Walking on Water

Matthew 14:28-29, “And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” So he said, “Come.” Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.”

Philo - Allegorical Interpretation III (172) There is a certain peculiarity which is attached to this Word. For when it calls the soul to itself, it excites a congealing power in everything which is earthly, or corporeal, or under the influence of the external senses. On which account it is said to be "like the hoar-frost on the Earth."{Exodus 16:16.} For when the man who beholds God, meditates a flight from the passions, "the waves are frozen," that is to say, the impetuous rush, and the increase, and the haughty pride of the waves are arrested, in order that he who might behold the living God might then pass over the Passion.{Exodus 16:15.}

Based on the cross reference index in the Comprehensive New Testament and Philo for Christians

Doing Good on the Sabbath

John 05:16-17, “For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. But [Jesus] answered them, “My Father is working still, and I am working.””

Philo Allegorical Interpretation I (6), “Therefore the expression, "he caused to rest," is very appropriately employed here [Genesis 02:02-03], not "he rested." For he makes things to rest which appear to be producing others, but which in reality do not affect anything; but he himself never ceases from creating. On which account Moses says, "He caused to rest the things which he had begun." For all the things that are made by our arts when completed stand still and remain; but all those which are accomplished by the knowledge of God are moved at subsequent times.

Based on the cross reference index in the Comprehensive New Testament and Philo for Christians

Are you Building on Rock or Sand?

Those who hear the words of Jesus and do them won’t fall since they have built on the Rock.

Those who hear the words of Jesus and don’t do them will fall since they have built on sand.

Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand. 27 And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell. And great was its fall.”

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

The Truth will make you Free

If you continue in my word,

You are truly my disciples.

And you will know the truth,

and the truth will make you free.

John 8:31-32

There is a word play between the Hebrew words for “Truth” and “Free” that is created by reversing the order of the “M” and “N” sounds in the two words. The linguistics symbolize that “freedom” is hidden in the “truth.”

Truth “Amen” (אמן)

Free “Ghennahm” (חנם)

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

How do you get to the Kingdom of Heaven?

From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17

The first word is “Repent.”

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Paul and the Egyptian - Acts 21:37-38, Josephus[Antiquities 20.8.6 169-172, War 2.13.5 261]

In Acts 21:37-38, a Roman commander asks Paul if he was the Egyptian. The Works of Josephus contain many parallels with passages in Luke and Acts including information about the Egyptian. The citations below are based on the Cross Reference Index in The Comprehensive New Testament.

Acts 21:37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the commander, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38 Then you are not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?”

Josephus[Antiquities 20.8.6 169-172] These works, that were done by the robbers, filled the city with all sorts of impiety. And now these impostors and deceivers persuaded the multitude to follow them into the wilderness, and pretended that they would exhibit manifest wonders and signs, that should be performed by the providence of God. And many that were prevailed on by them suffered the punishments of their folly; for Felix brought them back, and then punished them. Moreover, there came out of Egypt  about this time to Jerusalem one that said he was a prophet, and advised the multitude of the common people to go along with him to the Mount of Olives, as it was called, which lay over against the city, and at the distance of five furlongs. He said further, that he would show them from hence how, at his command, the walls of Jerusalem would fall down; and he promised them that he would procure them an entrance into the city through those walls, when they were fallen down. Now when Felix was informed of these things, he ordered his soldiers to take their weapons, and came against them with a great number of horsemen and footmen from Jerusalem, and attacked the Egyptian and the people that were with him. He also slew four hundred of them, and took two hundred alive. But the Egyptian himself escaped out of the fight, but did not appear any more. And again the robbers stirred up the people to make war with the Romans, and said they ought not to obey them at all; and when any persons would not comply with them, they set fire to their villages, and plundered them.

Josephus[War 2.13.5 261] But there was an Egyptian false prophet that did the Jews more mischief than the former; for he was a cheat, and pretended to be a prophet also, and got together thirty thousand men that were deluded by him; these he led round about from the wilderness to the mount which was called the Mount of Olives, and was ready to break into Jerusalem by force from that place; and if he could but once conquer the Roman garrison and the people, he intended to domineer over them by the assistance of those guards of his that were to break into the city with him. But Felix prevented his attempt, and met him with his Roman soldiers, while all the people assisted him in his attack upon them, insomuch that when it came to a battle, the Egyptian ran away, with a few others, while the greatest part of those that were with him were either destroyed or taken alive; but the rest of the multitude were dispersed every one to their own homes, and there concealed themselves.

Luke 21:20-24 and Josephus War Book VI Chapter 3 Sections 4,5

The prophecy given by Jesus in Luke 21:20-24 is paralleled by Josephus’ account of the end of the Jewish/Roman War circa AD 73. Fair warning – the account given by Josephus is graphic, however, the graphic portions of his account match Luke 21:23.

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Luke 21:20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in 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 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath unto this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led captive to all nations. Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Josephus War Book VI Chapter 3 Sections 4,5

4. There was a certain woman that dwelt beyond Jordan, her name was Mary; her father was Eleazar, of the village Bethezob, which signifies the house of Hyssop. She was eminent for her family and her wealth, and had fled away to Jerusalem with the rest of the multitude, and was with them besieged therein at this time. The other effects of this woman had been already seized upon, such I mean as she had brought with her out of Perea, and removed to the city. What she had treasured up besides, as also what food she had contrived to save, had been also carried off by the rapacious guards, who came every day running into her house for that purpose. This put the poor woman into a very great passion, and by the frequent reproaches and imprecations she cast at these rapacious villains, she had provoked them to anger against her; but none of them, either out of the indignation she had raised against herself, or out of commiseration of her case, would take away her life; and if she found any food, she perceived her labors were for others, and not for herself; and it was now become impossible for her any way to find any more food, while the famine pierced through her very bowels and marrow, when also her passion was fired to a degree beyond the famine itself; nor did she consult with any thing but with her passion and the necessity she was in. She then attempted a most unnatural thing; and snatching up her son, who was a child sucking at her breast, she said, "O thou miserable infant! for whom shall I preserve thee in this war, this famine, and this sedition? As to the war with the Romans, if they preserve our lives, we must be slaves. This famine also will destroy us, even before that slavery comes upon us. Yet are these seditious rogues more terrible than both the other. Come on; be thou my food, and be thou a fury to these seditious varlets, and a by-word to the world, which is all that is now wanting to complete the calamities of us Jews." As soon as she had said this, she slew her son, and then roasted him, and eat the one half of him, and kept the other half by her concealed. Upon this the seditious came in presently, and smelling the horrid scent of this food, they threatened her that they would cut her throat immediately if she did not show them what food she had gotten ready. She replied that she had saved a very fine portion of it for them, and withal uncovered what was left of her son. Hereupon they were seized with a horror and amazement of mind, and stood astonished at the sight, when she said to them, "This is mine own son, and what hath been done was mine own doing! Come, eat of this food; for I have eaten of it myself! Do not you pretend to be either more tender than a woman, or more compassionate than a mother; but if you be so scrupulous, and do abominate this my sacrifice, as I have eaten the one half, let the rest be reserved for me also." After which those men went out trembling, being never so much frightened at any thing as they were at this, and with some difficulty they left the rest of that meat to the mother. Upon which the whole city was full of this horrid action immediately; and while every body laid this miserable case before their own eyes, they trembled, as if this unheard of action had been done by themselves. So those that were thus distressed by the famine were very desirous to die, and those already dead were esteemed happy, because they had not lived long enough either to hear or to see such miseries.
5. This sad instance was quickly told to the Romans, some of whom could not believe it, and others pitied the distress which the Jews were under; but there were many of them who were hereby induced to a more bitter hatred than ordinary against our nation. But for Caesar, he excused himself before God as to this matter, and said that he had proposed peace and liberty to the Jews, as well as an oblivion of all their former insolent practices; but that they, instead of concord, had chosen sedition; instead of peace, war; and before satiety and abundance, a famine. That they had begun with their own hands to burn down that temple which we have preserved hitherto; and that therefore they deserved to eat such food as this was. That, however, this horrid action of eating an own child ought to be covered with the overthrow of their very country itself, and men ought not to leave such a city upon the habitable earth to be seen by the sun, wherein mothers are thus fed, although such food be fitter for the fathers than for the mothers to eat of, since it is they that continue still in a state of war against us, after they have undergone such miseries as these. And at the same time that he said this, he reflected on the desperate condition these men must be in; nor could he expect that such men could be recovered to sobriety of mind, after they had endured those very sufferings, for the avoiding whereof it only was probable they might have repented.

Judge not

Judge not,

and you will never be judged.

Condemn not,

and you will never be condemned.

Forgive,

and you will be forgiven.

Give,

and it will be given to you.

Based on Luke 6:37-38

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

The Trial of Paul – Who was Bernice? - Acts 25:23

Acts 25:23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with high ranking officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.

When Paul was tried at Caesarea, Bernice was one of the high ranking officials at his trial. Bernice was the sister of Herod Agrippa II who was also at the trial. Bernice was the great grandchild of Herod the Great. Bernice’s first husband was Alexander the Alabarch, the nephew of Philo of Alexandria. Alexander the Alabarch may be mentioned in Acts 4:6 in connection with the trial of the apostles. Bernice eventually became romantically involved with Titus Flavius who was the roman general that destroyed Jerusalem and later became Caesar of the Roman Empire. During her lifetime, Bernice became one of the most important political figures of the Roman Empire.

Bernice, the pragmatic politician, lived a Godless life and is now merely a footnote in history. Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ, lived a God filled life and is considered to be one of the most influential people who ever lived.

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Does everyone wash their hands before eating?

If you think about it, just about everyone washes their hands before eating. Unfortunately, we don’t always give the following the same consideration: murder, adultery, fornications, theft, false witness, slander. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we were all as concerned about the cleanliness of our hearts as we are about the cleanliness of our hands?

Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornications, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a man. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

“What do you think about the Christ?” Matthew 22:42

There are many people with many different views about Jesus.

Multitudes of people have spent an immeasurable amount of time thinking about Jesus.

However, it is also important to consider the following question…

What do you believe Jesus thinks about you?

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

“Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Matthew 9:28

What do you believe that Jesus is able to do?

Do you believe that Jesus is able to forgive sins?

Do you believe that Jesus is able to heal the sick?

Do you believe that Jesus is able to restore sight to the blind?

Do you believe that Jesus is able to raise the dead?

Do you believe that Jesus is able to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven?

Do you believe that Jesus is able to search the hearts of men?

What will He find when He searches your heart?

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

The Turning Point of WWII - When Prayer Stopped Hitler’s Army

75 years ago this week a miracle occurred. When Hitler’s Army invaded France his forces had the Belgian, British and French armies virtually surrounded. Over 300,000 allied forces were pressed on every side by heavy attacks and far outnumbered in the air. They were cut off from food and ammunition. Their sole line of retreat was to a single port. There would only be approximately two days to evacuate 45,000 troops before the Germans would be able to block the escape route. The whole root and core and brain of the British Army which would later play a crucial role in the allied victories in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany was about to perish or be led into captivity. The British were about to experience the greatest military disaster in their history.

The British needed a miracle. The British Parliament declared that May 26, 1940 would be a national day of prayer. Prayer services for the safety of the troops were held in churches and synagogues throughout the United Kingdom including a service at Westminster Abbey that was attended by King George VI. At approximately the same time that the British Parliament was announcing a national day of prayer, Hitler issued an order for the German tanks to halt. Hitler’s Halt Order has been called one of the great turning points of WWII and one of Hitler’s most critical mistakes. Historians have been debating for decades why Hitler issued the Halt Order. Why Hitler issued the Halt Order is a mystery to this day.

On May 26, 1940 the ocean was extremely calm and at 7PM Churchill formally announced the start of the naval evacuation of Dunkirk. After two days, only 25,000 allied troops were evacuated. There were problems with the large naval boats being able to make a close approach to the beach. An emergency call went out and approximately 400 small craft able to make the journey to France volunteered to help. Many of the 400 small boats were manned by civilian volunteers – the same people who had prayed in the churches for the safety of their troops. The 400 small boats went through heavily mined sea lanes; they went past shore batteries that were firing deadly artillery; they went through areas that were patrolled by submarines and fast surface craft with their torpedoes; they went into the port of Dunkirk that was being heavily bombed and strafed by air. The fighting was so fierce that the British had withdrawn their destroyers since so many had been lost. By the time the 400 small boats arrived, the port facilities at Dunkirk had been destroyed. The 400 small craft formed a ferry service between the beach and the naval transports. In some places the boats were lined up to form floating bridges for the troops to make their way to the transports. The allies lost 1 out of every 4 naval vessels that were used in the rescue.

The evacuation of Dunkirk ended on June 4, 1940 and resulted in the safe evacuation of 338,000 allied troops. On June 4, 1940 Winston Churchill delivered one of his most famous speeches “We Shall fight on the Beaches.” That speech starts with the phrase “we shall go on to the end.” Without the safe evacuation of the 338,000 troops Churchill might never have made that speech since the troops needed to go on to the end would have been POW’s. Many of the evacuated allied troops fought in the subsequent battles of WWII and were crucial in the defeat of Germany. Without them the war might have been very different - the British might have agreed to an armistice with Germany; the North African, Italian and Normandy invasions might have been delayed or never occurred; Hitler might not have been defeated.  Winston Churchill called the evacuation a “miracle of deliverance.”

The turning point in WWII occurred on May 26, 1940 when the people of the United Kingdom turned to God in prayer as their only hope to save their army.

If you need a miracle remember - “Ask, and it will be given to you.” Matthew 7:7

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

How important is the gospel?

Depends on how you feel about the rest of your life.

…But whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. Mark 8:35

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

A Famous Woman

We don’t know what she was thinking.

We don’t know her name.

She never said a word.

She never asked for anything.

The whole world remembers her

Who was she?...

She was forgiven.

Luke 7:48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Hopefully your sins will be forgiven too!

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Who are the many that Jesus gave his life for?

In Matthew 20:28, Jesus said that he gave his life as a ransom for many. Who are the many? The Hebrew word for “many” is “rohv” (רב) and it appears many places in the Old Testament including Genesis 32:12,… “I will do you good, and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.” However, the first place that the Hebrew word (רב) appears in the Bible is in Genesis 6:5 where it has the meaning of “great”… “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great (רב) in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Jesus gave his life as a ransom for “many” (רב) whose wickedness was “great” (רב). Why did he do this? Numbers 14:18, `The LORD is slow to anger, and abounding (רב) in steadfast love…

Fortunately, for the “many” (רב) whose wickedness was “great” (רב) God’s love is abounding (רב)!

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

The Nature of Human Evil

In Matthew 15:29-39, Jesus miraculously healed the lame, blind, maimed, and mute. Then he miraculously fed the hungry. Afterwards the Pharisees and Sadducees to test him asked him to show them a sign from heaven. Notice that the test they devised would benefit no one – not even themselves except possibly being entertained. The nature of human evil is that ultimately it is a desire for things that are not beneficial to anyone – except possibly being entertained.

Matthew 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Matthew 15:29 And Jesus went on from there and passed along the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain, and sat down there. 30 Then great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the maimed, the mute, and many others. And they laid them down at his feet, and he healed them. 31 So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel…36 He took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples. And the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over. 38 Now those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 And he sent away the crowds, got into the boat, and went to the region of Magadan.

Matthew 16:1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven.

The Accuracy of the Bible – The Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount)

Recently, members of another religion have been making comments about the accuracy of the Christian Bible. Let’s examine the accuracy of one of the most famous passages in the Bible known as “The Beatitudes” from the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5:1-12. There are two notable differences listed below that occur in versions of the Bible:

1. A few versions place verse 4 after verse 5.

2. A few versions omit the word “falsely” in verse 11.

Examine the text below and consider the two listed variants. Neither of these differences changes the actual meaning of the text. In the New Testament, there are over 15,000 textual variants that exist. Most of the textual variants in the New Testament are similar in nature to the two examples noted above. The important thing to keep in mind is that the message does not change. Both of these textual variants exist due to the editing process for publication. The text was published repeatedly over many centuries and editing changes occurred for a variety of reasons. However, the message remained the same. Remember, Jesus preached and his message was preserved by his apostles and their followers through the centuries. That message as preserved in the New Testament is the same now as it was then.

J. Clontz – based on the textual notes in the Comprehensive New Testament

5

            1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on a mountain. And when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3          “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

                        for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4          Blessed are those who mourn,

                        for they shall be comforted.

5          Blessed are the meek,

                        for they shall inherit the earth.

6          Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

                        for they shall be filled.

7          Blessed are the merciful,

                        for they shall obtain mercy.

8          Blessed are the pure in heart,

                        for they shall see God.

9          Blessed are the peacemakers,

                        for they shall be called sons of God.

10        Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

                        for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you [falsely] for my sake. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Foreshadowing Jesus – Noah’s Ark

Baptism corresponds to Noah's flood - 1Peter 3.20-21. The correspondence between Baptism and Noah’s flood includes a correspondence between Jesus / Noah’s ark and John the Baptist / Noah as outlined below:

The ark was anointed and Jesus is the anointed one (Christ and Messiah mean anointed) - Genesis 6.14 / Matthew 3.16

The dove landed and went into the ark/The Holy Spirit descended like a dove and alighted on Jesus - Genesis 8.9 / Matthew 3.16

Both Jesus and the ark had a hole in the ribbed area of their bodies - Genesis 6.16 / John 19.34

God closed the hole in the side of the ark and Jesus - Genesis 7.16 / John 20.20

Both Jesus and the ark rose up from the earth - Genesis 7.12, 17 / Matthew 28.6

After they arose from the earth, both Jesus and the ark went about the earth for 40 days and ended their earthly journey on a mountain where there are olive trees - Genesis 7.17,8.4,8.11 / Acts 1.3,1.12

Jesus and the ark rising from the earth resulted in new covenants between God and humanity - Genesis 9.11-12 / Luke 22.20

The same single dietary restriction is requested after Jesus and the ark arose from the earth – Genesis 9.4 / Acts 15.20

Those in the body of the ark and those in the body of Christ are saved - Genesis 7.23 / Romans 12.5

Noah and John the Baptist were heralds or messengers of righteousness - Genesis 6.8 / 1Peter 3.20-21

Noah and John the Baptist both preached to an evil generation - Genesis 6.05, 11-12 / Matthew 12.39

God sent the clean and the unclean to both Noah and John the Baptist - Genesis 7.8 / Luke 3.12

Noah and John the Baptist both warned people of the coming destruction - Genesis 6.13 / Matthew 3.7

There was a 100 year interval between the time that Noah (Genesis 5.32, 7.6) and John began their missions and when people were overtaken by overwhelming destruction. Hadrian's visit to Jerusalem in AD 130 culminated in the death or removal of all Jews from Palestine. The Jewish Christian lives were spared since they heeded the warning and had entered the body of Christ. During the Bar Kochba revolt against the Romans, the Jewish Christians refused to follow Bar Kochba since he was acclaimed as the Messiah by his followers. The lives of the Jewish Christians were spared by the Romans and they were neither killed nor sold into slavery. Their faith in Jesus as the Messiah literally saved their lives. Hadrian rebuilt the temple on the temple mount in Jerusalem. The rebuilt temple was completed in AD 135. The temple was dedicated to the worship of Jupiter and was the largest temple of Jupiter in existence at that time. Hadrian also had a statue of himself sitting on a horse placed at the temple as an object of worship. The statue of Hadrian may have been positioned in the original location of the Holy of Holies. The term “abomination of desolation” that appears in Daniel 9.27,11.31,12.11, Matthew 24.15, Mark 13.14 is believed by many scholars to refer to the Roman false god Jupiter via an intentional distortion of the appellation for Jupiter of "Baal Shamem" ("lord of heaven"). The Hebrew term “abomination” has an idiomatic meaning of “idol” and the term “Baal” and “idol” are somewhat synonymous. The Hebrew words for “heaven” and “desolate” have similar spellings. Thus the “Baal” or “idol” (abomination) of heaven (desolation) is an idol of Jupiter whose pagan title is lord (Baal) of heaven.

The heavens opened - Genesis 7.11 / Matthew 3.16

In the story of Noah and the gospels blood symbolizes life - Genesis 9.4-6 / Luke 22.20

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Christianity versus Islam – Which is Correct?

Christians, including the apostles who knew Jesus, maintain that Jesus is the Son of God and is God. Muslims claim that Jesus is not the Son of God and is not God. Obviously only one of these views can be correct. Thus only one of these views is true and inspired by God and the other view is false and not inspired by God but was originated by something else.

Muslims maintain that Jesus is a prophet. Even more importantly, Muslims maintain that calling Jesus the Son of God is blasphemy. However according to Matthew 16:15-17 - Jesus indicated that he is the Son of God. When the apostle Peter called Jesus the Son of the living God, Jesus said that Peter was blessed. So are the Muslims correct about Jesus or are Jesus and Peter correct about Jesus? The answer is obvious.

Matthew 16:15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 But Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

Where does this leave us with regard to the Muslims? According to the Muslims, Mohammad was in a cave when he received his information from the angel Gabriel. The apostle Paul gives us the following warning:

2Corinthians 11:12 “And what I am doing, I will also continue to do, in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things of which they boast. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be according to their deeds.”  

Below are the passages cited in the Comprehensive New Testament cross reference index indicating that Jesus is the Son of God.

Matthew 4:3-6

Matthew 8:29

Matthew 14:33

Matthew 16:16

Matthew 26:63

Matthew 27:40-43

Matthew 27:54

Mark 1:1

Mark 3:11

Mark 15:39

Luke 1:35

Luke 3:38

Luke 4:3-9

Luke 4:41

Luke 22:70

John 1:34

John 1:49

John 3:18

John 5:25

John 9:35

John 10:36

John 11:4

John 11:27

John 19:7

John 20:31

Acts 8:37

Acts 9:20

Acts 13:33

Romans 1:4

2Corinthians 1:19

Galatians 2:20

Ephesians 4:13

Hebrews 1:5

Hebrews 4:14

Hebrews 5:5

Hebrews 6:6

Hebrews 7:3

Hebrews 10:29

1John 3:8

1John 4:9

1John 4:15

1John 5:5

1John 5:10-13

1John 5:20

Revelation 2:18

“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me should not remain in darkness.” - John 12:46

When you are in the dark, turn to the Light.

“to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’” Acts 26:18

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'" - Luke 16:31

Jesus rose from the dead just as Moses and the prophets had said he would. "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." - Luke 24:44

If you’re convinced, there is good news - you are blessed:

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." - John 20:29

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament 

"Who do men say that the Son of Man is?" - Matthew 16:13

For the past 2,000 years, people have been debating who Jesus is. For many people, their views about Jesus mold their lives. Jesus is the image of God and in that image people are created anew.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:27 

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament 

"Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost." - John 6:12

Are you ready to be gathered up? Jesus is the bread of life and we are part of the body of Christ. Just like the fragments that were gathered up and none were lost – so also we will be gathered up and none lost.

"I am the bread of life… And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day.” John 6:35-39

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament 

"Take courage! It is I; do not be afraid." - Matthew 14:27

Imagine when Christ returns and you hear the words: "Take courage! It is I; do not be afraid."

Hope to see you then,

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Genesis 3:13 “…The Serpent Beguiled Me…”

The Hebrew words for “Serpent” (נחש) nahghahsh and “Beguiled” or “Deceived” (נשא) nahshah form a Hebrew pun. The Hebrew word for serpent “Serpent” (נחש) nahghahsh is spelled the same as the Hebrew word for “Enchantment” (נחש) nahghash. The Hebrew word for “Beguiled” or “Deceived” (נשא) nahshah is spelled the same as “Deprive” (נשא) nahshah.

Thus the serpent deceives (נשא) nahshah

people through enchantments (נחש) nahghash

in order to deprive (נשא) nahshah

them.

Don’t let the serpent deprive (נשא) nahshah you of your inheritance in heaven through his deceptions (נשא) nahshah on earth!

Dr. J. (Michael) Clontz is the author of several books including; The Gospel of Matthew: a Poetic Analysis, The Comprehensive New Testament, and The Gospels in Perfect Harmony. He has been listed in the Directory of American Poets and Fiction Writers and Marquis Who’s Who in America. He is the Recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Remember to A.S.K.

Ask,

And it will be given to you.

Seek,

And you will find.

Knock,

And it will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives

And he who seeks finds

And to him who knocks it will be opened.

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament (Matthew 7:7-8)

Four Things to Remember

Judge not,

And you will never be judged.

Condemn not,

And you will never be condemned.

Forgive,

And you will be forgiven.

Give,

And it will be given to you.

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament (Luke 6:37-38a)

"Follow me." - John 1:43

Where did he go?

He went to heal the sick.

He went to feed the hungry.

He went to forgive sins.

He went to the cross.

He went from death to life.

He went to heaven.

Where are you going?

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

"What do you seek?" - John 1:38

What are you seeking?

Are you seeking forgiveness?
Are you seeking eternal life?
Are you seeking to inherit the kingdom of God?

Many people seek the things listed above.

Are you also seeking:

To love your enemies?
To do good to those who hate you?
To bless those who curse you?
To pray for those who mistreat you?
To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also?
To him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic?
To give to everyone who asks of you and from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back?

Few people seek the things in the second list.

Hopefully, you don’t only want the top half of the list of what Jesus is offering.

Hopefully you don’t only want to be a half brother or sister of Christ.
Hopefully you want the whole list and you want to be a whole brother or sister in Christ.

If you completely turn to Christ he will make you whole.
However, if you only make a half turn won’t you be facing the wrong way?

J. Clontz – Editor of “The Words of Jesus”

"Come and see." - John 1:39

We have an open invitation.

If we go what will we see?
Will we see the Son of God?
Will we see miraculous events?
Will we see the dead rise from their graves?
Will we see the difference between good and evil?
Will we see the light?

Of course, if we stay in the darkness we will have trouble seeing much of anything.

Jesus’ words are peaceful and remembering what He said and what He meant brings peace.

J. Clontz – Editor of “The Words of Jesus”

Almost 2,000 years ago, Jesus and his disciples sang a hymn at Passover - Matthew 26:30 “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

In the Jewish celebration of Passover, Psalm 116 is part of the Hymn. Below are some of the parallels between the verses in Psalm 116 and the events in the life of Jesus:

Psalm 116:3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.

Luke 22:44 And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Psalm 116:4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I beseech thee, save my life!"

Luke 22:42 Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done.”

Psalm 116:7 Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

Luke 23:46 46 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” And having said this, he breathed his last.

Psalm 116:8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; 9 I walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

Acts 13:30-31 But God raised him from the dead. 31 And for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are [now] his witnesses to the people.

Psalm 116:10 I kept my faith, even when I said, "I am greatly afflicted"; 11 I said in my consternation, "Men are all a vain hope."

Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Psalm 116:12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his bounty to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.

Matthew 26:27-28 Then he took a cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Psalm 116:16 O LORD, I am thy servant; I am thy servant, the son of thy handmaid. Thou hast loosed my bonds.

Luke 1:38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Psalm 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Psalm 116:18 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

Luke 13:33 Nevertheless I must journey today and tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

The word play between the Hebrew words for “Jesus” and “save” occur in the Gospel of Matthew before Jesus is born and when He dies on the cross.

Matthew 1:21 And she will give birth to a son, and you shall call his name Jesus {“Jesus” Yeshua (ישו״ע)}, for he will save {“Save” yushua (יושיע)} his people from their sins.

Matthew 27:49 The rest said, “Let him alone. Let us see if Elijah will come to save {“Save” yushua (יושיע)} him.” 50 And Jesus {“Jesus” Yeshua (ישו״ע)} cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Did you know that the Virgin Mary had two sons?

John the Apostle became the foster son of the Virgin Mary when Jesus died on the cross.

John 19:26 When Jesus saw the mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing by, he said to the mother, “Woman, see your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “See your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Jesus has always been the Christ.

The angel’s statement in Luke 02:11 confirms that Jesus was the Christ even the day He was born.

Luke 02:11 “For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Jesus did not “become” the Christ at His baptism – He was already the Christ when he was born.

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

The Shepherds Witnessed the Birth of The Lamb of God

God sent the angels to tell the shepherds about the birth of Christ. The shepherds became witnesses about the birth of Christ. So why did God want shepherds to be witnesses about the birth of Christ? Shepherds know a Lamb when they see one.

Luke 2:9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11 For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds spoke to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen him, they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.

John 1:29 The next day he [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

A Prophet like Moses – The Appointment of the Seventy

There is a prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15-19 that God would raise up a prophet like Moses – that prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus. In today’s parallel, Jesus and Moses both appoint seventy others who were empowered by God.

Numbers 11:16 And the LORD said to Moses, "Gather for me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you.  17 And I will come down and talk with you there; and I will take some of the spirit which is upon you and put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone…24 So Moses went out and told the people the words of the LORD; and he gathered seventy men of the elders of the people, and placed them round about the tent. 25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was upon him and put it upon the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did so no more.

Luke 10:1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them ahead of him, two [by two,] into every town and place where he himself was about to go…17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name.”

There are many signs and wonders that Jesus did that were like those done by Moses – can you find them? Do you know what religion claims that someone else fulfilled the prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15-19? The other religion has no parallel for the empowering by God of seventy others.

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Before 500BC, the prophet Daniel prophesied that an Anointed One of the Jews would be cut off during the month when Passover occurred in 33AD.

Daniel 9:25 "Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times. 26 "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself… (NKJV)

The Prophet Daniel was a wise man in the Babylonian court (Daniel 2:6) circa 550BC. From 1000BC to 300BC the Babylonians used the MUL.APIN calendar. The MUL.APIN was the most universal calendar system of its time. It was used in the Assyrian and Babylonian empires and was known throughout the Middle East, Greece, Iran and India. The MUL.APIN utilized a theoretical year of 360 days with 12 months of 30 days each. The MUL.APIN contains extensive detailed calendar calculations that list the day of the year for the rising and setting of over 60 stars. Since the MUL.APIN uses a theoretical 360 day calendar, the date of a stellar rising can’t happen on the same date each year. However every seven years all the days of the months occur on the same day of the week that they occurred on seven years prior. For example, every “week” of years if the first day of the first month occurs on a Monday then seven years later it will occur on a Monday again in a 360 day calendar. So just like a seven day week where a new week starts on the same day of the week as the previous week, the same is true for a week of years where the first day of the year starts on the same day of the week that the previous week of years started.

Since a 360 day calculation for a year results in a deviation from a true year, the tabulations in the MUL.APIN had to be adjusted to give a correct result. Every seven years the MUL.APIN calendar could be adjusted easily to the correct time of the year by adding one month and one week (similar to adding 1 leap day every four years in the Gregorian calendar). Thus a “week” of years results in an easily calculated deviation for the MUL.APIN versus a true year. The text in Daniel 9:25-26 indicates that Daniel is grouping time in seven year periods or “weeks” which is consistent with the easiest adjustment period for the MUL.APIN.

There are four decrees mentioned in the Bible that could be associated with the start of the 69 weeks in the prophecy in Daniel – Nehemiah 2:1-8 (Artaxerxes), Ezra 1:1-4 (Cyrus), Ezra 6:12-13 (Darius), Ezra 7:11-16 (Artaxerxes). Of these four decrees, the decrees in Ezra concern the temple and the decree in Nehemiah concerns rebuilding Jerusalem. Since Daniel 9:25-26 specifically addresses rebuilding Jerusalem, then only the decree in Nehemiah is an exact match. Furthermore, only the decree in Nehemiah 2:1-8 is associated with a date – the Hebrew month of Nisan in 444BC*. Therefore the 69 weeks in Daniel 9:25-26 began during the Hebrew month of Nisan in 444BC. The Month of Nisan occurs in both the Babylonian and Assyrian calendars as the first month of the year and the first day of that month was their New Year. In Nehemiah 2:1 we are told that Nehemiah had not been sad before in the king’s presence. So what would cause him to be sad? Perhaps it was the New Year and Nehemiah was thinking about what had happened to Jerusalem. The New Year is often a time when people reflect on what has occurred in the past. In this case, let’s use Nisan 1, 444BC as the starting point for the 69 weeks of Daniel 9:25-26. Note that Passover occurs in the Hebrew month of Nisan.

If we use the 360 day years of the MUL.APIN calendar for 69 weeks of years, the result is a 476 year time period using the modern Gregorian Calendar calculations. The 69 weeks in Daniel are completed in the Hebrew month** when Passover occurs -Nisan, 33AD. Remember there is no year zero so the year count moves from 1BC to 1AD without a 0AD.

The word translated as Messiah in Daniel 9:25-26 can be translated as anointed one. However the word for cut off (karet ~ כרת) has strong implications of being removed permanently or executed. The only “anointed one” of the Jews who was cut off during the time period in question was Jesus. In fact, the only anointed one of the Jews who was cut off at any time close to this time period was Jesus.

Given the precision of the prophecy in Daniel 9:25-26 some of the Jews should’ve been looking for the Anointed One at the time of Jesus. Luke 3:15 indicates the people were in expectation (possibly due to the prophecy in Daniel 9:25-26). In Luke 2:22-39, Simeon is depicted as waiting for the Lord’s Christ (Anointed),“25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” The phrasing in this passage of Luke is consistent with an expectation based on the fulfillment of the prophecy in Daniel 9:25-26. Simeon possibly realized that the anointed one in Daniel 9:25-26 was already born. Simeon possibly also realized that Simeon would die before the Anointed One became an adult. So, after over 400 years of the Jews waiting for the Anointed One, Simeon realized that he and the Anointed One were possibly both alive at the same time. But, Simeon also realized that he might not be able to find the Anointed One before Simeon died of old age. Simeon did get to see the Anointed One prophesied in Daniel 9:25-26, but he was only able to see him when the Anointed One was an infant and Simeon was an old man. Simeon’s statement in Luke 2:34-35 is consistent with a knowledge that the Anointed One would be cut off in fulfillment of Daniel 9:26. After over 400 years, at least Simeon was waiting for the Anointed One prophesied in Daniel 9:25-26. Many people believed in Jesus as the Christ (Anointed) after he was resurrected. Simeon believed in Him when He was only an infant…

Luke 2:28 he took him into his arms and blessed God, and said: 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And his father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that will be spoken against 35 ([and] a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

J. Clontz –Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

* Artaxerxes reign began in 465BC. The twentieth year of his reign started in 445BC and ended sometime in 444BC. Nisan 1, 444BC which was the first day of 444BC in Persia would’ve definitively been during the twentieth year of Artaxerxes reign.

**While the Israelites were exiled in Babylon they adopted the Babylonian names of the months into their calendar. This sheds some light on whether an Israelite such as Daniel would use the Babylonian calendar system– the entire nation of Israel adopted major portions of the Babylonian calendar system.

*John 08:56-57 Abraham and Sarah fixed dinner for the Judge of all the earth

In John 8:56-57, Jesus is referring to the time when as the preincarnate Christ he met Abraham - and Abraham and Sarah fixed a dinner for Him (Genesis ch 18). John 8:56 “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.” 57 The Jews then said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

Genesis 18:1 And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day.

In Genesis 18:1 the word “LORD” is Jehovah (יְהוָ֔ה ).

Verses 18:10, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 22, 26 also use the term Jehovah.

In Genesis 18:25 Abraham refers to the individual that he is talking to as …the Judge of all the earth…

Moreover, Abraham met an individual that the Biblical text identifies as Jehovah. The individual that he met ate food that Abraham and Sarah prepared. Abraham referred to the individual as the Judge of all the earth.

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Matthew 05:17-07:14 A Prophet like Moses – The Ten Commandments

There is a prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15-19 that God would raise up a prophet like Moses – that prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus. In today’s parallel, Jesus and Moses both delivered a series of commandments to Israel including “You Shall not Kill,” “You Shall not Commit Adultery,” and “You Shall not Swear Falsely.” Exodus 19:25-20:17 and Matthew 05:17-07:14

There are many signs and wonders that Jesus did that were like those done by Moses – can you find them? Do you know what religion claims that someone else fulfilled the prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15-19?

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

A Prophet like Moses – The Moneychangers

There is a prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15-19 that God would raise up a prophet like Moses – that prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus. In today’s parallel, Jesus and Moses both confronted the practice of changing money into animals for worship. In both passages, a feast to the Lord was about to occur; money or gold was exchanged for animals by people about to worship the Lord; Jesus and Moses showed great zeal; the animals were removed.

Exodus 32:2-7, 19-20 And Aaron said to them, "Take off the rings of gold which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me." 3 So all the people took off the rings of gold which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. 4 And he received the gold at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, and made a molten calf; and they said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" 5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation and said, "Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD." 6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.  7 And the LORD said to Moses, "Go down; for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves…19 And as soon as he came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses' anger burned hot, and he threw the tables out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain. 20 And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it with fire, and ground it to powder, and scattered it upon the water, and made the people of Israel drink it.

John 2:13-16 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money-changers at their business. 15 And he made a whip of cords, and drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple. And he poured out the money of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! You shall not make my Father’s house a house of merchandise!”

There are many signs and wonders that Jesus did that were like those done by Moses – can you find them? Do you know what religion claims that someone else fulfilled the prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15-19? The other religion does not have a parallel for confronting the money changers.

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

John 02:06-11 A Prophet like Moses – Water Turned into Another Substance

There is a prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15-19 that God would raise up a prophet like Moses – that prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus. In today’s parallel, Jesus and Moses both turned water into another substance. Moses turned water into blood, all the fish in the Nile died, everyone was loathe to drink from the Nile and Pharaoh did not believe. Jesus turned water into wine which everyone could enjoy and his disciples believed. In this parallel, the water turned to blood represents the warning of judgment in the Old Testament and the water turned to wine represents the hope of grace in the New Testament.

Exodus 7:17-18 Thus says the LORD, "By this you shall know that I am the LORD: behold, I will strike the water that is in the Nile with the rod that is in my hand, and it shall be turned to blood, 18 and the fish in the Nile shall die, and the Nile shall become foul, and the Egyptians will loathe to drink water from the Nile."

John 2:6-11 Now six stone jars were standing there, according to the manner for purification of the Jews, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it had come from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man sets out the good wine first; and, when the guests have drunk freely, the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

There are many signs and wonders that Jesus did that were like those done by Moses – can you find them? Do you know what religion claims that someone else fulfilled the prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15-19? The other religion does not have a parallel for turning water into another substance.

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Previously:

01. Moses and Jesus returned to their native land after a message from the Lord indicated that the men who were seeking their lives were dead. Exodus 4:19/Matthew 2:19

02. At the time when Moses and Jesus were born, the ruler of the country ordered the killing of all the male infants in the region. Exodus 1:22/Matthew 2:16

03. The ruling authority summoned wise men to learn more about the signs concerning Jesus and Moses. Exodus 7:11/ Matthew 2:7

04. Jesus and Moses had a prophet appointed by God as their herald to speak to the people about them. Exodus 4:14-16/ John 01:29-34