Sinai to Zion notes – Episode 4

Maranatha Global Bible Study

The Return of Jesus

Joel Richardson

YHVH Kills the Competition

The culmination of the confrontation is the parting of the Red Sea.

I. The Lord in a pillar of cloud (Exodus 13:21-22)

A. The Canaanites referred to their god Ba’al as “the cloud rider”, but the Lord himself appeared in the cloud and revealed Himself to be the cloud rider ( Exodus 14:19 )

II. The parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13-31)

A. The Lord didn’t invite Israel to partner with Him in this instance, but rather to stand still and watch what He would do (Exodus 14:13-14)

B. As He had divided the waters in the beginning of creation, so the Lord divided the waters of the Red Sea in a mighty demonstration of power (Exodus 14:16)

C. The Lord put the terror of Himself in the heart of His enemies and the fear of Himself in the hearts of the Israelites through this event (Exodus 14:25, Exodus 14:31)

D. The word used in Hebrew is yam , meaning a sea or ocean, not a shallow marsh or little river.

III. The victory hymn of Moses ( Exodus 15:1-21 )

A. YHVH is a Warrior; YHVH is his name ( Exodus 15:3 )

1. 1. As at the beginning, even so at the end of the story, the divine Warrior will return
    ( Revelation 19:11 )

Sinai to Zion notes – Episode 3

Maranatha Global Bible Study

The Return of Jesus

Joel Richardson

When YHVH Flexed

Because the Exodus account is a love story, it is fitting that the Lord begins by “strutting” or displaying His absolute superiority.

I. The Lord picked a fight, initiating a very direct head-on confrontation with Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler in the world.

A. It began with a very direct demand (Exodus 7:2)

B. The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that He could demonstrate His power in front of all the people (Exodus 7:3-6)

- - 1. In keeping with the theme of picking a fight, it is appropriate that the Lord described his own actions as “laying His hand” or “stretching out His hand” against Pharaoh and his armies.

II. The tools that the Lord used were the eleven plagues, better referred to as “miraculous signs”.

A. These are the way the Lord was progressively demonstrating His power and providing multiple chances to repent.

1. 1. 1. Moses’ staff becomes a snake
    2. The Nile River turns into blood
    3. Swarms of frogs
    4. Gnat infestation
    5. Fly infestation
    6. Death of the Egyptian livestock
    7. Breakout of boils
    8. Hail
    9. Locusts
    10. Darkness
    11. Death of the firstborn

III. One of the overarching statements throughout the Exodus is “Don’t forget. Remember” (Exodus 13:3)

A. Before leaving Egypt, the Lord established two related ongoing feasts – the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 13:6-10)

Sinai to Zion Notes – Episode 2

Maranatha Global Bible Study

The Return of Jesus

Joel Richardson

The Exodus Romance

The foundational story of the Exodus is the key that unlocks a proper understanding of
the second coming. The entire story is intended to be understood as a betrothal or a marriage ceremony.

I. The ultimate, last, or greater Exodus forms the very backbone of the story of Jesus’ return.

To appreciate this story properly,

A. we must understand Torah rightly.

We need to have a proper understanding of the role of Torah within the story of redemption of Israel. The Torah should be seen as something beautiful, a marriage covenant God made with Israel.

B. we must understand Israel rightly

A central factor in how the nations will be judged is how they treated Israel during the years of crisis leading up to the Lord’s return. Matthew 25:31-46.

C. we must understand the story rightly

We need to see the whole story as a love story. 1 John 4:8-10

II. From the very onset of the story, the Lord made His intentions to Israel absolutely clear

He was going to deliver her from bondage to the false gods of Egypt, to
take her as His own, and to be her God forever. (Exodus 6:6–7)

- The metaphor of marriage God chose to use to describe His relationship with Israel is only a metaphor.
- Within the phrase “I will take you to be my people” (Exodus 6:7), the key word is “take” (Hebrew: laqach). It entails the idea of taking a bride in marriage.
  (Genesis 11:29, Genesis 21:21, Genesis 24:67, Genesis 36:2)

Sinai to Zion notes – Episode 1

Maranatha Global Bible Study

The Return of Jesus

Joel Richardson

Introduction

From the beginning of the Bible to the end, the return of Jesus, the restoration of all things, and the establishment of the Kingdom of God is the primary focus of all hope, yearning, and prophetic expectation. This has been the primary groan and cry of the righteous.

Recovering the Maranatha Cry ( 1 Corinthians 16:22 )

Throughout the Scriptures, the righteous are defined as “those who wait”. The word “wait” also entails “hope”.

Isaiah 40:31
Psalm 25:3
Psalm 37:9
Psalm 147:11
Lamentations 3:25
Hebrews 9:28
Philippians 3:20-21
1 Peter 1:13
Revelation 22:17

The Return of the Lord is

Justice Oriented (Psalm 68:1)
Hope Oriented (Hebrews 6:19)
Fellowship Oriented (Hebrews 10:23–25)
Holiness Oriented (1 John 3:2–3; Titus 2:11–13)
Great Commission/Gospel Oriented (Matthew 24:14)

Matthew 7:24-29

Building on the Rock

Matthew 7:24

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them

James 1.22-25 provides an excellent commentary on doing the word.

Who are we fooling if we only listen to the word and do not seek to practice it? (James 1:22)

a wise man who built his house on the rock

Which is harder, to build a house on a foundation of rock, or in a broad sandy place (like a wadi)?
Sometimes the way of wisdom is harder than the way of foolishness. But it leads to better results in the end.

St Georges Monastery in the wilderness of Judea. Built 4th century.

Matthew 7:25

it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock

What approach to God’s instruction leads to lasting fruit? ( James 1:25 )

Matthew 7:26

According to Jesus, what is the difference between a wise person and a foolish person?
Why is it easier to build a house in a wadi (sandy stream bed) than on a rocky place?

wadi a valley, ravine, or channel that is dry except in the rainy season. (Oxford Languages)

Matthew 7:27

what ultimate event is Jesus referring to here? Philippians 2:14-16

Matthew 7:28-29 – Jesus’ authority

- What was it about Jesus’ teaching that drew this response from people?
- What stands out for you about Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount?

Matthew 7:21-23

Who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven [KIngdom of God]?

Review of last week’s notes (A Tree and its Fruit)

Matthew 7:21-23

[21] Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

The word Lord comes from a Greek root that refers to ownership. The original meaning of the English word was equivalent to Master. If you called someone your Lord or Master, you were acknowledging that this person had absolute ownership and property rights over you.

See Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 17:7-10, John 15:13-15.

So, then, what does it mean to call Jesus Lord?
Who does Jesus say will enter the Kingdom?
How is this possible? See Matthew 12:33-34. Who can make the tree good?

[22] On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name [= by your authority], and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name [= by your authority]?”.

On that day refers to what day?
Isaiah 2:12, 17-18 – The Lord of hosts will deal with human pride and rebellion on that Day
Joel 2:30-32 – Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord (in repentance) will be saved
1 Corinthians 3:10-17, 2 Corinthians 5:10 – We will have to give an account of the quality of our service on that Day
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 – We don’t need to be afraid if we are in Christ, but we do need to daily put on Christ and choose to walk in obedience

[23] And then will I declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”

I never knew you. The word translated know is the same word used for sexual intimacy. It is not just referring to intellectual knowledge or passing acquaintance. It is referring to a deep, heart-level connection, not only of the emotions but of the will.

you workers of lawlessness.
See Philippians 1:15-18. Why does God allow those who proclaim Christ with insincere motives to continue?
What does it mean to say I know the Lord ?
See 1 John 1:5-7, 1 John 3:1-10

Song I want to know you

Matthew 7:15-20

A Tree and its Fruit

(True and False Prophets)

Overview of Matthew 7:15-20

In the first century there were many who positioned themselves as Messiahs. Some of the Pharisees were in league with some of these false Messiahs. Here Jesus addresses the issue of true and false spiritual leadership. He focusses on integrity of heart.

Matthew 7:15

According to these words of Jesus, how are we to evaluate the validity of a spiritual leader?
See 1 Samuel 16:7. What is the connection with Jesus’ words about false prophets?
What does the analogy of a wolf suggest about the character of a leader?

Matthew 7:16-18

What is Jesus saying here about the source of righteous actions? See Luke 6:43-45, Matthew 12:33-35.
If we want to bear good fruit, what do we need to focus on? Proverbs 4:23.

Matthew 7:19

According to Jesus, what is the end result for those who have an unrepentant heart?

Bonus Questions

Mercy for Sinners

Is Jesus merciful? See Luke 5:30-32
See Matthew 3:4-8. What is meant by bear fruit in keeping with repentance ?

Prayer Points from the Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 6:9-15. The Lord’s Prayer.

May the day come when You are seen as Holy (revered) by all (Matthew 6:9)
May your Kingdom come (Matthew 6:10) – See also Luke 13:29, Matthew 13:36-43
Daily needs in this age ( Matthew 6:11-13)
The priority of forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15)

Matthew 6:25-34. Dealing with anxiety.

Part 1. Do not be anxious (Matthew 6:25-30 )

The Greek word for be anxious denotes a state of distraction in which we are unable to focus productively on the main thing.
What three examples did Jesus give his first disciples of things they might be anxious about?
Most of us don’t have to worry about food or clothing for tomorrow. Do we become anxious about other things? What things?
When our thoughts are dominated by anxiety about our needs or concerns, how does this affect our relationship with God?
Is God able and willing to provide for those who put their hope in Him?

Part 2. How to put anxiety in its place ( Matthew 6:31-34 )

What does it mean to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) ?
Why does Jesus mention righteousness here?
What assurance does he give to us about the things that we might be anxious about?
Who alone knows what will happen tomorrow? ( Matthew 6:34 )

Matthew 7:7-8. Ask, Seek, Knock.

See also Luke 11:9-10
Do you think these verses are general advice about all sorts of prayer requests, or do you think Jesus has something more specific in mind?
See Matthew 6:31-33.
What might Jesus be encouraging us to seek?

Matthew 7:9-11. Father gives good gifts.

See also Luke 11:11-13.
When we are discontent, distressed or anxious, what sorts of comforts does our flesh (sinful nature) prompt us to seek?
See Matthew 6:30-32.
In the midst of a dark age, why do we need to be reminded that the Father wants to give us good gifts?
See Matthew 6:32-33.
See Luke 11:13 and Ephesians 1:13-14.
Why is the Holy Spirit the best gift the Father could give us?

Conclusions

God knows what you are concerned about every day
Keep your eyes on HIs coming Kingdom. Don’t let the cares of this life distract you.
Philippians 4:6-7

Matthew 7:7-14

Review – Matthew 5:3-12 . The Beatitudes

Brief review by Peter
How would you summarize the point of the Beatitudes in one or two sentences?

If you want to dig deeper, check out my notes on the Beatitudes from February 2023.

Matthew 7:7-8. Ask, Seek, Knock.

See also Luke 11:9-10
Do you think these verses are general advice about all sorts of prayer requests, or do you think Jesus has something more specific in mind?
See Matthew 6:31-33.
What might Jesus be encouraging us to seek?

Matthew 7:9-11. Father gives good gifts.

See also Luke 11:11-13.
When we are discontent, distressed or anxious, what sorts of comforts does our flesh (sinful nature) prompt us to seek?
See Matthew 6:30-32.
In the midst of a dark age, why do we need to be reminded that the Father wants to give us good gifts?
See Matthew 6:32-33.
See Luke 11:13 and Ephesians 1:13-14.
Why is the Holy Spirit the best gift the Father could give us?

Matthew 7:12. The Golden Rule.

Rabbi Hillel taught a very similar principle, although his teaching was to avoid doing to others what you would not want them to do to you. See this comment.
Jesus was reminding his listeners of things they were already supposed to know, but as usual, he takes it to another level.
What is the simple but profound challenge of this saying?

Matthew 7:13-14. The Narrow and the Broad Road.

Why is the way to eternal life narrow?

Jesus – Messiah of Israel, Light of the Gentiles

Luke 1:26-38 – A visit from an angel

vs 32 – The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David (see 2 Samuel 7:12-16)
vs 33 – He will reign over the house of Jacob forever

Luke 2:22-35 – The prophecy of Simeon

vs 30-31 my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples
vs 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel
vs 34 Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.

Acts 2-7 – many Jews believe, persecution increases

Acts 4:4 – many who heard the word believed
Acts 7:58-59 – stoning of Stephen
Acts 8:1 – And there arose … a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem

Acts 28:17-28 – Salvation to the Gentiles

Acts 28:24 – some [Jewish leaders in Rome] were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved
Acts 28:28 – this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen

Romans 11:11-32 – Gentiles grafted in

vs 11 – So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous.
vs 18 – do not be arrogant towards the branches…remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you
vs 25-26 – a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved.

Ephesians 2:11-22 – One new man

vs 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
vs 17-18 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Ephesians 3:10 – The wisdom of God

that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

History of Jewish faith in Jesus (aka Messianic Judaism)

Here is a brief summary of the history of Jewish belief in Jesus, based on the longer article referenced in the link.

AD 30 – 70 Many jews came to faith in Jesus. Leaders of Israel mostly rejected him.
AD 70 – Jerusalem destroyed by the Romans. Jews who believed in Jesus fled to Pella. Seen as disloyal by other Jews.
AD 135 – Jewish revolt, Bar Kochba (a revolutionary) declared as Messiah by Rabbi Akiba, Jews who believe in Jesus reject Bar Kochba as a false Messiah
AD 135 – AD 400 – Jews who believe in Jesus are gradually pushed out of the Jewish community and rejected by Gentile Christians. A curse on Nazarenes (Jews who believe in Jesus) is added to the synagogue service.
AD 400 – 1800 – Though the church is now almost totally Gentile, and Jews are frequently harshly persecuted by Gentiles, small numbers of Jews continue to come to faith in Jesus. The majority view among Gentile Christianity is that God has rejected Israel and chosen the Gentile church instead.
AD 1800 – 1900 – The Hebrew Christian movement takes root and grows. Disraeli.
AD 1900 – 1948 – Zionism, the Holocaust
AD 1948 – the State of Israel is founded
AD 1948 – 2023 – Messianic Judaism is born and continues to grow.