On Christ as the Branch from the Stump. “Joseph took his family and they settled in a town called Nazareth, so that what was spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled…. He shall be called a Nazarene (meaning ‘branch’).” (Matt. 2:23). The striking words of the angel Gabriel to Mary at the Annunciation had historical meaning …
The Tops of the Mulberry Trees. “Then the Philistines went up once again and deployed themselves in the Valley of Rephaim. Therefore David inquired of the Lord, and He said, ‘You shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when you …
Flourish like a Tree. “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like the cedar of Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courtyards of our God. Even in old age they will be vigorous, still full of sap, still bearing fruit, proclaiming that the Lord …
The Voice that Splits the Cedars and Opens the Graves. “… the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty sea. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars; the voice of the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon…” (Psalm …
Walking Trees in Bethsaida: A Healing. Please read Mark 8:22-26. (There are no parallel passages in the Gospels). CONTEXT. Sandwiched around this healing of the blind man were significant gospel events. a. Jesus had just fed 4,000 people in the middle of nowhere, multiplying seven little loaves of bread and a handful of fish. (Mark 8:1-10). …
Zacchaeus and the Sycamore Tree. “And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house!’ So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.” (Luke 19:5-6). (Please read the story of Zacchaeus in Luke …
The Oaks of Mamre. Oh, if only trees could talk, what tales they could tell. Take the famous oak grove found in Mamre, an area in Hebron straight east of the Dead Sea. These oaks would tell us that that famous landmark was where Abraham pitched his tent for many years. That grove saw a …
The Parable of the Barren Tree. Please read Luke 13:6-9. THE CONTEXT. a. The early parts of this chapter in Luke refer to Jesus’ call for national repentance. This parable, more allegorical than most of his parables, continues that theme of repentance, only the story is directed toward the Jewish leadership, the pious ones, especially in the Temple. This …
On Wisdom as a Tree of Life. “The ways of wisdom are sweet and pleasant, always drawing you into the place of wholeness and peace. Seeking wisdom brings the discovery of untold blessings, for she is a tree of life to those who grasp her. Whoever holds fast to wisdom will be made happy.” (Proverbs …
The Jewish Wedding and Jesus – The Wedding Feast at Cana. “This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed His glory. And the disciples believed in Him.” (John 2:11). Please read John 2:1-11. Cana. A tiny village about nine miles north of Nazareth in the Galilee region, Cana was about midway if one where …
The Jewish Wedding and Jesus – The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. “While the five foolish bridesmaids were out buying oil, the bridegroom appeared. Those who were ready and waiting were escorted inside with him and the wedding party to enjoy the feast. And then the door was locked. Later, the five foolish bridesmaids came running …
The Jewish Wedding and Jesus – The Wedding Crowns. As far as marital symbols go, it’s tough to beat wedding rings. They symbolize solid faithfulness and life-long commitment. The circular rings reminds us of eternity, of the lifelong nature of their commitment, and of the Source of Love that lasts forever. Rings are worn on the …