A Visit With Jesus Bible Narratives

Bible Narratives

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Testament

The Tearing of the Curtain (Veil) of the Temple

There was a finely woven curtain hanging at the heart of the house of worship, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies). Priests were allowed to minister in the Holy Place regularly, but only once a year could the high priest pass through the inner curtain into the immediate presence of God ( Ex. 26:33–35; Lev. 16:2). The curtain, in effect, perpetually guarded the entrance to the holiest holy place.

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The Ten Commandments

At Mount Sinai, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments as part of His covenant with Israel (Exodus 20:1-17). These laws taught the Israelites how to live in obedience to God and how to treat others.

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The Transfiguration

Jesus was transfigured on a mountain before Peter, James, and John, and His appearance became radiant while Moses and Elijah appeared with Him. A voice from heaven declared Jesus to be God's Son (Matthew 17:1-5).

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The Watchers (Genesis 6)

Genesis 6 describes the "sons of God" and the Nephilim before the flood. Later Jewish writings called these beings Watchers and described them as angels who came to earth and contributed to the corruption of humanity before the flood.

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Touch Me Not

Jesus says "Touch Me not' when approached by Mary Magdalene following his resurrection. But why doesn't he wish to be touched?

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Tower of Babel

After the flood, people spoke one language and settled in the land of Shinar, where they decided to build a city and a tower reaching to the heavens (Genesis 11:1-4). God confused their language and scattered them across the earth, and the place was called Babel (Genesis 11:7-9).

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Was There A Tower of Babel?

The story of Nimrod's attempt to build a tower "to heaven" is not without evidence.

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What is Paradise?

There are two thieves hanging on a cross next to Jesus. One is mocking but the other is contrite. He asks Jesus to remember him when Jesus comes into His kingdom. Jesus answered him, saying, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ But where and what is that?

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What was "Accomplished" on the Cross?

Tetelestai!" It was a Greek expression most everyone present would have understood. It was an accounting term. Archaeologists have found papyrus tax receipts with "Tetelestai" written across them, meaning "paid in full."

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Where Were Sodom and Gomorrah?

From childhood, many children have learned the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, two ancient cities that were destroyed by God because of their wickedness. For some readers, this tale seems unbelievable, prompting them to consider the report little more than an allegorical fable. But can modern science and archeology provide any evidence in support of such a story?

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Which James?

James was a common name in Biblical times, leading to some confusion when trying to distinguish between characters in the Gospels.

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Who was Joseph of Arimathea?

Joseph of Arimathea is a Biblical figure who took responsibility for the burial of Jesus after his crucifixion. Three of the four canonical Gospels identify him as a member of the Sanhedrin. According to the Gospel of Matthew. he was a rich, secret disciple of Jesus.

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Narratives

While some Bible narratives can be taken at face value, others require some knowledge of the places, times and customs involved in order to be fully appreciated. Absent such context, scripture can sometimes leave the reader with an inaccurate view of the event.

Where knowledge of translational difficulties can help our understanding, it is also true that one must resist the understandable temptation to look at the text through the lens of a modern cultural context.

In this section, narratives are presented that we hope may bring a clearer picture of certain Bible stories.