Yeshua heals a woman with a back deformity, but the condition may have also been symbolic of the spiritually oppressed. Kingdom parables of the mustard seed and yeast in dough teach that God will build the kingdom from humble, oppressed beginnings to become greater than any superpower.
The only winter celebration mentioned in the Gospels is the festival of Dedication, or Chanukah. Yeshua was at the Temple during that eight-day celebration and stated boldly, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). This caps a string of clashes between Yeshua and certain religious leaders — recorded in John 7-10 and covering a two-month period from Sukkot, or the festival of Tabernacles, to Chanukah — over whether Yeshua was the Messiah.
Many ask something like, “Why do the good die young and the evil seem to live forever?” Yeshua answered two questions about whether sin brought on two tragedies at that time by saying those weren’t punishment for sin, but all need to take notice that a big disaster for Israel — Rome’s destruction of Yerushalayim — was coming and need turn back to God.
Some believers in God’s Messiah become enraptured with Bible study and/or prophecy to understand “hidden” meaning and timelines for the Day of the Lord. In Luke 12 and Matthew 6, Yeshua continued a parable-filled teaching on how God wants one to be truly prepared for that day: preparing one’s heart and mind then doing God-ordained tasks in the real world.
God instructs His people to open their hands and share the abundance of God’s blessings with those who need help. Yeshua weaved together teachings on greed, charity and wealth.
Prayer serves as a vital means of two-way communication with God, grounded in Scripture, and requires humility and persistence. Historical references indicate that early followers of Jesus frequently recited the Lord’s Prayer, demonstrating active faith rather than passive belief. Key biblical examples emphasize the importance of trust and reliability in earnest communion with God. As believers express their faith, they should acknowledge God’s unwavering trustworthiness. Ultimately, our response to God’s promises should be one of acceptance and action, demonstrating true faith.
True communication with God involves attentive listening, confirming receipt of His messages, and resisting distractions. Key lessons discussed include the importance of focused prayer, as exemplified by Hannah, who prayed quietly to avoid distractions. The Shema highlights the need to love God wholeheartedly through prayer, fasting, and charity. Persistence in prayer, contrasted with vain repetition, showcases the importance of trust in God. Ultimately, communication with God fosters community, guiding believers toward His will without leading them into temptation or sin.