Gospels
11 articles
WAS IT HARSH AND UNFAIR?
By John W. Moore Imagine the ridicule and the stares! The man from Nazareth, Jesus, the curious teacher from the temple, had just mixed his saliva with dirt from the ground and wiped it on a poor blind man’s eyes! Steps leading down to the Pool of Siloam located at the southern end of the eastern hill in Jerusalem Steps leading down to the Pool of Siloam located at the southern end of the eastern hill in JerusalemThen, on top of that, he told the blind man to walk from where they stood near...
THE WIND WAS AGAINST THEM
A Helpful Look at a Powerful Story The Sea of Galilee from Mount Arbel and the Plains of Gennesaret below The Sea of Galilee from Mount Arbel and the Plains of Gennesaret belowThe disciples of Jesus rowed painfully throughout the night to navigate their ship. In the early morning hours their battered vessel was still some three miles from the shore. When night seems its darkest, the unthinkable gradually unfolded before their eyes. It was a ghostly figure moving upon the surface of the deep,...
Not One Stone Upon Another
Southwestern corner of the Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount Southwestern corner of the Haram Al-Sharif/Temple MountIn 1998 it was my first time to see it. A massive wall made of limestone towered above me with the remains of a wide ancient street at its base. I was standing at the southwestern corner of Jerusalem's famed Temple Mount not knowing then of its significance and place in Bible prophecy. Today, however, I am amazed and enthralled with not only the importance of this ancient wall and...
What Happens When You Murder a child?
Exploring the Burial Site of King Herod "the Great" by John W. Moore all photo rights reserved by Bible Passages but can be used with permission The Herodium - Herod's Burial Site and Fortress Palace near Bethlehem The Herodium - Herod's Burial Site and Fortress Palace near BethlehemWhen Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Herod the Great was ruling Judea under the authority of Rome. During his nearly 40-year reign he commissioned the construction of numerous civic buildings, public works...
"Away in a Manger, but Not in a Barn"
From the Iron Age Period a Stone manger discovered at Megiddo in Israel From the Iron Age Period a Stone manger discovered at Megiddo in IsraelAway in a Manger, But Not in a Barn” is part of a title in an excellent article written by Gary Byers who argues that Jesus was born on the lower level of a typical Palestinian home of the first century. He notes that “baby Jesus [was] placed in a manger on the ground floor of David’s ancestral home in Bethlehem because the upstairs ‘guest room’ was...
SON OF A DEAD GOD at CAESAREA PHILIPPI
It’s NOT what you might expect. Instead of a dry, dusty place, northern Israel is lush and abundant with vegetation, especially in the area of the Dan Nature Preserve. Nestled at the base of Mount Hermon, the spring and tropical environment of ancient Panias (pictured above) is situated along the geographic region of the fertile crescent near the Golan Heights. It was an ideal location for settlers, farmers, and traders who took advantage of not only the moderate temperatures, but also the...
The Scourging of Jesus at a Palace of Luxury
By John W. Moore When visitors arrive to the old city of Jerusalem, they are met by a cacophony of sounds and an array of odors and fragrances. They also encounter the hustle and bustle of residents moving through the crowded streets on their way to the market, or perhaps to their favorite restaurant or place of residence.In the northern section of the Muslim and Christian quarters, visitors and residents alike may also find themselves having to navigate a line of Christian pilgrims carrying...
The Greatest Fishing Story Ever Told
Jordan Moore The biggest fish I ever caught got away before I could prove it with a picture. It’s a typical fish story, but it’s true! My dad and I landed our biggest catfish ever – upwards of 30 pounds. But before we could weigh it, Dad lifted up the stringer to show it off and to our utter horror, the fish fell from the stringer into the water, never to be seen again. Our blunder? We made the poor decision to run the stringer through the fish’s lip instead of its gills and the weight of...
ISOLATED AND HURTING
Humanity once lived in a pristine world. God’s love allowed freedom of choice, but sin changed everything. Disease and pain entered the scene and the earth became corrupt. Fellowship with God was severed, and a righteous God could not ignore sin, nor could his love neglect the sinner. So, he initiated a plan to punish wrongdoing and restore a fallen world. To be both just and the justifier of sinners, God sent his son to suffer on our behalf and to endure the penalty of sin. At Calvary he was...
A MOUNTAIN OF TEARS
Head covered, barefoot and weeping, King David climbed the Mount of Olives in hurried flight. The Kingdom was in turmoil.
When Jesus Asked Questions
While He was teaching, Jesus was recorded to have asked well over 300+ questions of His listeners.