Names of god

Jesus is described as a prophet, priest, and king. These represent three major offices for the nation of Israel. A king was one who ruled over the people. Jesus holds that position for all who follow him. A priest was one who brought worshipers into God’s presence by virtue of a sacrifice. Jesus brought us into God’s presence by his self-sacrifice. A prophet was one who communicated God’s word.

When Jesus was crucified, the disciples abandoned him and went into hiding. They feared that they would be next to hang on a cross. But then they saw the resurrected Lord! Shortly after that, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came and empowered the disciples. Now filled with the Spirit, Peter let the people know they had crucified the Christ.

Israel was familiar with the analogy of a vine. The nation was God’s choice vine. The psalmist wrote that Israel was a vine “out of Egypt.” God “cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land” (Psalm 80:8-9). Hosea wrote that Israel was like a vine in the land of Canaan. God blessed her with much fruit (i.e., prosperity). However, as the nation prospered, Israel attributed its success to false gods instead of the Lord (Hosea 10:1). In the New Testament, Jesus likens the vine to himself. He is the true vine, fulfilling what God had intended for Israel.

Before Jesus died on the cross, he promised his disciples that he would not leave them alone. He would send them “another Helper.” Jesus had to go away, but this new Helper would be with them forever.

Harrison Butker told the truth. Speaking at the graduation of a Catholic school, the NFL kicker, a devout Catholic, spoke about the sanctity of life, the importance of marriage, and the great calling of parenthood. However, many have taken exception to these truths embedded in the Christian faith.

Jesus was getting the disciples ready for his death. He said that he was going to leave and prepare a place for them in his Father’s house. Thomas spoke up and asked Jesus a question that may have been on the minds of all the disciples.

The woman was in despair. Her brother had died, and she was reeling from the sharp pains of grief. But Jesus reminded her that while physical death was inevitable, spiritual death was not.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd He knows what I dread. He knows what I fear. He knows when I fail. He knows what I dream. He knows my pain. He knows what makes me anxious. He knows what makes me angry.

Jesus used the name, door of the sheep, as a spiritual description of the only way a person can enter a relationship with God. Only Jesus can open the door to the secure provision that he has for you. Jesus is the “gatekeeper” who invites you and allows passage into the safety of the “pen.”