47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”
48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”
Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
Matthew 13:31-32
31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.
32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows,
it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree,
so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”
Luke 21
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”
10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.
13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer,
15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name's sake.
18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.
20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.
33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.
Why did Jesus look up?
Jesus loved to sit. He sat to teach. Jesus sat as he ate, reclining. Jesus was known to love to eat, to fellowship and Jesus was called a glutton and a drinker.
Our Jesus is sitting in this Chapter of Luke's Gospel. It's interesting to think, Jesus is also sitting smack dab in Heaven. Jesus told us when Jesus is near, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. And we will return to this thought soon.
Physically, Jesus is sitting in the Temple. Making the Temple the Kingdom of Heaven, absolutely.
A view of the large Court of the Women, also known as the Treasury in the Gospels. This court was as far as women were allowed to proceed into the Temple. Four high towers, two of which we see here in this model, each carried four golden lamps which were lit during the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus may have referred to these lights in John 8.12.
These steps had 13 Contribution Steps. This ended where Women could enter the Temple. Jesus witnessed the poor widow put her coins here. The trumpets made noise to "show" alms and prevent theft.
The inner area of the Temple contained three courts. The easternmost court was the Court of the Women, and it contained the Temple treasury where people donated their money (Mk 12:41-44). Three gates led into this court, one on the north, one on the south, and a third on the east. This third gate on the east side is almost certainly the "Beautiful Gate" that was mention in Acts 3. A fourth gate, which was much larger and ornate led from the Court of the Women west into the Court of Israel (women could proceed no further), which was elevated 15 steps higher than the Court of Women.
The 13 Contribution Chests or Steps (Trumpets)
According to the Mishnah (2,5) the Women's Court was just over 200 feet (60.96 m) square between bounding lines. Each court on the outside was 60 feet (ca. 18 meters) square. The colonnade ran around the court, and within it, against the wall, the thirteen chests, or 'trumpets,' for charitable contributions were placed.
These thirteen chests, wooden boxes, were narrow at the mouth and wide at the bottom, shaped like trumpets. There were actually eleven treasure chests of the Temple for the voluntary offerings of money, and then also two at the gates, for the half-shekel tax.
Their specific objects were carefully marked on them. Nine were for the receipt of what was legally due by worshipers; the other four for strictly voluntary gifts.
Trumpets 1 and 2 were appropriated to the half-shekel Temple-tribute of the current and of the past year.
Into Trumpet 3 those women brought turtledoves for a burnt / sin offering dropped their equivalent in money, which was daily taken out and a corresponding number of turtledoves offered.
This saved the labor of steps and allowed modesty of those who might not wish to have their offering publicly known. This trumpet, Mary the mother of Jesus, dropped her offering (Luke 2:22,24) when the aged Simeon took the infant Savior 'in his arms, and blessed God.'
Court of the Women that during the Triumphal Entry the children cried out in the Temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Matthew 21.15. The Court of Women would tell us Jesus taught women frequently.
Tragically, after Judas had betrayed Jesus, knowing that he had condemned himself, he cast the thirty pieces of silver “in the Temple” Matthew 27.3-5. This would not have happened in the Sanctuary, but in this court where the thirteen money boxes were located.
Continuing the tradition of Jesus’ teaching in the Treasury, the disciples taught here too on a daily basis. In Acts 5.20,42, we read that Peter and John were commanded to do so by an Angel of the Lord. Multitudes are recorded flooding the Temple and the areas surrounding the Temple.
And aptly on VE Day, Josephus recorded 'Multitudes' would be around 2 million.
The Same as Times Square on VE Day. Same as The Book of Acts.
Figs.
In the time when sugar canes weren't to be found. Not Brown Sugar nor White Sugar. Less sticky in a land where water is scarce. Something very sweet is given.
Amos 3:7
“For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets."
1 Corinthians 14:3
On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.
Jesus looks at the Court of Women,
and Jesus explains bringing favor to all of us. Comfortably.
Luke 2:9-10
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be
for
all the people."
Jesus gives us advice for troubled times.
And we have to see the layers of what Jesus is saying. He isn't just saying the end of the world. He is giving advice in the Ruin of Judea in 70 A.D. He is telling the Essenes. Jesus is teaching the Jews in Rome. Jesus is teaching the Jewish and Christian dispersion. Jesus is teaching Peter and Paul. Jesus is telling us about - today.
Jesus isn't just telling us humanism faith saves us. See that not everything is win win. God will use the Purpose.
Jesus is teaching us to find, see, acknowledge, enjoy, ask for, seek find, the favor of God, our Father.
When the walls are shaken, from what we considered secure. It's best to keep Jesus.
Do not be led astray. Jesus tells us to know Scripture is to know the Power of God.
Settle God in your mind. Seek God First. God will use the Purpose.
The profound gratitude we have not to even live this, Biblical Tribulation. We do not even have the Spanish Flu - people saw so many die and children. To truly examine this Chapter in such trouble - they literally would be shaking to read this Chapter. The unbelievable, unexplainable mercy our Children Enjoy Today.
However, we have several monetary and various issues. In times in our lives, we will all face being hated. Instead - Notice the Stock Market. We have not seen panic. There is faith. Belief we have God's favor. 80% of the USA prays daily and believes Father God hears them. I believe the Polio prayers of our parents and grandparents are answered - today. This generation has worked so hard to parent well. God has noticed and appreciated. Love is honored. God's Power and His Glory is Love.
Do we want the powers of the Heavens shaken? You bet, when our hope is upon God's Miracles and Acts. Love.
"Now when these things begin to take place,
straighten up and raise your heads,
because
your redemption is drawing near.”
straighten up and raise your heads,
because
your redemption is drawing near.”
In our desire to understand the Covid-19 Virus, now we believe children to not infect adults or grandparents. Doesn't anyone see this as MIRACULOUS... and the oil from the BP Spill was suddenly ... gone. One more amazing ~ God does this.
Awaken your hearts!
“Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.
As soon as they come out in leaf,
you see for yourselves and know
the summer is already near.
So also, when you see these things taking place,
you know
that the Kingdom of God is near.
Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away
until all has taken place.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
But not a hair of your head will perish.
By your endurance you will gain your lives.
GOD PROVIDES
Abba, Our Father!
Thank You. The Children. This is Mother's Day Week.
Thank You, in Your Wonders, we are Blessed to know You see and Love us.
We see Your Mercy.
We are never too down, to help - pray, encourage, hope, care and love - for one another.
Respect. When Jesus taught - He praised the good hearts, giving hearts. Jesus gave to All.
Our Wonderful Jesus looks to give respect and honor.
Help us not to go too fast, even during stay at home, or hurry to work,
to not see with Joy, Your Wonders.
When we find the Warmth You give on the Road to Emmaus,
we Know the Power of Your Living Word - Jesus.
We can believe,
the work God has given mankind,
as God has seen blessings flow all over His Good Creation.
You, our Heavenly Father, will provide for us.
Jesus Christ, pray for us, Speak Your Word, bring more Heaven to earth.
Help us to seek You first and Your Kingdom.
To Live Love, Joy and Peace. Uphold those we Love. We Trust You.
We ask for the virus to end and Joy in Recovery.
We pray for Your Word to be Spoken. We pray for a vaccine.
God Himself Bless, Sustain, Comfort, Guide
President Donald Trump,
Vice President Pence,
Governor Abbott and these 50 United States Governors.
The Administration Coronavirus Response Team, Dr. Deborah Birx, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Robert Redfield
and
The Willing Blessings of Jesus Christ, Amen.
We ask Your Mercy on this world.
You, Father God, in Jesus save the world.
And Protect us from natural disasters. Please.
Amen.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †
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