasted about three years - perhaps not a full three years, but based on how many trips to Jerusalem he made, and how many Passovers went by, it's definitely into the third year. And so we can break down the rest of the gospels into sections based on each year, and where Jesus was (Judea or Galilee).
But just be prepared for the fact that the material in the gospels is not spread evenly over the three years - there is more stuff we know about in some sections of the ministry than in others. And though we will talk about it, our goal is not really to figure out the chronology or geography - it's probably impossible to really nail these things down with certainty - rather, like the Church fathers, our goal is to understand the meaning of what's happening and what Jesus is teaching.
Also, keep in mind that just because we place something like a teaching of Jesus within the first year or second year or whatever, it is probably the case that Jesus taught many of the same things many times - so we should not assume he only preached the sermon on the mount once, for example. With all that in mind, the next four sections that cover the first year would look like this:
Year 1A Galilee
Year 1A Judea
Year 1B Galilee
Year 1B Judea
This Saturday we will begin the section I'm calling Year 1A Galilee, which includes the calling of the disciples, the wedding at Cana, and the beginning of the preaching in Capernaum. I can't wait to dig in! See you Saturday!
Dear friends - Please take 10 minutes to watch this personal update from me:
I'm back, up and running, and ready to go - I should have a new JOURNEY episode within the next week or so - and because you are my loyal peeps, here is an exclusive, just-for-you, behind the scenes SNEAK PEEK into my new office:
I mentioned in The Journey that I wrote a song based on Isaiah 2, which is one of my favorite OT passages:
In days to come, the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest mountain, and raised above the hills.
All nations shall stream toward it. Many peoples shall come and say:
“Come, let us go up to the Lord’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, That he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations, and set terms for many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. House of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
I hope you like the song!
The problem with us men is that often we don't have the wisdom to be a father until we're a grandfather.
This may sounds like some ironic statement that makes you nod your head in agreement but shrug your shoulders in resignation, thinking, well there's nothing we can do about that. But the practical application of that is that it demonstrates how important it is for kids to grow up around their grandparents. But as in our culture the family becomes ever more fractured and spread out, that is harder and harder to do.
Lately I've been thinking that part of the problem is the whole concept of college. It used to be that everyone thought a person had to go to college to make a good living. Not only is that not the case (truck drivers make more money than I do) but now college has gone from useless to actually ruining our kids. But when I went to college, what you were supposed to do is figure out what career you wanted (as if anyone knows that at age 18) and then go away to the college ...
And don't forget, if you would like to read my latest novel:
The Sword and the Clover - just let me know by email.
I'm happy to send you the PDF version, even if you haven't been a monetary supporter of the community - all I ask is that you don't share it with anyone else.
My email address:
Keep in touch!
JIm
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