DOCSLIB.ORG

Tempted to Sin? Just Say No!

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Tempted to Sin? Just Say No! Please Give Generously to the Pontifical Good Friday Holy Land Collection First Sunday of Lent: Tempted to Sin? Just Say No! The Gospel passage of the Temptation of Jesus is a stark contrast to every person’s struggle with temptation and sin. Jesus is able to resist the cunning enticements of the devil, unlike Adam & Eve, who suc- cumbed to disobedience and their desires to be “like God” (Gen 3:5). Too often we put our desire for pleasure, power and prestige before our love for God. As Jesus shows us, it is only through our obedience to His Word that we will truly be “like God” and reflect His likeness. Christian pilgrims who have visited the Mount of Temptation near Jericho in the Judean wilderness witness the barren and harsh surroundings of the place where Jesus spend forty days in the desert after his baptism by John the Baptist. The Greek Orthodox monastery that is carved in the side of the mountain serves to mark the The Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation sits on the mountainside high above the Judean desert near Jericho Help For Holy Land holy site where Jesus prayed and had his basis and what we are doing to look past Christians confrontation with the devil. Palestinian our own selfish desires and look towards Christians, whose families have lived in this the needs of others. Do we look too much Franciscan Good Friday harsh land since the time of Christ, also for pleasure and gratification from material Collection: face the same temptations as Jesus. They goods and sensible pleasures as a substi- www.myfranciscan.org are caught in the cruel reality of cultural, tute for our relationship with God and with economic and political strife that makes our neighbor? Is the desire for power over daily life a constant struggle. Poverty others at home, work and in the communi- Order of the Holy Sepulchre of caused by lack of opportunities for educa- ty creating an unhealthy balance in the Jerusalem: tion and employment result in difficulties time we give to prayer, worship and chari- feeding, sheltering and clothing their fami- table acts? Has the desire for honor and www.holysepulchre.net lies. The shifting political powers of this prestige created a “treadmill effect” that region lend a constant aura of unrest and has us running away from God, our Crea- uncertainty and the real threat of violence tor, instead of running towards Him? A Latin Patriarchate on a daily basis. The humiliation that must solid remedy for these temptations is to of Jerusalem: be endured by these hardships is always a resolve during this Lent to spend time in www.lpj.org temptation to despair. prayer and fasting to give hope to our Christian brothers and sisters in the Holy As we begin our Lenten journey, it is an Land and to give alms to support their ur- opportune time to take stock of the temp- gent needs through the Pontifical Good tations that we are faced with on a daily Friday Collection. Please Give Generously to the Pontifical Good Friday Holy Land Collection Second Sunday of Lent: Jesus’ Message—“Be Not Afraid” Each Second Sunday of Lent, we hear about the Transfiguration of Our Lord, and this year the Gospel story comes from Matthew. According to tradition, the place of the Transfiguration is Mount Tabor, a solitary mountain that rises over 1600 feet in the lower Galilee region. Atop of the mountain is the Basilica of the Transfigura- tion, highlighted by its twin towers, double altars, and gorgeous mosaics of the Trans- figuration. The Basilica of the Transfigura- tion is owned and maintained by the Fran- ciscan Custody of the Holy Land, who re- ceives financial support from the Good Friday Collection that is taken up in parish- es all over the world. Pilgrims to the Holy The mosaic that adorns the interior dome of the Land take a wild taxi ride up the mountain Church of the Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor and then are blessed with the sight of the beautiful basilica and the incredible views Matthew tells us that Jesus took Peter, tians in the Holy Land are no different. of the Judean countryside. James and John up a high mountain to And they have even greater reasons to fear pray. Before their eyes, Jesus’s face and about their livelihoods and well-being than garments became dazzling white, and Mo- many of us do. They are a significant mi- ses and Elijah joined him in conversation. nority in the land where Jesus was born, Help For Holy Land The disciples were awe-struck. Peter want- lived, died and rose again to save us all Christians ed to build three tents, so they could stay from our sins. Their fears of not being able on the mountaintop and prolong this in- to support their families and of being tar- Franciscan Good Friday credible experience. The Gospel story con- gets of violence and persecution are well Collection: tinues with another miraculous appear- founded. Sadly, many have succumbed to www.myfranciscan.org ance – this time of a cloud that overshad- their fears and have left the Holy Land ows Jesus and a voice is heard saying: “This even though their ancestors were the first is my beloved Son, in whom I am well- Christians who came to believe that Jesus Order of the Holy Sepulchre of pleased; listen to him” (Mt 17:5). On hear- was the Messiah they had longed and wait- Jerusalem: ing this voice, the disciples were struck ed for. In the Gospel story of the Transfig- with fear and fell to the ground. But Jesus uration, we can find a remedy for their www.holysepulchre.net came to console them and told them not fears. Jesus consoled the disciples in their to be afraid. time of fear and trepidation and we can do the same for the Christians in the Holy We hear those words many times in the Latin Patriarchate Land by being generous with our prayers, Scriptures – “Be not afraid.” Yet, how of Jerusalem: fasting and almsgiving for the Pontifical often do we put aside Jesus’ reassuring www.lpj.org Good Friday Collection this Lent that sup- words and succumb to our fears – worries ports the apostolates of the Franciscan about families, jobs, the economy, and Custody of the Holy Land. violence and division in our communities, country and the world today? The Chris- Please Give Generously to the Pontifical Good Friday Holy Land Collection Third Sunday of Lent: Have Courage and Drink Deeply! This week’s Gospel story from the fourth chapter of John features a woman – and even more surprisingly – a Samaritan wom- an. In Jesus’ time, there was much enmity between the Hebrew people and those from Samaria and they did not associate with one another. But, this encounter be- tween the Samaritan woman and Jesus dissolved that barrier between them in a most remarkable way. This Samaritan woman was an outcast, a sinner; but she showed courage. She does not run away when a stranger, that she recognizes is a Jew, asked her for a drink. She stayed and what enfolded was an amazing encounter with the living God. Traffic back-up at a checkpoint in the separation wall in the West Bank When Jesus offers her living water, she is initially confused, but intrigued. In re- ah and she joyfully brings that message to dignity in their daily lives. They do not sponse to her kindness and courage, Jesus, her neighbors. Again, she demonstrates have free access to their work, their in turn, reveals Himself to her as the Messi- her courage – a sinner and an outcast, and schools, their hospitals or their families. a woman - ready to risk her neighbors’ They must file through long lines at these anger and distain to share the Good News. Israeli checkpoints and are totally at the Help For Holy Land whim of security personnel whether they The location of this Gospel story is Jacob’s Christians are permitted to pass through or not. well, which in Jesus’ time was in Samaria. They, like the Samaritan woman, risk being Historic Samaria, which is located in the Franciscan Good Friday targets of bigoted anger and distain as they West Bank, is difficult to get to today, be- Collection: attempt to simply live and survive each cause it is in Palestinian territory that is day. www.myfranciscan.org occupied by the Israeli government. In order for a pilgrim in the Holy Land to en- Have you demonstrated the courage of the ter the village of Nablus and visit Jacob’s Samaritan woman to meet and recognize Order of the Holy Sepulchre of well and the Greek Orthodox Church built an encounter with Christ and to drink of Jerusalem: over it, the tour bus must go through the living water that He offers to you dur- www.holysepulchre.net checkpoints in the separation wall that ing this Lenten season? Are you ready to stretches hundreds of miles through Pales- ask Jesus for the courage to stand up for tinian lands. This area of the West Bank is your neighbors that are targets of anger, Latin Patriarchate very tightly controlled. The Palestinian distain and violence from others? One way of Jerusalem: Christians there, like their Muslim neigh- to be courageous and drink of God’s living bors, have little freedom to travel any- water is to pray for our Christian brothers www.lpj.org where. Like the Samaritan woman, they and sisters in the Holy Land and to support need to have great courage to face the them through giving alms to the Pontifical many obstacles to human freedom and Good Friday Collection this Lent.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Palestine - Walking Through History
    Palestine - Walking through History April 04 - 08, 2019 Cultural Touring | Hiking | Cycling | Jeep touring Masar Ibrahim Al-Khalil is Palestine’s long distance cultural walking route. Extending 330 km from ​ the village of Rummana in the northwest of Jenin to Beit Mirsim southwest of Al-Haram al-Ibrahimi (Ibrahimi Mosque) in Hebron. The route passes through more than fifty cities and villages where travelers can experience the legendary Palestinian hospitality. Beginning with a tour of the major sites in Jerusalem, we are immediately immersed in the complex history of the region. Over the five days, we experience sections of this route, hiking and biking from the green hills of the northern West Bank passing through the desert south of Jericho to Bethlehem. Actively traveling through the varied landscapes, biodiverse areas, archaeological remains, religious sites, and modern day lively villages, we experience rich Palestinian culture and heritage. Palestinians, like their neighboring Arabs, are known for their welcoming warmth and friendliness, important values associated with Abraham (Ibrahim). There is plenty of opportunity to have valuable encounters with local communities who share the generosity of their ancestors along the way, often over a meal of delicious Palestinian cuisine. The food boasts a range of vibrant and flavorsome dishes, sharing culinary traits with Middle Eastern and East Mediterranean regions. Highlights: ● Experience Palestine from a different perspective – insights that go beyond the usual headlines ● Hike and bike through beautiful landscapes ● Witness history in Jerusalem, Sebastiya, Jericho, Bethlehem ● Map of the route ITINERARY Day 1 – 04 April 2019 - Thursday : ​ Our trip begins today with a 8:00am pick-up at the hotel in Aqaba, the location on AdventureNEXT Near East.
    [Show full text]
  • St. Paul's Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and St. Catherine's Monastery at Sinai
    St. Paul’s Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and St. Catherine’s Monastery at Sinai May 17-30, 2011 1 2 A PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND AND ST. CATHERINE’S MONASTERY AT MT. SINAI A Prayer for Pilgrims Lord Jesus, You traveled with Your two disciples to Emmaus after the Resurrection and set their hearts on fire with Your grace. I beg You: travel also with me and gladden my heart with Your Presence. I know, Lord, that I am a pilgrim upon this earth, seeking my true citizenship in heaven. During my pilgrimage, surround me with Your holy angels to guide me and keep me safe from seen and unseen dangers. Grant that I may carry out my plans for this journey and fulfill my expectations according to Your will. Illumine my mind with the incomprehensible light of Your Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor. Help me to see the beauty of all things and to comprehend the wonder of Your truth in everything You have created. For You are the way, the truth and the life, and to You do I give thanks, praise and glory, together with Your Father who is without beginning and Your all Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. AMEN. Why make a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land? For the Christian, Jerusalem – the site of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ - will always be the center of the world. In the course of 20 centuries, millions of Christians have made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, with their goal being Jerusalem as the most important place to journey to and pray at its holy sites – and with Bethlehem a close second.
    [Show full text]
  • Jericho City Profile
    Jericho City Profile Prepared by The Applied Research Institute – Jerusalem Funded by Spanish Cooperation 2012 Palestinian Localities Study Jericho Governorate Acknowledgments ARIJ hereby expresses its deep gratitude to the Spanish agency for International Cooperation for Development (AECID) for their funding of this project. ARIJ is grateful to the Palestinian officials in the ministries, municipalities, joint services councils, town committees and councils, and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) for their assistance and cooperation with the project team members during the data collection process. ARIJ also thanks all the staff who worked throughout the past couple of years towards the accomplishment of this work. 1 Palestinian Localities Study Jericho Governorate Background This report is part of a series of booklets, which contain compiled information about each city, village, and town in the Jericho Governorate. These booklets came as a result of a comprehensive study of all localities in Jericho Governorate, which aims at depicting the overall living conditions in the governorate and presenting developmental plans to assist in developing the livelihood of the population in the area. It was accomplished through the "Village Profiles and Needs Assessment;" the project funded by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development (AECID). The project's objectives are to survey, analyze, and document the available natural, human, socioeconomic and environmental resources, and the existing limitations and needs assessment for the development of the rural and marginalized areas in the Jericho Governorate. In addition, the project aims at preparing strategic developmental programs and activities to mitigate the impact of the current political, social, and economic instability with special emphasize on agriculture, environment and water.
    [Show full text]
  • Jericho Pocket Guide 2 1 Table of Contents
    About Visit Palestine Who We Are: Owned and managed by Alternative Business Solutions; a Ramallah based Marketing & Communications Company, visitpalestine.ps is Palestine’s premier online destination travel guide. The site which was launched in 2008 provides visitor and potential visitors (foreign and locals) with a platform to learn about and plan their trips to Palestine. VisitPalestine is growing rapidly with thousands of users already connected with us via our RSS feed, social media channels, and the website. Designed and maintained by locals, the site brings you the most up to-date information on travel to Palestine. Our Mission: To proactively promote Palestine as a viable and independent destination that is rich in religious, historical, cultural and natural treasures To provide visitors and potential visitors (foreign and locals) with a comprehensive online travel guide to help them plan and book their trips to and within Palestine To engage with potential visitors along every step of their experience (trip planning, actual experience, post departure) through an intricate range of interconnected products and services To support and promote the local tourism industry (directly and indirectly) through promoting Palestine as well as all the tourism service provider Who We Target: VisitPalestine attracts the interests of a wide and diverse range of valued audiences: Thousands of people from all over the world who are interested in or planning a trip Palestine Locals and Expatriate living and working in Palestine Local Tourism stakeholders (hotels, tour operators, guides etc...) International travel agencies and tour operators selling the Holy Land as a tourism destination Travel journalist and media Palestine’s Diaspora community (especially in South America) Jericho Pocket Guide 2 1 Table of Contents City Introduction 4 Jericho Culture & Art Centre 12 12 Sites & Attractions 5 The Jericho Cable Car 13 13 Nabi Musa 7 The Jordan Valley Trail 13 13 Monastery of St.
    [Show full text]
  • Infinity Travel Ltd Presents Challenge Ministries Land
    INFINITY TRAVEL LTD PRESENTS CHALLENGE MINISTRIES LAND OF THE BIBLE WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS ISRAEL & JORDAN RIVER Dwight Knight (Executive Director of Challenge Ministries) speaking at the Sea of Galilee Kenneth Grant (Pastor of Savannah Baptist Temple, Sav. Ga) speaking at Calvary Deen Salami (President of Challenge Ministries) speaking at the Temple Mount Donn Williams (Pastor of Troy Baptist Church, Troy, New Hampshire) speaking at Masada Christopher Salley (Pastor of New Life Community Church, Chicago Heights, IL) speaking at Jordan Viji Roberts (Biblical Eldership Resources, Ontario, Canada) speaking at Jacob’s Well Nathan Bramsen (Global Missionary, Niger, Africa) speaking at the Garden Tomb DEPART JFK 6 SEPTEMBER - RETURN JFK 17 SEPTEMBER, 2017 DETAILS & HIGHLIGHTS OF TOUR - BOOK EARLY LIMITED SPACE • Price: $3,580 per person based on double occupancy – $4,880.00 Single Occupancy. • Price: $2,280.00 child under 12 years sharing in a double occupancy room. • 1st Deposit $500 due 12 December, 2016- 2nd Deposit $1,000 due 3 March, 2017. • Final payment due 30 June 2017 – All payments are non refundable. • International round-trip air transportation. • Israel’s best tour operators and licensed, handpicked tour guides. • Meeting and assistance on arrival at Ben-Gurion Airport in Israel. • 10 hotel nights - porterage for 1 bag per person at airport and hotels. • Fully escorted tours plus Pilgrimage Certificate. • Comprehensive sightseeing tours with English speaking tour guides. • Farewell Dinner at one of Israel’s finest restaurants. • Meal arrangements: Full Israeli buffet breakfast and dinner at hotels. • Entrance fees: National park tickets, Beth Saida, Sea of Galilee boat ride, Masada including 2 way cable car, City of David, Davidson Center with Southern steps, Yad Vashem, Israel Museum.
    [Show full text]
  • Cultural & Heritage Tourism in Palestine
    Alternative TourismJournal Cultural and Heritage Tourism in Palestine: Obstacles and Opportunities Case Study: The City of Jericho Alternative Tourism Journal is an initiative of the Alternative Tourism Group-Study Center Palestine (ATG). It is a journal which offers an alternative narrative of the situation in Palestine and the way it impacts on tourism. ATG is a Palestinian NGO specializing in tours and pilgrimages that include a critical examination of the history, culture, and politics of the Holy Land. ATG operates on the tenets of “justice tourism” and seeks empowerment of the local community through affirmation of Palestinian cultural identity, and protection of eco-rights. Above all, ATG seeks to promote justice in the Holy Land with tourism as one of its instruments. Copyright© ATG- 2020 Published in Palestine by the Alternative Tourism Group-Study Center (ATG) Written & Researched by : Nassar Ibrahim 2 Table of Contents Introduction 4 Thesis 6 Chapter 1: Palestine and the 7 Cultural Tourism and Heritage 1. Cultural Tourism and Heritage 7 2. Palestine and Cultural Tourism 10 3. Elements of Cultural Tourism in Palestine 11 4. Forms of Cultural Tourism 14 5. Threats to Cultural Tourism 16 Chapter 2: Jericho a Model for 18 Cultural Tourism and Heritage 1. Jericho’s Location 18 2. Historical Overview 19 3. Climate 21 4. Jobs Composition for Jericho 21 5. Jericho and Cultural Tourism 22 6. Promoting and Developing Cultural Tourism in Jericho 23 Conclusion and Recommendations 35 Bibliography 36 3 Introduction Tourism in its essence
    [Show full text]
  • Journal & Guide
    Journal & Guide Date:_________________ Name:________________________ Welcome to the journey of a lifetime... walking in the footsteps of Jesus... I have had the privilege to lead several trips to the Holy Land. Each journey brings new discoveries and a deeper appreciation for this land and its people. Israel is unique because it belongs to no other than God Himself. So, in that spirit, consider yourself invited to the Holy land with a Hebrew welcome “Baruch Haba B’Shem Adonai”, “Blessed his he/she who comes in the name of the Lord”. One of the greatest joys is witnessing the transformation in the lives of those who make the Journey. You will see the places you have studied in the Bible; you will walk in the places where Jesus and his disciples lived and taught, and you will see biblical prophecy fulfilled in the miracle that is the land of Israel. It will give you an entirely new perspective on the word of God, and it will renew your faith in the promises of God. ALIYAH is a Hebrew word meaning to ‘go up’ or ‘to return’. I believe that many faithful Christians are being called from around the world to reconnect to the land where their faith was born. I believe that God has spoken to your heart and has something very special to reveal to you. This journey is meant to be life-changing and we will all come to realize that we will never be the same. Shalom, Paul Klassen ISRAELI TRAVELERS BLESSING/PRAYER May it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our fathers, that You should lead us in peace and direct our steps in peace, and guide us in peace, and support us in peace, and cause us to reach our destination in life, health, joy, and peace and return us in peace.
    [Show full text]
  • Pilgrimage Itinerary to the Holy Land March 10-20, 2020
    Pilgrimage Center of the Patriarchal Parishes in USA https://www.orthodoxpilgrimagetours.com [email protected] “From Sinai to Zion” Pilgrimage itinerary to the Holy Land March 10-20, 2020 Dates Place Tour program Overnight Arrival at the Ben Gurion Airport. Meeting with the guide. The 1st day ancient city of Jaffa. Tomb of Tabitha on the Russian site, March 10 Jaffa founded by Father Antonin Kapustin. Transfer to Bethlehem. Bethlehem Tuesday Hotel accommodation. Transfer to the Sinai Peninsula. Hotel accommodation. Tour of the Saint Catherine's Monastery. Veneration of the relics of St. 2nd day Catherine. The Burning Bush. Monastery gardens. Ossuary in March 11 Sinai Sinai Saint Catherine's Monastery. Monastery Museum. Ancient Wednesday manuscripts. Sinai Savior Icon. 3rd day Night climb to Mount Horeb (Mount Moses). Liturgy at the top March 12 Sinai of the mountain. Climb down. Rest on the beach. Sinai Thursday Return to Israel. The Negev Desert. The mysterious civilization 4th day of the Nabataeans in the Mamshit National Park. Traces of March 13 The Negev ancient Byzantine cities. Return to Bethlehem. Hotel Bethlehem Friday accommodation. Bethlehem - a detailed tour of the Church of the Nativity. Jerusalem - the City of David. Siloam Font. Abbey of Saint Mary of the Valley of Jehosaphat. The Church of Mary Magdalene, 5th day Bethlehem where the relics of two martyred saints, Grand Duchess Bethlehem March 14 Jerusalem Elizabeth Feodorovna of Russia and her fellow nun Varvara are Saturday located. Stone of believing of Apostle Thomas. The miraculous icon of Hodegetria "Gethsemane." Walking tour of the Old City. Garden of Gethsemane.
    [Show full text]
  • Annex 4: Current Situation of Tourism
    Annex 4 JERICHO Regional Development Study Current Situation of Tourism ANNEX 4: CURRENT SITUATION OF TOURISM 1. Tourism Resources Since pre-historic times, the Jordan Rift Valley area has been a passageway for many civilizations and a cross-road for the tracks of history. The many different civilizations that lived in the area contributed towards the unique culture of the Jordan Rift Valley area. Abundant historical and cultural remains were left behind during the passage of the many different civilizations and the exchange of human activities. These remains are now recognized as valuable cultural and historical assets and are regional tourist attractions. The major assets in the Greater Jericho are introduced below. Figure 4.1.1 Location of Historical Sites (1) Tell es-Sultan / Old Jericho City Built 10,000 Years Ago In the 19th century, part of Jericho City wall was discovered by a British archaeologist team and was found to be part of the oldest city in the world, built approximately 8000 BC. The mild climate and water resources in the valley attracted people, and settlements grew to form a city. The Jordan Rift Valley and Dead Sea area is also known to have been the place where agricultural activities first started using the fertile AN4-1 Annex 4 JERICHO Regional Development Study Current Situation of Tourism agricultural land. Then the people of Jericho built the city walls to protect themselves from invasions and attacks. The remains of the city wall and ruins show that Jericho City received frequent attacks. Currently, Jericho is known as the oldest city existing in the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Holy Land Pilgrimage 2017 Barnes
    Pilgrimage to the HOLY LAND November 6 - 17, 2017 Day 1, November 6 Send off Mass at St. Nick’s There’s always one in the crowd! Day 2, November 7 Arrive in Tel Aviv We arrive at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport in the evening. We meet Rami, our tour guide, and Roy Schoeman. We then drive along the Mediterranean coast to Stella Maris in Haifa, Israel, our home for one night. <<< Trafficated for sure! Day 2, November 7 Stella Maris on Mount Carmel - Haifa Stella Maris is the largest Carmelite Monastery and world center of the Order. Day 2, November 7 Stella Maris on Mount Carmel - Haifa Stella Maris is also the home of the prophets Elijah and Elisha and is built above the very cave where Elijah lived. Day 3, November 8 Muhraqa - Haifa Jezreel Valley, which during the course of 7,000 years has seen countless battles. The Book of Revelation identifies this spot as the place where the final battle of Armageddon will be fought. Place where Elijah had his famous duel with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Day 3, November 8 Muhraqa - Haifa Statue and altar commemorating the duel. In the base of the altar are 12 local stones, according to the number of the tribes. Day 3, November 8 Nazareth St. Joseph’s carpentry shop located near the Church of the Annunciation. Day 3, November 8 Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth Day 3, November 8 Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth Just behind the altar is the actual room in which Mary said “yes” to the angel Gabriel.
    [Show full text]
  • Matthew Chapter 4:1-11 Why Was Jesus Tested/Tempted? in Matthew
    Matthew Chapter 4:1-11 Why Was Jesus Tested/Tempted? In Matthew 1:1, the gospel writer states that Jesus is the Christ. For the next two chapters he supports that pronouncement by demonstrating that Jesus’ genealogy (1:1- 17) birth (1:18-25), worship (2:1-12), persecution (2:13-18), and early life (2:19-23) are a continuous unfolding and fulfillment of Old Testament scripture proving this statement. In chapter 3 he addresses the need of a scriptural anointing to the office he has come to fill, that of high priest. Now in chapter 4 there is but one more topic to address before beginning his ministry— Jesus’ qualifications for being considered “…a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19, ESV). Jesus had to be sinless. So now the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness where he will repeat the temptation of God’s first son, “Israel.” All these are Jesus’ credentials, the proof of his qualifications for his mission as Messiah. The purpose of the temptation of Jesus is found in the failure of Israel to live a life obedient to God’s word. Jesus will now, acting as a true Israelite and representative of the nation, fully obey the Father as He suffers the testing and temptations that national Israel failed to endure—especially illustrated in the wilderness wandering under Moses. He will endure and succeed in their place and in so doing lay His obedience to the account of His elect. In context, it is important to remember that chapter 4 follows the baptism of Jesus in chapter 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Pilgrimage to the Holyland
    PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLYLAND DAY 01: BEGINNING OUR PILGRIMAGE Depart North America the room of the Last Supper, Church of the Dormition and then visit the via jet service. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board. Church of St. Peter in Gailicantu built on the site of the house of Caiaphas which encloses the dungeon where Christ was kept on Holy DAY 02: INTO THE LAND OF THE BIBLE Upon arrival in the Thursday night and where Peter denied Christ thrice. afternoon, you will be met by our representative who will assist you with formalities. A luxury motorcoach will transfer you to your hotel in DAY 07: MOUNTAINS OF JERUSALEM Drive to the Mount of Tel Aviv. Olives and visit the Church of the Ascension, the spot where Christ ascended into Heaven; the Pater Noster Church commemorating Christ’s DAY 03: ALL THE PAST YEARS WITH HISTORY This morning teaching of the Our Father to his disciples; Dominus Fievit, the spot drive along the shores of the Mediterranean to Caesarea Martima on the where Christ wept over Jerusalem and onwards to Gethsemane to view Plains of Sharon to visit the ruins of the Crusader's City, surrounded by the ancient Olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane and to visit the a moat and a city wall enclosing the ruins of the Roman city. Visit the Church of All Nations which houses the Rock of the Agony of Christ on Roman Theater. Continue to Haifa, visiting Mount Carmel and the Holy Thursday; in this Church is a beautiful mosaic donated by the Shrine of Our Lady of Mt.
    [Show full text]