C. B.'s Notes Taken During Teachings in Israel
Day 7 Saturday, March 27, 2004
Gen. 14:17-14:20
Israel 2004: On Mount Scopus,
with a view of the dome of the rock (gold dome). Can see most of Jerusalem, including the Church of the holy sepuchur (silver dome -- just above and to the left of the gold dome).
Psalm 122 (or 117) -- We said on way into Jerusalem.
Solomon's dedications.
Matt 23
Israel 2004 In Dominus Flavius. "Jesus Wept":
If come over the backside,
17.3 miles to Jerico.
Would have come down just the way we came. Entered on Palm Sunday.
Would have seen temple just where we see the dome of the rock. The temple -- 17 stories, gleaming white Rock. The gates are the golden gates -- now bricked up.
In Dominus Flavius. "Jesus Wept"
Daniel 9 dates coming of Messiah at AD 32. He came in not in humility, but as a king. Roman fortress overlooks. They could see everything as it comes in. Have been under military occupation for 700 years.
Why palm branches? Greeting the Messiah and giving the finger to the Romans. He came in and did not deal with the Romans, but the religious leaders
Day 9 Monday, March 29, 2004
Ex. 12:1 Israel 2004: In the wilderness (desert). The Negev. Gila teaches.
In an Oasis. As the Jewish
people wandered in the wilderness, they may have
stopped in Oasis like this. Would want to camp in
oasis -- not in the sun, not in the open desert.
Gila tells a story.
Genesis appocrapha of the Dead Sea Scolls.
She now talks about Abraham ( Gen 12:1-8)
Gen 12:9 Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev
Abramham went right through here on way to Egypt.
Reads all of Gen 12.
She then talks about Bill's reading when we went into Jerusalem. Jerusalem, even before Abraham was monotheistic. Very interesting.
Reference Gen 20. Also reference Bill Moyers.
Genesis Aprocrapha: A beautiful is her face. Goes on and on about her beauty. Fairer than all other women. Also very wise. Abram in the first person.
In Deuteromony, Moses speaks in first person.
Finish about the camels.
First reference to camels. Some don't beleive that
there were camels in Abram's time. Some believe that
camels are just evidence of Abrams great weath.
Camel's milk is highly nutricious. Very high in vitamins. Almost like breast milk. Bedwins live on camel milk and live long because of it.
Camel can loose as much as 30% of body weight in water. In a half hour camel can replace the water. Camel chips very dry -- good for fire.
Headresses (Kafia)-- can breath through them. Can see through them. Never go out in sun without something on head. Gets cold at night. Need something for neck and head. Dress for cold, not the heat. Harder to shiver than to sweat. Can also use the kafia to filter water.
Wilderness. Desert. Just one word in the Hebrew. This is it, whatever you want to call it.
About Sara. Gave her to king. Gave her to Pharoh. Did he sleep with her? Perhaps the plague was impotence? Perhaps he did. Don't have to be a "goody goody" to function as an instrument of God.
Num. 20:1
Israel 2004: Desert of Zin, Bill teaches about Miriam.
This is where Miriam died.
Also see Num 12.
An excercis. A place divergence from the text. Miriam is very popular. That is why there are so many Mary's in the bible.
See Ex 2. The birth of Moses. The princess of Egypt would bath every day. In a special place (a private place). Moses' mother knew where the princess bathed. The Nile flows fast. Bet she threw a stick in the Nile to make sure where it would go. Moses' mother put the basket into the water just so that it would go to the princess.
"She saw him crying" (The Hebrew reads) This is the time (first time?) where God brings together a baby's tears and a womens heart.
Moses' sister (Miriam) went to go spy. She knew just where to go. She was there. Do you want me to find a nursemaid for her? Sure. Goes and gets his (her) mother.
Now Moses' mother saves her baby, helps bring him up, and is paid to do it.
Moses and Paul are the smartest people in the bible. Parallel figures in the Bible. Moses was the giver of the Law. Paul was the giver of Grace.
Moses saw a Hebrew being whipped. Had a temper. Did not just tell him to stop. Killed him. Ran.
Miriam was probably raised in Egypt. Moses came back and took Miriam out of Egypt, into the wilderness of Zin. Where we are now.
Moses married Zipporah.
(Little Bird) Troubled marrage. See
Nu 12.
Miriam and Aaron began to speak against Moses because of his Cushite wife.
"[Moses was a] Very humble man. More humble than anyone." Moses writes this. Nu 12:3.
Num. 12:10 When the cloud lifted from above the Tent, there stood Miriam, leprous, like snow. Aaron turned toward her and saw that she had leprosy;
Aaron, please forgive. Please heal.
Moses appealed to the Lord, and she was healed. But, God made her stay outside for 7 days.
See song of Miriam in Ex 15. A great song.
A brief note ( Nu 20:1) "There Miriam died and was buried."
See next Nu 20:22-29.
In Nu 20, Moses looses both sister and brother. His great help.
What you do if your brother
(at 80 years old) came to you, "God called me, and I
want you to go with me. Out into the wilderness."
Would you go?
Deut. 2:1
Israel 2004: In the bus, heading out towards the
wilderness.
Read Deut 2:1-7.
For forty years, God provided. Hot & they worked, but they lacked nothing.
Three great religions all have roots here in this wilderness.
This wilderness does not forgive mistakes. Clear choices.
Why did God choose this land for his people?
Day 8 Sunday, March 28, 2004
1Sam. 22:6
Israel 2004: On the plains of Angeti, by the Dead Sea, at
the nature institute. 
David, hero. Great leader. Saul total failure.
David. Goes to temple -- do you have any bread? You know I left in such a hurry, I forgot my sword. Just this: Goliath's sword, whom you slew. That's a good one. I'll take it!
Saul's spys tell him. Saul slipping into madness, jellocy, and fear.
See 1Sam 24.
This was David's stronghold. Hiding from Saul. 10 yrs in Angeti. Mercenary, learning to fight. Men coming to David. Hundreds.
600 David's men vs. 3000 men of Saul. Saul comes up the box canyon. David's men in the caves. Dave's men were to surprise Saul.
Saul goes into cave to releave himself. Back to cave. David is in cave. David comes up to Saul. Could easily kill him. Slit his throat. Instead, cuts off the corner of his robe. Let's him go.
As Saul prepared to attack. David comes out of the cave. He shows Saul and his men his loyalty. Look at this piece of robe (shows to men as well).
Saul has been slipping into madness. A short, pitiful lucid moment.
Saul takes David's oath and leaves. Saul's men now know they are on the wrong side. Saul left David in an inpenitrable fortress with water and meat.
Day 4 Wednesday, March 24, 2004
1Kings 12:1
Israel 2004. In
Dan at a temple (high place) with a golden calf.
Creasey teaches.
I guess I didn't take many (any) notes at the temple in Dan. Oh, well. It was any amazing place. Nearly 3000 years olds. Something I read about. I never thought I would see it. Check out Kings 12 if you want to know more.
Matt. 16:13-17:9
Israel 2004: Creasey teaches at Caesarea Philippi.
From class in San Diego. Spectacular spring/river gushing out of the cave. Right next to a temple of Pan. Pan -- a god of parties, debauchery, good times, orgies, etc.
Jesus stood before the cave with the temple to the right. Who do people say I am in contrast to this.
Matt. 16:13-17:9
Israel 2004: Creasey teaches at Caesarea Philippi.
In from of the springs and caves. Lush. Cool.
There was a temple to Pan. Pan, the God of chaos, drinking, merry making, and orgies. Good place for the orgies. Caesarea Philippi center of pagan worship in the north.
Jesus brings disciples all the way up there just to ask a single question. Who do people say I am? In contrast to all of this, this orgy of flesh and drinking and sin. In contrast to the worship of other Gods. Who am I?
Matt. 16:16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesus started to explain what this means. What would happen. Peter says not on my watch. Jesus rebukes him ( Matt 16:23).
You must give up your life to save it.
They went up a high mountain. Creasey says Mt. Hermon. Others say Tahbor. Mt. Hermon makes sense. It takes 6 days to climb the 10,000 mountain from Caesarea Philippi. It is the source of water and life for all Israel. It was at this spot where God would make known who Jesus really was.
On the Mountain, God announces who Jesus is. In the presence of two credible witnesses (Moses & Elijah -- can't get more credible than that). Also in the presence of Peter, James, and John.
From where they go next, Mt. Hermon makes sense as well.
Day 7 Saturday, March 27, 2004
Matt. 23:1
From class in San Diego. Throughout holy week, Jesus was in control, continually escalating the conflict with the religious leaders in Jerusalem. This is the culmination. At the mount of olives, in front of all the crowds, Jesus calls the religious leaders hypocrites, white washed tombs, unclean, and ridiculed them.
Matt 23-24
Israel 2004: On Mount Scopus, overlooking the Dome of the
Rock.
Jesus is teaching. The religious leaders are all sitting on the wall in the places of honor. Jesus teaches. (In the temple)
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.
Mmhhm! Yup. That's right.
3 So you must obey them and do everything they tell you.
Mmhhm! Yup. That's right.
But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them
And then he goes on. "Blind guides. Woe to you."
"Like white washed
tomes..." See them all on the hillside. Jesus teaches
what is there.
"Snakes. Blood of vipers."
All this will come upon this generation.
Look, your house (the temple) will come to you desolate."
He leaves.
He goes up the mount of Olives (where we are sitting now).
"Don't the buildings look pretty today." What could they say? Jesus is steaming. Everyone is speechless.
Jesus: you see all these things. They will be thrown down. The temple will be destroyed.
2 "Do you see all these things?" he asked. "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."
10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations
See Acts 1
Day 3 Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Mark 1:21
Israel 2004. Creasey teaches in Capernum,
at the
archeological site near Peter's house. Teaches about the
man with the evil spirit.
(1:29) They went to the home of Simon and Andrew, after
teaching in the synagogue, 37 yards away. Not very far.
(1:30) From
Luke, "a great fever", Maleria. Jesus walked over and
talked to her, took her hand, and she started to feel
better. I feel much better. Oh, well I better go get
dinner.
(1:32) People hear about all these miracles. They start coming by. More and more to be healed.
Peter: wow what a day. Go to bed.
(1:35) Get up very early. Want to stretch his legs. Walk up the hill. To a solitary place. Prayed in the hills. Perhaps on or near the mount of beatitudes.
Then he goes and teaches all over Gallilee.
Skip to chapter 2 . Jesus comes home.
Steps going up to the roof so people could see out over the sea of Galilee. The men couldn't get in. They climb onto the roof and start digging. What is going on! Peter is yelling. The people are laughing. Everyone is amazed.
Here comes the paralyzed man. Dropping through the hole in the roof. He must have been terrified.
Jesus: Your sins are forgiven. Very odd thing to say.
Paralyzed. Maybe a fisherman. Maybe out at sea and a freak breeze jibes the sail. BOOM. In the neck.
Now he can't work. He can do anything. All he can do is meditate on his sins. He has a whole lot of time to think on his sins.
Jesus goes right to his pain. Your sins are forgiven. That is where the real pain is.
Now the teachers of the law are appalled. Only God can forgive sins.
Jesus knows. He tells the teachers, "Why are you saying/thinking this?"
The paralytic did not come to be healed. Well maybe he did, but his real pain was his sins. Jesus forgave them.
Jesus heals the paralytic for everybody else, and so that we know that he can really forgive our sins.
Day 5 Thursday, March 25, 2004
Mark 4:36
Israel 2004: Creasey teaches on the Arbel
cliffs.
The Arbel cliffs are above Galilee Nazareth above the valley of the doves. It was breezy. You can see the whole of the Galilee.
Every story needs a setting (a place). This land is the setting. This land is part of the story. The land is the "fifth gospel"
Going to Matt, following Jesus. Jesus did not go very far.
See Matt 4:23-25. See Matt 9:35. Enclusio. Bookends the narrative unit. In Matt 4-9, Jesus went throughout the region, teaching, healing, and spreading the good news of the Kingdom.
Galilee, the decapolis, Jerusalem. All came here to hear him preach.
Matt 5 -- Mount of Beatitudes
Matt 8 -- Came down from the Mount of Beatitudes, Jesus heals the leper. Only God can cure leprosy.
8:14 Peter's house.
8:25 The boat
8 The place with the pigs. (north shore)
9:1 Boat, crossed, back to Capernum
9:9 On the viamaris
9:27 As Jesus went on from there
9:35 the towns and villages
10:5 Sends out to the towns and villages of Galilee.
11:1 the towns and villages
11:20 Curses the cities where he had taught. The Galilee.
12
12:9 Back in the synagogue in capernum
Sat by the lake by Peter's house
13:53 Moved on (hometown -- Nazerath)
14:13 Back in Capernum. Went to solitary place.
14:22 Walks back on the water. We will do that story on the boat tonight.
15:21 Tire and Sidon. Way north. A long way off. Only his second excusion out of Galilee.
15:29 Back
16:25 Across the lake, Golan heights.
Cesaria Philipi
Mt. Hemon
Back to Capernum
Then head south to Jerusalem.
The point is, Jesus' entire 3 year public ministry was right here in Galilee.
On the Arbel cliffs were the Zelots. They were arming for war with Rome. Bet he looked up here Arbel cliffs when he said blessed are the peacemakers. He taught what he saw. He didn't make this up, he just looked around.
Day 6 Friday, March 26, 2004
Luke 1:5 Israel 2004: At the Church of the
Annunciation.
Zechariah lives near Jerusalem, chosen by lot to serve at Jerusalem, burning incense.
See 1Chron 24:6.
There are 24 divisions of priests. Zechariah is in the 8th divisions. Every division serves two weeks. Much like the reserve.
1000 priests in each division in David's day. Many thousands in Jesus' day. 28 times in the two weeks. Many thousands of priests. Only choosen by lot maybe once in their life.
Much like giving a Catholic mass at St. Pauls Cathedrial. It would be a big deal. All the friends and the relatives would be sure to be there. It was a big deal.
Zechariah would enter the temple. Never been there before. Beautiful gold, candles, etc. Before lighting the incense, say the prayers of friends and family. Also say one for himself.
No one else is in there. An angle appears. Zechariah is startled. Angel: your prayer is answered. You will have a son... He will be a Nazarite from birth. This is special vow. Never to cut hair. Be God's, set aside. Very few from birth. John is one.
Angels always have a purpose: messenger. Gabriel. Always a message regarding the messiah.
Zechariah couldn't speak. Not a punishment. Gives him time to ponder this news. His wife becomes pregnant. She too can not speak.
In the sixth month. Gabriel goes to Nazarith (a town in Galilee). Mary, you will have a son. Mary was greatly troubled. Astonding. Mary -- young girl, engaged to be married. Why her. Why not Joeseph. Why her? A young girl of no importance, in a town of no importance. Is a offer, not a command. Mary accepts.
Mary: how? Not how can this be, but how? What are the mechanics?
At the end of verse 37, "Every angel in heaven held their breath as they wait for Mary's answer." Mary was to become pregnant with a child who was not of Joeseph. In a very small town. A scandal! Worse, what could happen to her? She could be stoned. Mary was very courageous. She was the first one to say YES to Christ.
This spot remembers the event.
She accepts Him. Into her life, into her body, into her being. YES.
Luke 4:13
Israel 2004: On the cliff at Nazareth, near where Jesus
grew up.
Can see Mt. Tahbor. Can see the Via Mares ( the highway) at the base of the cliff. It is in the Jezrel valley. A beautiful valley where a lot of OT stories happen. Jesus would come here to look at the road and the traffic. He would look at the valley and think about the OT Stories.
Jesus came home. Creasey tells the story about how when he went home, and he preached at the Presbyterian church. Pastor remembers when Creasey taught the youth Sunday sermon. Miss Hagmire remembers the spit balls. She comes up to Creasey with tears in her eyes, "I thought you would be in jail by now."
Jesus asked to read. There are several readings. He was assigned to read the OT reading from Issiah.
Jesus was a master teacher. After the reading, he waited a long pause to gets peoples attention. When he read, he carefully emphasized ME. He spoke well, and his message was clear -- it is me.
Then after the reading, he paused, and said, Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.
Then, after they were grumbling, he off the cuff declared that he would not heal, that he would not be accepted. The drove him out.
This is the brow of the hill. This is where they would throw him off.
Teaching with authority. Not a Socratic teaching. Not questioning, like the way the rabbis taught. Like Creasey, he gave answers. He spoke with authority. Galia teaches by raising questions. Not Creasey. He speaks with authority. Tells things the way he sees them. Why? Beacuse that is the way Jesus teaches.
When they were going to throw him off, bet he just said, "Enough!" and the crowd parted. He spoke with authority.
This is where Jesus lived. After he left, don't think he ever came back. No where else does it mention he came back.
Day 7 Saturday, March 27, 2004
Luke 22:39
Israel 2004: In the Garden of Gethsemane
302 yards from altar in garden of Gethsemane to temple
We have the garden privately for 1yr. (Can you pray with me for one hour)
See Luke 22:39
You can easily see the temple gets from where the guards came.
Gethsemane means Crest of Olives.
Take him to home of high priest. We will see that the last day of our trip.
Day 10 Tuesday, March 30, 2004
John 19:16
Israel 2004: At the Garden Tomb, Creasey sums up the
tour.
Then reads the story. John 19:16-20:20.
It is finished. Also means "Paid in Full." This one word was written on posted debts to showed that they have been paid.
John was there.
Joeseph of Aramathea. Who may have owned this spot.
The other disciple, the one who Jesus loved (John). I, John, out ran Peter. Peter arrived, moved John aside and moved on in.
Burial custom is much live Egyption. Made a mummy out of Jesus. 75 pounds of aloe and mir. Oils like crisco.
20:8 Finnally the other disciple who came in first (John).
Day 6 Friday, March 26, 2004
Acts 1:1
Israel 2004: At the deep water port of Cesaria,
in the ancient race track on the Meditaranian. A great city built by Herod the Great. Sandstone. Deep water port. Aquaduct. Great walled and fortified city.
Paul went back to Jerusalem; he felt he really needed to be there.
As he was about to get flogged, Paul said, are you allowed to flog a Roman citizen without a trial? They stop and worry. How are you a citizen? There are only three ways to become a citizen. Birth. Do a great deed for Rome. Buy it (bribe somebody).
Romans put Paul in front of the Sanhedran. The Sanhedran vowed to kill Paul. Somebody warns the Centurians that Paul may be assassinated. So the Centurian sent 200 men to get Paul and take him to Cessaria. He also sent a letter. They delivered the letter, Paul, and some members of the Sanhedian to the Govenor in Cessaria, in Herod's palace.
His case is heard by Govenor Festis. It is also heard by King Agripa. Paul demanded to be heard by the Emperor in Rome. Felix said I don't know how to send Paul to Rome without any charges.
Paul began his defense. He flatters King Agripa. Then he talks about his life. He himself persecuted the Christians (saints). He tells all about it. Then he tells about his experience on the Road to Demascus. And he testified about it. And he tells of Jesus.
He talks a lot about resurrection. Dwells on it throughout his defense. Agripa knows about the controversy between the Sandhedrien and the Pharisies.
Festis: Paul, you are insane! There is no resurrection.
Agripa: Paul, I am not going to be converted. But I agree with Festis, you are crazy.
Now Paul could have likely be released, but he had already appealed to Ceasar. He spent 2yrs in Ceassaria. He may have watched horses right here. Or a play. House arrest, but not a prisoner, there were no charges. He spent two years waiting, and then got shipwrecked on the way.
By the way (on the bus). Herod's palace was also Pontius Pilate's palace. Herod Agripa (King Agripa) was Agripa the second.
Gila tells a story of an Owl pooping on Agripa I's beautiful purple robe. Can read in Josephas. Also story of how if an Owl hoots, he would only have days to live.
Now teaching on the bus.
Tyre was a natural deep water port. Ceasaria was a built deep water pool. There was basically a tax dispute.
On the appointed day (in the theater). Notice theater faces the ocean (west). In the morning the sun shines on the stage. Specially made robes of silver. Gasps -- He looks like a God. Well the owl hoots once. He now has just one day to live. Terrible stomach pain.
As he lies in bed, his stomach gets bigger and bigger. He dies. Bet they wondered what could possibly be there. Worms!
Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
The reason Pilate was in Jerusalem was because of the passover. Pilate lived in Ceasaria. He went to Jerusalem because all the Jews went to Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is a center of pilgrimage. Has been for 3000 years. For Jews, Muslems, and Christians, a center of pilgrimage.
Day 7 Saturday, March 27, 2004
Israel 2004:
On the Mt of Olives. Creasey just finished preaching
Matt 23-24.
Acts 1:6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
Acts 1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city.
It was from this very spot that Jesus ascended. An astounding place. It is to this spot that he will return.
Gila preaches:
The gate.
the three arches is where the court of the women would be
four areas: one for wood, one for lepers, one for ...
Dome of Rock is built on big rock. Where Abraham was to sacrifice Issac. Where both temples were. The holy of holies was right over the rock.
Muslims conquered Jerusalem in 634. Built the lead dome. Main mosque in Jerusalem. Big and hollowed out underneath.
Church of the holy sepuchur is over the tome of Jesus. Will be there later.
City of David is off to the left.
The mount of olives
Triangle black dome. Church of the domition. Remember Mary's death here is Jerusalem.
Stories: Muslems buried dead in front of the gate so the messiah could not come through. Messiah is not Levite so it is not an issue. But perhaps they buried warriors there so that they would stop the messiah.
Israel 2004: In the Garden of Gethsemane
302 yards from altar in garden of Gethsemane to temple
We have the garden privately for 1yr. (Can you pray with me for one hour)
See Luke 22:39