The Twelve: St. Philip

St. Philip

Meaning of the name: Philip is a Greek name. It comes from two words: phileo – “to love” or “to be fond of” or “to be friend of” (Philadelphia – Brotherly Love), and hippos – “horse.” Therefore, a person, who is fond of horses. The name got historical significance after Philip II – ruler of Macedon (northern part of modern Greece), father of Alexander the Great. I am not sure that the horse plays any role in the life of Philip, but the fact that he has Greek name (along with Andrew) will be an important fact duting the Triumphant Entry of Jesus to Jerusalem.

Life story: In all of the lists of apostles Philip always has 5^th place (Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16). First, the list has the triumvirate of Peter, James, and John. Then Andrew (we talked about him first, for he was called first). Then – always – Philip. Jesus picked the Twelve out of many disciples. Some have more stories – some have less, but each of them has a special place in the ranks of His followers.

Gospel of Mark: Triumphant Entry

Triumphant Entry

txt: Mark 11 – 13

Outline:

A. 11:1-11, Triumphant Entry to Jerusalem

  B. 11:12-26, Fig tree imagery

  B'. 11:27 – 12:44, Jesus in the Temple

A'. 13, Foretelling of destruction of Jerusalem

Comments:

A. Triumphant Entry. While there can many things be said about the Palm Sunday, I'll mention only two/ First, Jesus enters for the Eastern side of Jerusalem, goes to the center and ends up in the Temple area. It is important to note, for this path is a return from the World to the Garden. When Adam is banished from the Garden, he goes eastward to cultivate the Land (Genesis 3:24). Then Cain kills the brother in the Land, and as a punishment he goes even farther East to the World (Genesis 4:16). The Second Adam – Jesus – reverses the trajectory, He brings people back to the presence of God, to the Garden-like Temple.

Second, the fact that Jesus us coming on a donkey does not make His a lesser king. The difference between a donkey and a horse is a military associations or lack of thereof. King on a horse is a king of force, king of [military] might (1 Kings 10:26, the second problem of Solomon). While the kingdom of God should've been spread by the Word and relationships, without military pressure (Deuteronomy 17:16 vs. 17:28-20). Jesus, entering a city on a donkey, shows Himself as a ruler (Judges 12:13-14). Yet, His rule is based on His own sacrifice (Mark 10:45).

B. Fig tree imagery. Next day – Monday of the Holy Week.

a. 11:12-14, Fig Tree is cursed b. 11:15-19, Cleansing of the Temple a'. 11:20-26, Fig Tree cursing explained

The fig tree should be a fruitful tree. The point was a season, but the fact Jesus and disciples went to the Temple – expecting fruits, and finding none...

B'. Jesus in the Temple.

a. 11:27-33, Authority of Jesus b. 12:1-12, Parable of the Tenants c. 12:13-34, Big three attack Jesus

a'. 12:35-37, Who is Christ b'. 12:38-40, Beware of scribes c'. 12:41-44, Widow's offering

When the Temple is cleansed the Messiah can come in. Teaching them – the rulers and the leaders that they are NOT the owners of the sacred place but the tenants. He confronts them with the ugly truth of their hearts – they are ready to kill the HEIR. I guess, He hoped (hopelessly) that they will be shocked by His knowledge and by the depravity that consumed them. Instead of repentance they were seeking to arrest Him (Mark 12:12).

Then the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes colluded together (even though they kinda hated each other – enemy of my enemy IS my friend, right?) and attacked Jesus from three different angles: (1) submission to the foreign ruler (Caesar) – Jesus distinguished the vertical and horizontal relationship of the rule. (2) Convoluted question about the marital status after the resurrection (even though the Sadducees didn't believe that there will be one) – Jesus catches them in their hypocrisy, having a chance to proclaim the God of LIFE nit death (Mark 12:26-27). (3) The scribes could not come up with anything smart – they just a question from the 1 grade Law book – tell us the great commandments. I can even see Jesus' face with a smile almost saying: “Seriously?”

And the He puzzles them: How a great king who passed into glory by now (David) call Messiah the LORD, and we are still waiting for Him – they were never thinking this deep about the Scripture. Therefore, Jesus got no answer.

A'. Foretelling of destruction of Jerusalem.

Jesus foretells the destruction Signs of the close of the Age Abomination of Desolation Coming of the Son of Man Lesson of the Fig Tree No one knows the Day or the Hour

This is a complicated topic. And I'll share my notes as a suggestive thoughts. First, Jesus starts by talking about the Temple building/complex. Second, the Abomination of Desolation is an important concept in this prophecy (foretelling). Third, unpredictable nature of the events.

Suggestions: First, we know that by 70 AD Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed. Therefore, He must be talking about the events that were fulfilled while some of the hearers still lived. We can LEARN from these losses, but the fulfillment already happened many-many years ago.

Second, abomination of desolation could not be done by Gentiles. In the past history it was always done by Jews, to be precise – priests (1 Sam. 4, and Ezekiel 8-11). They acted in a such a way that would drive the presence of God OUT of the sanctuary.

Third, at the end of the day – NO ONE knows the exact date or an hour – so, any predictions on our part and attempts to speed up the Armageddon to prepare for “the Third Temple” are futile.

NEWSLETTER: FINAL PUSH

FINAL PUSH

Dear brothers and sisters!

There are two factors that shape my newsletter article this month. On the one hand, we are at the beginning of April. At the same time, the celebration of the Resurrection of our LORD. Therefore, when we enter the time of April there are almost three more weeks ahead of us arriving at the time of Easter. So, our weeks can be compared to the final minute of any sport game regulated by time. First one that comes to my mind is Ice Hockey (I am sure you are shocked 😊). At the same time, it can be Super Bowl (or any football games), or a basketball tournament…  There is this moment when the win is very close, but there is need for the final push. Keep the defense line, keep pressing hard at the offense, not making fouls which might result in penalties in loosing people to the bench, or loosing points… So, final push.

First of all, we are in the process of ending Lent. This year we began our very special Evening services – services of Light. As the daylight time grows longer, we are blessed with a visual of keeping the sanctuary in a twilight while we sing “stay with us, LORD, for it is evening.” He, being the guiding light of our lives, leads us through the challenges which help Zion to mature.       

Then we will arrive at Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday. Many of you know how beautiful Zion looks during this Sunday- everyone is invited back to the Garden where God walks among us and talks to us in His Word. This “date” with God will be followed by Maundy Thursday – the celebration of the Lord’s Supper institution, when Christ is not only talking to us but also feeds us with Himself.    

Maundy Thursday opens the way to the victory of the Cross and Resurrection. There is a reason for St. Paul to exclaim: “we preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23) – Good Friday remembrance of Calvary lays the foundation for the Resurrection. These days in a close connection, making the final push of Lent particularly meaningful. It is not to us, but to Him be the glory (Psalm 115:1) – for we are nothing but the receivers of the benefits of His victory over death, sin, and the devil. Final push – let us get ready!