Earlier, I offered Capernaum as one of my favorite sites to visit. A popular magazine recently listed the town as one of the ten most important archaelogical sites in the Holy Land.
Let's revisit Capernaum! I enjoy everything about the site from strolling along the long approach to the entrance, to the smells of springtime from the adjacent fields, to the impressive remains of the synagogue, to the house of Peter's mother-in-law, to the hovering modern church.
If not a favorite of Jesus, Capernaum was certainly the town of choice as his headquarters for the Galilean ministry. When the gospel writers tell us that Jesus left Nazareth and took up residence in Capernaum, the move is significant. Obviously, Capernaum was larger than Nazareth and more strategically located on the International Highway. You might say that the world passed by the town, making it easier for the gospel of the kingdom of God to be proclaimed to the nations.
Perhaps less obvious, the transition to Capernaum marked a shift in Jesus' interpretation of Torah and an embrace of a more inclusive Judaism. Capernaum's synagogue followed the teachings of Hillel.
Capernaum provided great opportunities for Jesus and his ministry! The events and his teachings there hold promise for our instruction and future discipleship.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
THE DAY OF ATONEMENT
Today is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Let us join our Jewish friends in celebrating the atoning God!
After Sabbath, the highest of the High Holy Days is Yom Kippur. This day is given to a twenty-five hour fast, repentance, and a cessation of labor. Observant Jews wear white clothing and canvas sneakers. The wearing of leather shoes is prohibited. The day is spent in the synagogue for services.
The book of Jonah is read. In Jonah, God is revealed as forgiving of the repentant of all nations.
Most of all, this day carries a sense of urgency. Time is fleeting! God awaits but will not wait forever. Judgment is sure. Let us all, this day, repent and believe the good news. Our atoning God is near.
After Sabbath, the highest of the High Holy Days is Yom Kippur. This day is given to a twenty-five hour fast, repentance, and a cessation of labor. Observant Jews wear white clothing and canvas sneakers. The wearing of leather shoes is prohibited. The day is spent in the synagogue for services.
The book of Jonah is read. In Jonah, God is revealed as forgiving of the repentant of all nations.
Most of all, this day carries a sense of urgency. Time is fleeting! God awaits but will not wait forever. Judgment is sure. Let us all, this day, repent and believe the good news. Our atoning God is near.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
ST. PETER'S HOUSE IN CAPERNAUM AMONG TOP TEN
Top ten lists abound. David Letterman takes great delight with his upside-down lists. You, no doubt, have used this popular format.
In regards to my travel and study in the land, I am often asked as to my favorite places to visit. While I certainly have my favorite sites and vistas, I am hard pressed to limit them to ten.
Among the ten would be Capernaum by the sea of Galilee and often referred to as "the hometown of Jesus." Therefore, I was pleased to see Capernaum occupying a position of prominence on Biblical Archaeology Review's "Ten Top Discoveries." This popular magazine recently published its 200th issue with this article on favorite finds throughout the years.
Just sample a part of the article which highlights Capernaum:
"As first reported in BAR more than 25 years ago, Italian excavators working in Capernaum may have actually uncovered the remnants of the humble dwelling Jesus once called home while in Capernaum.
Buried beneath the remains of a Byzantine martyrium church, excavators found the ruins of a rather mundane dwelling dating to the first century B.C. Although slightly larger than most, the house was a simple structure supported by coarse basalt fieldstone walls and roofed with nothing more than earth and straw. Like most early Roman-period houses, it consisted of a few small rooms clustered around two open courtyards. In a word, the house was ordinary. According to the excavators, however, it is what happened to the house after the middle of the first century A.D. that marked it as exceptional and most likely the home of Peter.
In the years immediately following Jesus’ death, the function of the house changed dramatically. The house’s main room was completely plastered over from floor to ceiling—a rarity for houses of the day. At about the same time, the house’s pottery, which had previously been basic domestic wares such as cooking pots and bowls, now consisted entirely of large storage jars and oil lamps. Such radical alterations indicate that the house no longer functioned as a residence but instead had become a place for communal gatherings, possibly even Christian gatherings.
More important, the excavators found that during the ensuing centuries, the plastered room from the original house had been renovated and converted into the central hall of a rudimentary church. The room’s old stone walls were buttressed by a newly built two-story-high arch that, in turn, supported a new stone roof. The room was even replastered and painted over with floral and geometric designs of various colors.
The Christian character of the building was confirmed by more than a hundred graffiti scratched into the church’s walls. Most of the inscriptions, according to the excavators, say things like “Lord Jesus Christ help thy servant” or “Christ have mercy.” They are written in Greek, Syriac or Hebrew and are sometimes accompanied by etchings of small crosses or, in one case, a boat. The excavators claim that the name of St. Peter is mentioned in several graffiti, although many scholars now dispute these readings."
For the entire article and this special edition of BAR, visit your favorite bookstore or order online at www.biblicalarchaeology.org.
Also, for more as to Capernaum's place among the towns of Galilee in the time of Jesus, let's talk back in subsequent blogs.
In regards to my travel and study in the land, I am often asked as to my favorite places to visit. While I certainly have my favorite sites and vistas, I am hard pressed to limit them to ten.
Among the ten would be Capernaum by the sea of Galilee and often referred to as "the hometown of Jesus." Therefore, I was pleased to see Capernaum occupying a position of prominence on Biblical Archaeology Review's "Ten Top Discoveries." This popular magazine recently published its 200th issue with this article on favorite finds throughout the years.
Just sample a part of the article which highlights Capernaum:
"As first reported in BAR more than 25 years ago, Italian excavators working in Capernaum may have actually uncovered the remnants of the humble dwelling Jesus once called home while in Capernaum.
Buried beneath the remains of a Byzantine martyrium church, excavators found the ruins of a rather mundane dwelling dating to the first century B.C. Although slightly larger than most, the house was a simple structure supported by coarse basalt fieldstone walls and roofed with nothing more than earth and straw. Like most early Roman-period houses, it consisted of a few small rooms clustered around two open courtyards. In a word, the house was ordinary. According to the excavators, however, it is what happened to the house after the middle of the first century A.D. that marked it as exceptional and most likely the home of Peter.
In the years immediately following Jesus’ death, the function of the house changed dramatically. The house’s main room was completely plastered over from floor to ceiling—a rarity for houses of the day. At about the same time, the house’s pottery, which had previously been basic domestic wares such as cooking pots and bowls, now consisted entirely of large storage jars and oil lamps. Such radical alterations indicate that the house no longer functioned as a residence but instead had become a place for communal gatherings, possibly even Christian gatherings.
More important, the excavators found that during the ensuing centuries, the plastered room from the original house had been renovated and converted into the central hall of a rudimentary church. The room’s old stone walls were buttressed by a newly built two-story-high arch that, in turn, supported a new stone roof. The room was even replastered and painted over with floral and geometric designs of various colors.
The Christian character of the building was confirmed by more than a hundred graffiti scratched into the church’s walls. Most of the inscriptions, according to the excavators, say things like “Lord Jesus Christ help thy servant” or “Christ have mercy.” They are written in Greek, Syriac or Hebrew and are sometimes accompanied by etchings of small crosses or, in one case, a boat. The excavators claim that the name of St. Peter is mentioned in several graffiti, although many scholars now dispute these readings."
For the entire article and this special edition of BAR, visit your favorite bookstore or order online at www.biblicalarchaeology.org.
Also, for more as to Capernaum's place among the towns of Galilee in the time of Jesus, let's talk back in subsequent blogs.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
THE HOSPITALITY STATE
Recently, we entertained friends from Jerusalem in our home. They work and teach in Bethlehem. We had a joyous time eating together, sharing stories and remembering happy times in the land.
My initial emotion was one of gratitude. I was happy for the chance to return hospitality for hospitality shown to us by them. Our friends, like many in the land, are gracious and generous people. In Israel and Palestine, hospitality is highly valued as in biblical times.
In the time of Jesus, five acts of hospitality were expected in welcoming the stranger. They were the offering of a cup of water, the provision of a meal, the washing of feet, the anointing of the head, and the greeting with a kiss. A breach in hospitality was a serious departure from custom.
During the course of our visit, I began entertaining some unsettling thoughts. While I was generous toward my friends, would I be equally so toward a stranger?
Hospitality in the scriptures focuses on the stranger. Jesus once challenged the disciples to love those who love you but not to stop there.
I am a native of Mississippi. Mississippi styles itself as "the hospitality state." If I must say so myself, we have a nice way of welcoming folks. But it has not always been that way. We have grown in our inclusion of friend and stranger.
Obviously, I am on this journey also. As I entertain friends, so I seek to welcome all.
My initial emotion was one of gratitude. I was happy for the chance to return hospitality for hospitality shown to us by them. Our friends, like many in the land, are gracious and generous people. In Israel and Palestine, hospitality is highly valued as in biblical times.
In the time of Jesus, five acts of hospitality were expected in welcoming the stranger. They were the offering of a cup of water, the provision of a meal, the washing of feet, the anointing of the head, and the greeting with a kiss. A breach in hospitality was a serious departure from custom.
During the course of our visit, I began entertaining some unsettling thoughts. While I was generous toward my friends, would I be equally so toward a stranger?
Hospitality in the scriptures focuses on the stranger. Jesus once challenged the disciples to love those who love you but not to stop there.
I am a native of Mississippi. Mississippi styles itself as "the hospitality state." If I must say so myself, we have a nice way of welcoming folks. But it has not always been that way. We have grown in our inclusion of friend and stranger.
Obviously, I am on this journey also. As I entertain friends, so I seek to welcome all.
Friday, August 21, 2009
READER OR WRITER?
My friend surprised me when he declared: "I am a reader, not a writer." He was answering my question regarding his retirement plans. I thought that I knew my friend. I definitely felt that he had contributions to make as a writer. His assessment of himself was obviously different from mine.
I have turned this over in my mind for sometime. With this blog, I evidently think of myself as a writer. I too think of myself as a reader. Both/and, not either/or!
But some of us think of ourselves only in terms of a reader. You may be one of those persons who is most comfortable with a good book and not a pad and pencil.
If so, let me share a good read. Remember, I consider myself both/and. The book is entitled Sitting at the Feet of the Rabbi Jesus. It is written by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg and published by Zondervan. The subtitle, How the Jewishness of Jesus Can Transform Your Faith, describes best what the book has to offer you. You will find it in most bookstores.
Happy reading!
I have turned this over in my mind for sometime. With this blog, I evidently think of myself as a writer. I too think of myself as a reader. Both/and, not either/or!
But some of us think of ourselves only in terms of a reader. You may be one of those persons who is most comfortable with a good book and not a pad and pencil.
If so, let me share a good read. Remember, I consider myself both/and. The book is entitled Sitting at the Feet of the Rabbi Jesus. It is written by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg and published by Zondervan. The subtitle, How the Jewishness of Jesus Can Transform Your Faith, describes best what the book has to offer you. You will find it in most bookstores.
Happy reading!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
News to Make One Smile
Little in the news today makes one smile. Nevertheless, I smiled broadly at the news of the recent opening of the Museum of the Good Samaritan in Israel. The museum is located on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. The site is purported to be that of biblical Ma'ale Adumim and the inn of the Good Samaritan.
The smile, of course, is evoked by the attempt to identify and locate this new enterprise according to details in a parable of Jesus. While the story contains details which are identifiable
and events that might have taken place, the truth is that it is parable and not history.
The museum contains artifacts inspired by the well-known parable of Jesus. There is an open-air display of mosaics and other exhibits.
While I will be tempted to visit on my next trip to Israel, I am more apt to visit anew the parable found in Luke 10: 25-37. Even better, I will seek to do as the Good Samaritan did.
For more, travel to www.bib-arch.org/news.
The smile, of course, is evoked by the attempt to identify and locate this new enterprise according to details in a parable of Jesus. While the story contains details which are identifiable
and events that might have taken place, the truth is that it is parable and not history.
The museum contains artifacts inspired by the well-known parable of Jesus. There is an open-air display of mosaics and other exhibits.
While I will be tempted to visit on my next trip to Israel, I am more apt to visit anew the parable found in Luke 10: 25-37. Even better, I will seek to do as the Good Samaritan did.
For more, travel to www.bib-arch.org/news.
Monday, July 6, 2009
ED MCMAHON, MEET ANDREW OF BETHSAIDA
Last week, Ed McMahon died. McMahon was the longtime sidekick of Johnny Carson. Unanimously, commentators referred to McMahon as the great "second fiddle." We will not soon forget his stepping aside at the beginning of every Tonight Show and welcoming Carson with "here's Johnny!"
Centuries earlier, Andrew of Bethsaida played the role of a great "second fiddle." He was the brother of the more famous Simon Peter. In fact, the Gospel of John (John 1:40) refers to Andrew as "Simon Peter's brother." Although he came first to Jesus, Andrew remained in the shadows of the "big fisherman."
Ed McMahon never seemed to chafe against his role. He never revealed any bitterness. Of course, some might say that he was paid handsomely for being a second fiddle. Even better, McMahon was gifted in other ways.
Andrew, the disciple of Jesus, seemed to embrace his role humbly as well. After all, he had gifts too. You might say that his gift was that of an "introducer." Three times he appears in the gospels (John 1:42; John 6:8; John 12:22),and each time he is introducing people to Jesus. In addition to bringing his brother, Andrew brings a boy to Jesus. The lad has loaves and fishes which Jesus uses in the feeding of the 5,000. Andrew later, along with Philip, brings Greeks to Jesus.
Andrew's strength was also that of Ed McMahon. They spent much of their lives introducing people while playing well the role of second fiddle.
As we remember and give thanks for Ed McMahon and Andrew, may we also learn from them to run to our strengths even if it means playing second fiddle.
Centuries earlier, Andrew of Bethsaida played the role of a great "second fiddle." He was the brother of the more famous Simon Peter. In fact, the Gospel of John (John 1:40) refers to Andrew as "Simon Peter's brother." Although he came first to Jesus, Andrew remained in the shadows of the "big fisherman."
Ed McMahon never seemed to chafe against his role. He never revealed any bitterness. Of course, some might say that he was paid handsomely for being a second fiddle. Even better, McMahon was gifted in other ways.
Andrew, the disciple of Jesus, seemed to embrace his role humbly as well. After all, he had gifts too. You might say that his gift was that of an "introducer." Three times he appears in the gospels (John 1:42; John 6:8; John 12:22),and each time he is introducing people to Jesus. In addition to bringing his brother, Andrew brings a boy to Jesus. The lad has loaves and fishes which Jesus uses in the feeding of the 5,000. Andrew later, along with Philip, brings Greeks to Jesus.
Andrew's strength was also that of Ed McMahon. They spent much of their lives introducing people while playing well the role of second fiddle.
As we remember and give thanks for Ed McMahon and Andrew, may we also learn from them to run to our strengths even if it means playing second fiddle.
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