Political and Biblical Themes in the Incarnation

The Political World at the Time of the Incarnation

• The political landscape during the time of Jesus' birth was complex, with various powerful nations influencing the region.
• Key political powers included Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.
• These powers interacted with and impacted the Jewish people.

The Fall and Promise

• God cursed the serpent (likely representing evil). This curse involved movement on the belly and eating dust (Gen 3:14-15).
• God promised enmity (opposition) between the serpent and the woman (representing humanity), their offspring (seed). The woman's offspring (Jesus) would ultimately defeat the serpent / evil (Gen 3:15).

The Promised Land

• God promised Abraham a land (Gen 12:1-3).
• This promise was associated with blessing through Abraham, blessing those who bless him and cursing those who curse him.
• All families of the earth would be blessed through Abraham.
• The land and the Abraham's descendants were central to the Jewish identity and history.

Israelite Bondage and Exodus

• The text lists key events: Deliverance from Egypt, the journey in the wilderness, and the inheritance of Canaan.
• These events were significant in Jewish history.

God's Intended Kingdom

• God intended the Kingdom of David to spread His rule (Theocracy) globally.
• A prophecy (Genesis 49:10) foretells Judah's continued leadership, a lawgiver's role, and a future gathering of people under the leadership of Shiloh (a figure believed to be a future Messiah).

David's Reign

• King David began his reign at age 30.
• He initially ruled over Judah alone but subsequently reigned over all Israel (7 years and six months later).

Israel's Failures

• Israel's failures as a nation resulted in captivity under foreign powers.
• Numerous attempts to rebuild and restore the nation followed periods of captivity and exile. The Temple was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times.

Major Political Rulers

• Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon led Israel into exile (605 BC).
• Medo-Persia allowed the Jews to return and rebuild Jerusalem.
• Greece (Antiochus) tried to Hellenize Jews.
• Rome imposed heavy taxes on Jews and impacted daily life.

Hellenist Culture

• Greek language spread throughout the Roman Empire.
• Resistance from the Maccabees (Hanukkah) was an example of Jewish cultural and religious resistance to cultural assimilation.
• The installation of Herod as King by the Romans was reflective of the political changes of the era.

Prophetic Predictions of Messiah

• Belief in the eventual coming of the Messiah ("mashiah") was a fundamental part of both Judaism and Christianity.

The Messianic Idea in Judaism

• The term "Messiah" (mashiah) means "anointed one", in reference to the ancient practice of anointing kings.
• The future Messiah is prophesied to be anointed as king "at the End of Days" to bring the Jewish people to a state of freedom, peace, and harmony.
• The Messiah is a human, not a god or a superhuman figure.

The Messianic Age

• When the Messiah arrives they establish the Messianic age ("Olam Ha-Ba") an era characterized by peace among nations, natural harmony, Jews returning to Israel, acceptance of Jewish religion, the absence of sin and evil, and a restored temple.

The Messianic Idea in Christianity

• Christians identify Jesus as the Messiah.
• The term "Messiah" translates to "Christos" (or Christ) in Greek. The concept of a Jewish Messiah was integrated into Christianity.
• Jesus' life and ministry fulfilled Messianic prophecies.

The Messianic Declaration

• Jesus stated that all earlier prophecies concerning him needed to be fulfilled and were spoken of in the law of Moses, prophets, and psalms.

Explore the political dynamics during the time of Jesus' birth and the significant biblical promises made to humanity. This quiz delves into the influences of ancient empires like Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, as well as God's covenant with Abraham and the implications for the Jewish people. Test your knowledge on these foundational themes of faith and history.