A New Covenant? 

     As long-time readers know, occasionally I write a series on one subject. This series may be the most valuable yet, to anyone interested in eternal life. 

     In New Testament times, most Jewish leaders despised the way Jesus was drawing people to himself. Why wouldn't everyone approve this stranger who healed their handicaps and diseases, even raising the dead? 

     Men accustomed to living "above" the masses admitted his miracles were genuine. They acknowledged that Lazarus in grave clothes emerged from his tomb...after four days. 

"Therefore, many of the Jews who had come to console Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him" (John 11:45).

     The chief priests and Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin, agreeing, "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation" (John 11:48).  

     They didn't share the joy of those who were healed. Reading on, it was the Father's will that Jesus (the Incarnation of God) be crucified - a most horrible death. It would be difficult to inhale and speak, but he did, forgiving those who wanted him dead. Note: It was God who gave Pilate power to crucify his Son (John 19:11).

     After Jesus showed himself resurrected, his Jewish disciples began spreading the news first to Jewish communities. From then on, God wanted and still desires faith, not sight. Jesus did not show himself to the authorities. No one is forced to believe, unlike Muslim practice. Believers were not welcome in Jerusalem. In the year AD 70, Romans took away the Pharisees' place and their nation. 

     There continues to be Jewish and Gentile believers and non-believers. Long ago I confessed that Jesus took my place on that cross of shame, and I strive to follow "the way" to eternal life. 

Next: We explore Hebrews, written to Jewish Christians

who were undergoing persecution and discouragement.