Character in Context

This is a sort of "part two" on the Parable of the Sower as we delve into Isaiah 6 to talk about parallels between God warning His people about upcoming disaster during the reign of King Uzziah and Yeshua crying out to first-century Israel. In both situations, decisions had to be made and loyalties decided that would govern the fate of God's people. But this wasn't a "back then" sort of thing--this is an every day decision.

Yes, I have taught the Parable of the Sower before, but not like this! This time I am going to teach it within the context of not only the agricultural practices of ancient Israel, but I am also going to tie the different kinds of soil in some possibly surprising ways to the disciples.

Teaching this is always emotional for me. We're going to talk about the family of God today, the "fictive" kinship group that joins together every believer from the very beginning (whether we like it or not). Ironically, what brings on this discussion is the episode of rejection by Yeshua's/Jesus's own family who are convinced that he is "existemi" or psychologically deranged. What is membership in the family of God based upon and why was this so controversial?

There are a few questions that every preacher, teacher, and pastor have been asked countless times and one of them is, "What does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit? I am afraid I've done it without knowing it." This week we will be covering the famous Beelzebul controversy and looking into two very serious rejections in Yeshua's/Jesus's life and ministry.

With the five controversy dialogues behind us, what will be the consequences? This week we will start with a brand new theme (while still keeping all the old ones) that will be carried through to the end of the Gospel--insiders vs outsiders. Yeshua/Jesus will respond to His rejection by both the self-proclaimed and semi-official Jewish leadership by choosing the building blocks of his new community. He will begin with the Twelve and build from there. We'll be talking about disciples vs customers and why it is so important that we have the calling of the Twelve directly after being mobbed by those desperate for healing at the seashore.