Summary of New Testament From a Jewish Point of View Class - February 13, 2023

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We had a good turnout on Monday, February 13, 2023!  Jo Ann, Dan, Steve, Karen, Dave, Ruth, Merrill, Randy, Robin, Jay, Norky, and Neil attended.   We were so glad to have Randy and Robin back after their trip to Australia and New Zealand.  

We covered quite a bit of material since we read Chapters One, Two, and Three of Hebrews.

Below is a summary of what we learned and discussed written by Dan:

While reading these initial chapters of Hebrews, it is obvious this book is not a letter to anyone in particular but rather an essay or sermon. The unnamed author immediately throws a lot of information about Jesus at us, all about what his being the son of God means. One cannot imagine this Jesus sitting around a fire on the shores of the Sea of Galilee roasting fish with his disciples.

The author of Hebrews describes Jesus as the son of God who existed before the world was created, “heir of all things” and through whom the universe was made. Not bad for a simple man from Nazareth. Evidently there were some ideas about Jesus that the author wanted to get across:

1. Jesus was not an angel - he was the son of God. 
2. Jesus was greater than Moses or the prophets

We reflected on the idea that the covenant God made with Israel could be broken by God and another group of people, the church, could take Israel’s place. It doesn’t seem possible.

Additions from Jo Ann:

Several people were included in our Misheberach healing prayer.  Singing it together doesn’t sound that great on Zoom even with Sheri’s beautiful piano playing in the background, but it seems to be a very special time each week for you group.  

We also had a fun conversation before our study together about “two Bs”: Bagels and Bidets!  We also enjoyed hearing after the study about Randy and Robin’s trip. 

As always, if I missed anything that should be included in this summary, please add by clicking the comment button below.


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